Positive Psychology Interventions Research Articles

Telehealth dignity therapy for community-dwelling older adults: feasibility and potential efficacy

ABSTRACT Research investigating accessible positive psychology interventions for older adults is lacking. We examined the feasibility and potential efficacy of Telehealth dignity therapy (TDT), a brief psychotherapy involving life review, culminating in the creation of a transcribed life story. Feasibility was measured by participant satisfaction levels and attrition rates. In accordance with past dignity therapy research, we investigated changes in participants’ meaning in life (MiL) before TDT, after TDT, and at three-month follow-up. Other secondary wellbeing outcomes were assessed. Twenty participants completed the program and reported high levels of satisfaction. Participants’ MiL and life satisfaction significantly improved between before and after TDT, and MiL gains were maintained at three-month follow-up. The program was found to be a feasible, timely, and potentially efficacious positive psychology intervention for community-dwelling older adults. Future larger-scale, controlled research is required to consolidate these findings.

Positive Psychology Interventions: A Review of Effectiveness

Positive Psychology Interventions: A Review of Effectiveness

Navigating Love and Marriage: Cultural Factors, Attitudinal Shifts, Challenges, and Implications for Chinese College Students

This review examines the attitudes towards love, marriage, and relationship challenges among Chinese college students. It explores the cultural factors shaping these attitudes, the changes in attitudes across generations, and the challenges faced by students in their romantic relationships. The comment also discusses the implications for education programs in supporting Chinese college students in their pursuit of healthy and fulfilling relationships. The findings highlight the influence of traditional cultural values, the impact of globalization and individualism, and the role of technology in shaping attitudes and experiences. This comment suggests the need for relationship education, addressing gender roles, providing counseling and support services, and fostering a supportive campus culture. It also discusses effective interventions and programs, such as mindfulness-based interventions, positive psychology interventions, online relationship education programs, peer-led support groups, and relationship coaching. The limitations and gaps in the literature are acknowledged, calling for further research to explore the experiences and attitudes of diverse populations. Overall, understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Chinese college students can contribute to their well-being and the development of healthy relationships.

Revitalizing College Students’ Vitality: The Role of Horticultural Therapy Combined with Positive Psychological Intervention

Revitalizing College Students’ Vitality: The Role of Horticultural Therapy Combined with Positive Psychological Intervention

How study-related positive emotions and academic psychological capital mediate between teacher-student relationship and academic performance: a four-wave study among high school students.

This article presents a theory-driven model in which teacher-student relationships and academic performance are indirectly related through study-related positive emotions and academic psychological capital. A sample of 1,054 Chilean high school students (50.4% females) aged 12-17 (M = 14.46, SD = 1.74) participated in the study. Through structural equation modeling, the direct and indirect effects of the proposed model were calculated. The results show that study-related positive emotions and academic psychological capital mediate between the teacher-student relationship and academic performance. These results have significant implications for improving teaching competencies through positive psychological interventions aimed at developing skills in students and thus improving students' academic performance and general well-being in educational settings.

The effect of positive psychology on business

This paper explores and establishes a link between positive psychology coaching and business outcomes by investigating the benefits to employees, their well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational performance. The mixed-methods research design involved a quantitative survey involving 200 employees from various industries and qualitative input through semi-structured interviews with 20 managers. The study sought to establish empirical evidence (through statistical data and measurement scales) to support the benefits of positive psychology coaching in business through meeting key criteria and to illustrate the impact of positive psychology coaching on business outcomes both quantitatively and qualitatively. Generally, the findings indicate that there is a strong and positive benefit to implementing positive psychology coaching in the workplace environment, evidently enhancing employee well-being (mean score of 4.2), job satisfaction (mean score of 4.0), and organizational performance (mean score of 4.1). The qualitative analysis provided deeper insights into the process and types of positive psychology coaching interventions that stood out and were more effective. This strategy of thematic analysis on interview transcripts revealed that strengths-based development and goal-setting seemed to be key positive psychological interventions. The findings support existing literature and key theoretical models, such as the PERMA model and the Broaden-and-Build Theory.

Emerging trends in sustainable design: Integrating museums for a resilient future

The paper unfolds the intricate tapestry of sustainable design, weaving in the pivotal role of renewable energy systems and astutely tying it to the eco-conscious blueprint of modern museums. The introduction sheds light on the potent impact of sustainable design in mitigating environmental hurdles and fostering a greener, more sustainable future, with a nuanced nod towards sustainability in museum management and design. Motivated by an aspiration to traverse diverse viewpoints and methodologies in sustainable design, the research stretches across numerous sectors—encompassing construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, software development, and notably, museum design—intending to carve out energy-sparing and ecologically mindful solutions. This paper underscores the imperative of astute design practices that optimize structures, such as museums, to maximize the utilization of renewable energy resources like solar arrays, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. It advocates for a burgeoning need to escalate the horizon of sustainable design beyond singular buildings, intertwining standalone energy systems at multiple tiers—from community power grids to expansive urban networks—ensuring a streamlined energy distribution and curbing waste. Wading through the literature review, an exploration of varied sustainable design strategies unfolds, encompassing facets like supply chain management, product safety, architectural design, manufacturing, food packaging, transportation, and pedagogy, with a specific lens on embedding sustainability in museum infrastructure and operations. The culmination of the paper discerns ten cardinal trends in sustainable design, spanning from the integration of renewable energy systems to the infusion of sustainable education and positive psychological interventions in educational institutions, thereby spotlighting the metamorphosing terrain of sustainable design across an array of disciplines.

A participatory approach to understand what might be most meaningful to people living with dementia in a positive psychology intervention

Objectives This study aimed to understand which character strengths are most important for people living with dementia and therefore which strengths-based psychological interventions could be most meaningful and acceptable. Methods A participatory design, utilising Delphi methodology, was incorporated into an iterative three stage framework: (1) literature reviewed for Positive Psychology (PP) interventions and patient public involvement to define the character strengths; (2) modified Delphi (N = 10) identified which character strengths are most important for living with dementia; (3) focus groups (N = 14) explored which PP interventions are most acceptable and meaningful. Qualitative data from the focus groups was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Love, kindness and humour were deemed the most important character strengths for living with dementia. Qualitative data from the focus groups was captured in three superordinate themes: (1) lack of opportunity not capacity; (2) key considerations of PP interventions for people living with dementia; and (3) potential benefits of PP interventions. Conclusions Love, kindness and humour come naturally to people with dementia, but people may lack social opportunities to use these strengths. Therefore, a PP intervention promoting positive emotion, social relationships and connection to one’s values appears most meaningful and acceptable as this may provide a social context to use and maintain these strengths.

An Integrative Perspective on Understanding Human Functioning: Positive Clinical Psychology

The number of studies conducted with a holistic perspective as an alternative to the traditional clinical psychology approach has increased. It is noteworthy that studies examine the effects of positive concepts on human health in addition to discomfort. In this study, it was aimed to examine four concepts that are frequently researched in positive psychology, namely well-being, psychological resilience, hope and coping in an integrative context. Also, it was aimed to give information about the positive clinical psychology approach and the studies which investigate these four positive concepts. Studies were searched through PsycARTICLE, EBSCO and Pubmed electronic databases. Totally 208 studies were reached and 26 articles were included in this review article. As a result, the effective results in treatment of psychological disorders and increase of well-being of an individual with positive psychology interventions suggest that it is important to expand the positive perspective in clinical psychology. It is thought that it may be clinically important that the presence/increase of positive concepts as well as the absence/decrease of psychopathologies should be one of the treatment targets of mental health specialists. It is hoped that adopting an integrative perspective in future studies will enrich empirical research in the field of psychotherapy.

Best possible selves in times of crisis: randomized controlled trial of best possible self-interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendous impact on public mental health and on psychological resources such as optimism. In this context, positive psychological interventions like the best possible self (BPS) intervention may be useful tools for resource activation. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial, conducted between January and December 2021, compared BPS (n = 87), C-BPS (n = 85), and daily activity writing groups (DA; n = 82) on psychological outcomes. Each group completed a writing task over four consecutive weeks. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANCOVA, controlling for age, gender, educational attainment, relationship status, current work status, dyslexia (perceived or diagnosed), and perceived social support. The BPS led to short-term increases in positive affect and mood, and decreases in negative affect. However, this effect was limited to the first week, but the trajectories suggest temporal trends that warrant further investigation. In addition, the approach holds promise for specific groups (e.g. people with depression).

Efficacy of the “Feel Good - Think Positive”, a school-based positive psychology intervention targeting optimism and hope in children

ABSTRACT This study examined the effectiveness of the ‘Feel Good – Think Positive’, a school-based, multi-component, positive psychology intervention (PPI) for elementary school children, designed to enhance optimism and hope. Participants were 361 elementary school children (8–12 years old, M = 9.91, SD = 1.26, 158 boys and 203 girls), assigned to an intervention group (n = 229) or to a control group (n = 132), who completed several measures at baseline and after the intervention’s completion. Children in the intervention group exhibited increased optimism, hope, diverse coping strategies, social skills, and self-esteem, and decreased pessimism and anxiety, compared to children in the control group who only showed a significant decrease in anxiety. Mediator analyses revealed that gender had a significant effect on anxiety, age on pessimism, emotion-focused coping, seeking social support, and likeability, and parental educational level had no effect. Results are discussed in relevance to positive psychology literature.

Effects of three personal resources interventions on employees’ burnout

Personal resources are related to positive psychological states that can translate into lower burnout among employees. However, although these personal resources can be promoted through ad hoc interventions, there are few studies that analyze this type of interventions in workers. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three interventions on personal resources on reducing employees' burnout. To this end, it was hypothesized that a positive psychological capital intervention (PsyCap), a job crafting intervention and a combined intervention would have a positive impact on burnout levels. This research used a quasi-experimental, longitudinal, pretest–posttest design, with repeated measures and a waiting list control group. Study participants (N = 144) were all workers divided into three interventions and a control group. A noteworthy aspect of the study design is that the intervention was implemented as a voluntary online training activity. This study showed that personal resources interventions were effective in reducing burnout among employees. The PsyCap intervention and the combined intervention showed the greatest efficacy. Contrary to expectations, the combined intervention did not show significantly greater efficacy than the other two experimental groups. The study concludes with a discussion of its limitations and practical implications for future personal resources intervention studies.

A qualitative study on the caregiver burden experience in home reflux enema management of infants with congenital megacolon

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to explore the caregiver burden experience in the care of infants with congenital megacolon undergoing home reflux enema. The findings will provide a basis for developing targeted and effective nursing interventions.MethodsA phenomenological research approach was employed. From October 2022 to January 2023, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 caregivers of infants with congenital megacolon undergoing home reflux enema in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Fujian Province. The collected data were analysed and organized using the Colaizzi’s 7-step analysis method, leading to the identification of key themes.ResultsThe analysis yielded three major themes concerning the caregiver burden experience in the care of infants with congenital megacolon undergoing home reflux enema: inadequate disease-related knowledge, presence of multiple pressures during the caregiving process, and a desire for greater support.ConclusionsThis study employed qualitative interviews with the caregivers of 12 children with congenital Hirschsprung’s disease undergoing home reflux enema, and the feelings of caregivers of children with reflux enema at home after discharge were deeply understood. It is recommended to implement positive psychological interventions based on the PERMA model and incorporate “Internet + collaborative nursing” to provide caregivers with professional knowledge, address their pressures and needs, and promote their well-being while enhancing nursing abilities.

A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Early Interventional Techniques on Self-Esteem

Background: specific learning disability (SLD) as it is known is an aberration in the underpinning psychological process that exhibits itself in the flawed ability to think, listen, talk, read, and write. It can also be connected to spelling difficulties, mathematical derivations, and calculations. It tends to be related to cognitive impairments or brain injuries spurred by neurological disarray, aphasia, or additional problems.Aim: this specific review aims to summarise interventional techniques, stability of individual self-esteem, other societal-related skills, academic skills, and others among children with SLD. It is necessary to determine which interventional strategies can be implemented to assist kids with SLD issues identified in schools or academic centres to enhance their self-esteem, social skills and academic achievements.Methods: the articles were searched in databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Psyc INFO, and CINAHL with Boolean like “specific learning disabilities children” AND “intervention” OR “Self-esteem”, “Social skills” AND “Academic achievements”.Results: in the empirical studies, five objects were identified as appropriate for the research. Many types of interventions have been used to assess appreciation or liking for self-esteem, social skills, and vital academic skills among children of SLD.Children who underwent an experimental program receiving the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Program reflected an increase in some of the cognitive functions. The student’s ability to execute data processing approaches during their academic activities hasimproved when the ability to recall, perceive, schedule, and executive intervention system is combined with other quadrant paradigms. Significant advancement was noticed in self-esteem, social skills and academic excellence. All these were possible due to a positive approach to the intervention. Conclusions: in the evaluation review, the researcher highlights how children with SLD perform better and that the positive psychological interventions examined have entirely eradicated all of their adverse effects. In this regard, there is a requirement to provide inclusive education for kids with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and for persevering with SLD-related experimentation procedures

Positive psychological interventions on alcohol use and consequences: Pilot randomized trial in a young adult cannabis-using sample

IntroductionYoung adults exhibit high rates of concurrent alcohol and cannabis use, which is associated with more negative alcohol-related consequences. Positive psychological interventions have successfully been leveraged to target alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use, as well as substance use disorders, and may be a useful harm reduction approach to reduce alcohol-related consequences. This pilot study sought to generate effect sizes for two positive psychological interventions, Savoring and Three Good Things, on frequency of alcohol use, quantity of alcohol use, and alcohol-related consequences. MethodsThe current study used data from a pilot study testing positive psychological interventions to reduce cannabis use and cannabis-related consequences in young adults (ages 18 to 25) who used cannabis at least once per week within the prior month (N = 50, Mage = 22.72, 72 % men, 40 % White). Participants reported baseline alcohol and cannabis use and alcohol-related consequences, then the study randomized them to complete a daily Savoring intervention, Three Good Things, or a control exercise, and completed daily text message surveys for two weeks (i.e., the intervention period) and a follow-up survey. ResultsAnalyses revealed no significant differences across experimental conditions on alcohol use frequency, alcohol use quantity, or alcohol-related consequences at baseline or follow-up. Paired samples t-tests demonstrated that participants in the Savoring group showed large, significant decreases in alcohol-related consequences (t[16] = 2.28, p = .04, gav = 0.54); no decreases occurred in frequency or quantity of alcohol use. The Three Good Things group showed no significant decreases in alcohol-related consequences, frequency of alcohol use, or quantity of alcohol use. ConclusionsResults suggest that a larger scale clinical trial is warranted to determine whether Savoring and Three Good Things might function as harm reduction interventions to reduce alcohol-related consequences in young adults who concurrently use alcohol and cannabis. Future research should use a larger sample, a longer intervention administration period, and a longer follow-up period to examine these positive psychological interventions more rigorously.

Teaching positive psychology lessons in an intensive English program

Abstract This article investigates the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) in an intensive English program for non-matriculated university students. Interventions based on the PERMA model were implemented through weekly 65-minute lessons given during the first class of each week. These were followed by short daily activities during the rest of the week. Using positive psychology topics as the content, students concurrently engaged in language learning activities. Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the semester consisting of five open-ended questions relating to the PPIs, the lessons, the activities, the topics, and how they felt the PPIs affected their language learning and their life outside of class. Two raters individually reviewed each student response and marked them as positive, neutral, or negative. On the whole, the learners viewed the PPIs as being helpful for their well-being without detracting from their linguistic development.

A Positive Psychology Intervention in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors (PATH) to Promote Well-Being: Randomized Controlled Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy Trial

Background: Patients with hematologic malignancies who are allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors experience tremendous psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety and depression symptoms) and low levels of positive psychological well-being (e.g., flourishing, gratitude), which further undermine multiple health-related outcomes such as quality of life (QOL). However, supportive oncology interventions which specifically target positive psychological well-being may buffer against psychological distress and promote QOL. Thus, we developed and piloted a novel phone-delivered positive psychology intervention (PATH) to improve QOL and symptoms of anxiety and depression in HSCT survivors transplanted for hematologic malignancies. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial (NCT05147311) to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the PATH intervention. From August 2021 to August 2022, 70 HSCT survivors who were 100-days post-HSCT were randomly assigned to either PATH or a usual care control group. The PATH group had 9 weekly 1:1 phone sessions of positive psychology exercises focused on gratitude, strengths, and meaning. The Usual care group had routine sessions with the transplant social worker. We defined feasibility as >60% of eligible participants enrolling in the study and >75% of intervention group participants completing at least 6 of the 9 positive psychology sessions. At baseline and 9 and 18 weeks after baseline, patients self-reported optimism (Life Orientation Test Revised), gratitude, (Gratitude Questionnaire-6), flourishing (Flourishing Scale), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant) and depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). We used mixed effects regression analyses to determine the potential impact of PATH on QOL and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results: The average age (standard deviation) of participants was 56.8 (13.7) years; 50% (N=35) were female. The majority of the participants identified as White (91.4%; N=64), married or living with a partner (71.4%; N=50), had at least a college education (67.2%; N=47) and were on disability or retired (87.1%; N=67). The majority had a diagnosis of leukemia (68.6%; N=48), underwent reduced intensity conditioning (62.9%; N=44), and did not have acute graft-versus-host disease (68.6%; N=48). For our feasibility metrics, we enrolled 68.6% (72/105) of eligible patients, two of which were not randomized due to worsening physical symptoms. Additionally, 94% (95% CI: 79%-99%) of those who started the PATH intervention completed all nine intervention sessions. For acceptability, participants in the intervention group reported positive psychology exercises as easy to complete (mean [95% CI] = 7.40 [6.87, 7.92] on a scale of 0-10) and useful (mean [95% CI] = 8.23 [7.83, 8.63]). Compared with usual care, participants in the intervention group reported less symptoms of anxiety ( d=0.46, p=0.027), and demonstrated promising improvements in gratitude ( d=0.26) at 9 weeks. We did not observe significant differences in QOL and depression symptoms. Conclusions: A positive psychology intervention, PATH, is feasible, acceptable, and has potential to improve outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies who are allogeneic HSCT survivors. Larger trials are needed to examine the impact of PATH on psychological well-being and QOL in this population.

Analysing the psychosocial construct of temporomandibular disorders: Implications for orthodontics

TMD pain and dysfunction were observed in up to 66 % and 41 % of patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Evidence-based knowledge of TMD etiology, detection, and management is thus paramount in contemporary orthodontic practice. This analytical review aims to introduce the biopsychosocial model, scrutinize the psychosocial construct, propose psychosocial screening tools, and clarify the effectiveness of psychological interventions for TMDs. The biopsychosocial model specifies that TMDs are the consequence of dynamic interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors across time. As the frequency of moderate-to-severe psychological distress and somatization/somatic symptoms burden is high in individuals with TMDs, prospective orthodontic patients should be screened for TMDs/psychosocial impairments to circumvent treatment and medico-legal complications. Among the available screening tools, an amalgamation of the quintessential 5 TMD symptoms (5Ts) of the DC/TMD, Physical Symptom Scale-8 (PSS-8), and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) provides an efficient way of identifying TMD, somatic, and psychological symptoms synchronously. For prospective orthodontic patients with considerable TMD pain/dysfunction and distress, tailored multimodal and multidisciplinary treatments incorporating psychosocial interventions, including counseling/self-management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and behavior modification, may be warranted. Complementary positive psychological interventions could also be valuable in TMD management and the paradigm shift from “reactive” to “proactive” TMD care.

Proverbial positive psychology: can we leverage African ancient wisdom to promote flourishing?

ABSTRACT A potentially fructuous approach to fostering mental health and flourishing in Africa is to leverage traditional African proverbs and maxims aligned with positive psychology themes and constructs within the framework of positive psychology interventions (PPIs). This paper explores the potential for integrating (African) proverbs into PPIs to foster well-being and flourishing among African populations. I reference specific proverbs to explore their literal, metaphorical, moral, and epistemological import and inherent values, as well as their prospective utilization in promoting positive relationships, kindness and empathy, teamwork and collaboration, gratitude, truthfulness and honesty, and patience and humility, demonstrating how proverbs hold promise for promoting flourishing in the African context. I propose the CAPPI (Customization and Application of Proverbs in Positive Interventions) framework to guide researchers and practitioners in exploring and incorporating (African) proverbs into interventions. By embracing diverse cultural perspectives, positive psychology can enhance its impact on global well-being and create a more inclusive approach to research and intervention design.

A comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis of trigeminal neuralgia and modifiable risk factors

ObjectiveTo conduct a comprehensive search and causality study of potential modifiable risk factors for trigeminal neuralgia. To provide new ideas for subsequent treatment and management of patients with trigeminal neuralgia.MethodsData were obtained from large GWAS databases and then analyzed by Mendelian randomization analysis. The causal relationship between 36 potentially modifiable risk factors and trigeminal neuralgia was explored based on the results of the inverse variance weighting method(IVW). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsYears of schooling [OR (95%CI), 0.59(0.42–0.84), p = 0.003] to be a significant protective factor. Anxiety disorders [OR (95%CI), 1.62(1.05–2.48), p = 0.028], Depression [OR (95%CI), 1.53(1.03–2.28), p = 0.035] and Autoimmune [OR (95%CI), 1.16(1.01–1.32), p = 0.033] were significant risk factors. Sleep duration [OR (95%CI), 0.43(0.18–1.01), p = 0.051] was a close protective factor. Body mass index [OR (95%CI), 1.24(0.98–1.57), p = 0.077] was a close risk factor.ConclusionMendelian randomization analysis shows Years of schooling and Sleep duration as protective factors. Anxiety disorders, Depression, Autoimmune, and Body mass index are risk factors. This will help in the research of diagnosis, treatment, and mechanism of trigeminal neuralgia. And reduce the prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia through positive psychological and lifestyle interventions.