Integrating Positive Psychology into the National Educational Policy: A Framework for Enhancing Student Well-being and Academic Performance in K-12 Education

Authors

  • Ms Maya Mary Ittan Principal, Poornodaya Vidyanikethan Author

Keywords:

Positive Psychology, National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020, PERMAH model, student well-being, positive education, K-12 education, emotional intelligence, holistic development, academic performance, teacher training

Abstract

The paper explores the integration of Positive Psychology into India’s National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020 to enhance student well-being and academic performance in K-12 settings. Drawing upon the PERMAH framework—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Habits—the study outlines a strategic plan to embed positive psychological principles across curricula, school culture, and community engagement. Despite growing recognition of the importance of emotional and psychological health in educational success, implementation challenges such as inadequate teacher training, resource constraints, cultural stigma, and measurement difficulties remain. By presenting a phased model involving professional development, curriculum integration, school-wide initiatives, and family partnerships, the paper proposes a practical and scalable approach to holistic education. Ultimately, it argues that cultivating well-being is not peripheral but central to the aims of modern education systems, calling for a paradigm shift that aligns policy with the science of flourishing.

Author Biography

  • Ms Maya Mary Ittan, Principal, Poornodaya Vidyanikethan

    Ms. Maya Mary Ittan commenced her professional journey in education in 2007 and has since made a significant impact across various esteemed educational institutions. Renowned for her commitment to fostering empathetic, innovative, and intellectually stimulating learning environments, Ms. Ittan has developed a distinctive pedagogical framework that integrates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Individualised Education Programs (IEP), and Brain-Based Education. This integrative approach has empowered both learners and educators, ensuring that the educational experience is both personalised and profoundly impactful.

    Ms. Ittan holds a Licentiate Degree from Rome, where she specialised in the study of teacher burnout—an increasingly critical issue in contemporary education. Her international academic exposure has provided her with a broad, compassionate perspective, equipping her to lead educational transformation with vision and sensitivity.

    As a Principal at Poornodaya Vidyanikethan, her contributions have been instrumental in reshaping the academic culture of the institution. In recognition of her innovative and self-driven leadership, she was honoured with the Innovative Principal Award in 2024. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of educators dedicated to cultivating resilient and emotionally intelligent learners.

International Journal of Interventional Psychology

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Published

2025-11-01

Issue

Vol. no 01, issue no 01, July - Dec., 2025

Section

Other

How to Cite

Integrating Positive Psychology into the National Educational Policy: A Framework for Enhancing Student Well-being and Academic Performance in K-12 Education. (2025). International Journal of Interventional Psychology (IJIP), 1(01), 42-55. https://aipjournal.org/1/article/view/15