If you have read PMA in social media captions, that means that the person is trying their best to have a “positive mental attitude.” While this isn’t the only PMA meaning, it is the most popular. Keep reading to learn all about this phrase related to having a positive attitude.
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What Does PMA Mean?

Would it surprise you to hear that PMA is almost a century old? The phrase “positive mental attitude” was first coined in Napoleon Hill’s 1937 book called Think and Grow Rich.
A positive mental attitude is actually supposed to bring good fortune and achievements into your life. Hill compared it to words such as optimism, integrity, tolerance, and “good common sense.”
Over time, PMA has become more about having an optimistic disposition than a tool for growth. People use it anywhere, from social media captions to hashtags.
Examples
- For our collaboration, let’s always have a PMA.
- Remember your PMA. You’ve got this test in the bag!
- The startup’s culture code lists PMA as its number one core value.
- Maintaining a PMA helped me push through senior year, even when college apps got tough
- Coach always talks about PMA being the difference between winning and losing.
- My grandma’s secret to living to 90? She swears it’s her unwavering PMA.
When and How to Use PMA
You can use the acronym PMA if you want to encourage a fellow friend or the power of positive thinking.
For example:
I know you are going through a lot, but don't forget the power of PMA!
You can also add “PMA” in your social media captions if you want to share some good news or even inspire positive changes to friends and followers.
For example:
I have a lot to be thankful for this year. #PMA
Other PMA Meanings

A quick search online will reveal numerous other PMAs. If you don’t think your friend or coworker means a positive mental attitude, check out these other meanings below.
Parts Manufacturer Approval
If you are dealing with the FAA, then PMA stands for “parts manufacturer approval.” PMA approval is a type of authorization that allows companies to make aircraft parts (modification and replacement articles) as long as they meet certain standards.
Philippine Military Academy
Aspiring soldiers in the Philippines will need to enroll in the Philippine Military Academy, or PMA, in short. It is the only military school available in the Philippines.
Premarket Approval
Looking to unveil a Class III medical device that can support or sustain human life? Then, you will need to go through premarket approval (PMA) with the FDA.
The approval process involves thorough descriptions of the device and the manufacturing process, safety and effectiveness data, clinical trial results, and a host of additional information. After the FDA reviews the documents and inspects the manufacturing facility, they will provide their final decision.
Paramethoxyamphetamine
Paramethoxyamphetamine is a stimulant drug with similar properties to MDMA (ecstasy). It is less potent and more toxic than its ecstasy counterpart, making it easy for users to overdose.
Property Management Agreement
Landlords might be familiar with PMA in regards to a property management agreement. This is a contract between a landlord and the company they hire to manage their property. It usually outlines the responsibilities of both parties, a liability clause, and the contract length.
Progressive Muscular Atrophy
This rare disease also uses the PMA acronym. This onsets in adults and attacks your motor neurons, which results in weakness in a patient’s extremities, tiredness, and difficulty breathing. While there is no cure, there are treatments that can slow down progression.
Final Thoughts
The PMA meaning you will find on social media posts, text messages, and online chats is “positive mental attitude.” However, it can also stand for different, unrelated things, so make sure to understand the context first.





