Abstract
Objective: Rigorous research in the last decade has demonstrated the efficacy of specific techniques in positive psychology that enhance psychological well-being. Online positive psychology interventions have the potential to enhance positive well-being in large audiences, including hard-to-reach target groups. There is lack of data on the effect of positive psychology exercises on happiness and on depressive symptoms in comparison with physical activity exercises and a placebo group. Methods: The Finnish Happiness-Flourishing Study (FHFS) included a TV-program on happiness interventions, a happiness website and an email-based happiness exercise intervention. A three-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted on 3274 Finnish adults in 2011. The participants were assigned to receive happiness exercises, tailored physical activity exercises or reading exercises on happiness (i.e. placebo). The statistical analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle and linear random effects models. Results: The overall happiness scores increased (X 2 =7.83, df=3, p=0.05) and depressive symptoms decreased (X 2 =5.5, df=1, p=0.02) during the intervention, with more pronounced changes among women. The order of the four different happiness exercises did not have a systematic effect on the happiness score. The exercise on good deeds had the strongest effect on the improvement of the happiness score (change =4.50, 95% CI=2.47-6.52) whereas for the optimism exercise there was no improvement (change=0.46, 95% CI=-1.55-2.48). In the physical exercise group, there was an increase in the proportion of physically active subjects as compared with the placebo reading-group (X 2 =8.4, df=1, p=0.004). Conclusions: This study produced further evidence on the effectiveness of web-based happiness exercises. The results amplify the need for tailored online interventions for reducing well-being disparities. Further studies also need to increase the current understanding of the relative importance of variety in the application of positive interventions. Online positive psychology interventions are a potential tool in helping reduce well-being disparities, particularly among populations with little access to other services.
Highlights
Positive psychology is the scientific study of psychological wellbeing and optimal functioning, which provides a perspective to mental health beyond the absence of psychiatric symptoms [1]
Individuals seeking for enhanced well-being or happiness, who would be unable or unwilling to receive face-to-face counseling, might have motivation and access to online intervention options, online interventions have the potential to promote mental well-being on a broad scale
In contrast to our third hypothesis, the placebo group demonstrated an increase in happiness scores and a decrease in depressive symptoms
Summary
Positive psychology is the scientific study of psychological wellbeing and optimal functioning, which provides a perspective to mental health beyond the absence of psychiatric symptoms [1]. There is great potential in offering web-based interventions to happiness seekers with mild symptoms of mental disorders, as depressive symptoms may be decreased [3] and the development of more serious mental health disorders may be prevented [7,8]. The following questions concerned memory, learning and concentration and were followed by the answering options very well; well; adequately; poorly; very poorly. “How well does your memory work?”, “How do you learn new information and new things to do?” and “How well can you concentrate on things?” Current use of medications was assessed as follows: “Have you used any of the following types of medicines over the past 7 days?” (Sedatives; sleeping pills; anti-depressants) followed by yes/no alternatives
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