Positive Psychology Therapy Research Articles

PsicoCare: a pilot randomized controlled trial testing a psychological intervention combining cognitive-behavioral treatment and positive psychology therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Although psychological factors play a significant role in the onset and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), psychological interventions (PIs) are rarely included in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs due to inconclusive evidence regarding specific intervention components and effect sizes. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a PI based on cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) and positive psychology therapy (PPT) in improving psychological and clinical outcomes in patients with ACS. This PsicoCare trial was an open-label randomized controlled trial that compared a combined CBT and PPT-based PI (the PsicoCare program) with a standard CR program (control group). We recruited 87 ACS patients, and psychological outcomes, functional capacity, biochemical and anthropometric measures, and clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 months, and 9 months after the ACS event. The PsicoCare group showed significant improvements in depression, anger traits, anger-in, and anger control-out compared to the control group. Additionally, the PsicoCare intervention was associated with the improved maintenance of cognitive function, social support, and spiritual coping styles, while the control group showed deterioration in these areas. Patients experiencing severe ACS showed significant improvement in personal strength and meaning as a result of the PsicoCare intervention. However, no significant effects were observed on anxiety, anger-out, emotion regulation skills, dispositional optimism, other personal strengths, or quality of life. Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in functional capacity and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that CBT and PPT-based PIs may offer additional benefits for ACS patients, particularly regarding their psychological health. Further larger trials are required to confirm these findings. identifier, NCT05287061.

Positive psychology interventions in patients with prostate cancer: A systematic review.

e17005 Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and often results in psychiatric symptoms due to the direct disease effects, hormonal treatments, functional losses, and psychological responses of patients to the cancer. Positive psychology interventions have shown promise in alleviating psychological symptoms in patients with chronic diseases but are infrequently studied in patients with prostate cancer. Therefore, our systematic review aimed to examine the benefits of positive psychology interventions for patients with prostate cancer. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline, PubMed/Medline, and PsycInfo databases using a combination of MeSH terms and free text words, including publications up to November 2023. Studies were eligible if they included at least one positive psychology therapy intervention and the title or abstract mentioned the inclusion of patients with prostate cancer. Two individuals independently reviewed reports identified by the search to meet the above criteria and performed a quality assessment scale of studies based on standardized criteria that were adapted from those used in prior systematic reviews. The study was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository. Results: The database searches yielded 1244 initial studies, 10 of which met inclusion criteria. Of the 10 included studies, 2 were randomized clinical trials, 2 were pilot feasibility trials, 3 were single-arm interventional studies, and 3 were cross-sectional studies. Manuscripts focused on older adults, with reported mean ages ranging from 54.5 to 72.0. Positive psychology interventions consisted of mindfulness-based therapies, meditation, hope and resilience therapies, and well-being therapies. Most studies showed a positive effect on improving outcomes for patients with early to advanced stage prostate cancers, including psychological distress, mood disorders, anxiety, quality of life, happiness, and life satisfaction. However, most of the studies were limited by small sample size, qualitative findings, loss to follow-up, and observational data. Most studies also excluded patients with severe psychiatric disorders, who may potentially benefit most from these interventions. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that positive psychology approaches may have benefit in patients with prostate cancer. However, further larger prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to determine whether these interventions have proven benefit in this understudied population.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Positive Psychology Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Their Combination with Mystical Teachings on Flourishing in Teachers

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Positive Psychology Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and their combination with the mystical teachings of Rumi on the flourishing of female high school teachers in Tehran. This research was conducted using a causal-comparative design. The statistical population consisted of all female high school teachers in public schools in Tehran during the 2022-2023 academic year. A multi-stage random sampling method was used, and 68 teachers voluntarily participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to three experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups received Positive Psychology Therapy, ACT, or a combination of both therapies enriched with the mystical teachings of Rumi. Each group participated in 8 sessions of intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Flourishing Questionnaire (FQ) and analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA. The results indicated that all three interventions had a positive effect on increasing the teachers' flourishing. However, the combination of ACT and Positive Psychology Therapy with the mystical teachings of Rumi had a greater impact on flourishing compared to the other groups. This combined approach was particularly effective in enhancing positive emotions, commitment to values, and meaning in life. The findings of this study suggest that integrating psychological and spiritual teachings can serve as an effective strategy for enhancing psychological flourishing and improving the quality of life for teachers. This combined therapeutic approach is proposed as a novel model that can be implemented in educational and therapeutic settings.

The Efficacy of Traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depressed Adults with Anhedonia: A Systematic Review

To date, the impact of traditional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on anhedonia in major depressive disorder (MDD) has yet been systematically evaluated. This systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of traditional CBT for depressed adults with anhedonia. A literature search for randomised controlled trials of traditional CBT in adults with MDD from inception to July 2020 was conducted in 8 databases. The primary outcome was the levels of anhedonia. Ten studies with adults with MDD met the eligibility criteria. Our results indicate that traditional CBT is as effective as euthymic therapy, positive psychology therapy, self-system therapy,and medications for anhedonia in depression. Besides, our data provide further support for the development of augmented CBT to optimise treatment outcome for depressed adults with anhedonia. Received 11th June 2021; Revised 2nd September 2021; Accepted 20th September 2021

Efficacy of psychological interventions on psychological outcomes in coronary artery disease: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The benefits of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) and positive psychology therapy (PPT) in patients with cardiovascular disease are still not well defined. We assessed the efficacy of CBT and PPT on psychological outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Randomized controlled trials evaluating CBT or PPT in CAD patients published until May 2018 were systematically analyzed. Primary outcomes were depression, stress, anxiety, anger, happiness, and vital satisfaction. Random effects meta-analyses using the inverse variance method were performed. Effects were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean differences (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs); risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool. Nineteen trials were included (n = 1956); sixteen evaluated CBT (n = 1732), and three PPT (n = 224). Compared with control groups, depressive symptoms (13 trials; SMD -0.80; 95% CI -1.33 to -0.26), and anxiety (11 trials; SMD -1.26; 95% CI -2.11 to -0.41) improved after the PI, and depression (6 trials; SMD -2.08; 95% CI -3.22 to -0.94), anxiety (5 trials; SMD -1.33; 95% CI -2.38 to -0.29), and stress (3 trials; SMD -3.72; 95% CI -5.91 to -1.52) improved at the end of follow-up. Vital satisfaction was significantly increased at follow-up (MD 1.30, 0.27, 2.33). Non-significant effects on secondary outcomes were found. Subgroup analyses were consistent with overall analyses. CBT and PPT improve several psychological outcomes in CAD patients. Depression and anxiety improved immediately after the intervention while stress and vital satisfaction improve in the mid-term. Future research should assess the individual role of CBT and PPT in CAD populations.

A meta analysis about the effects of Group program based on positive psychology therapy

A meta analysis about the effects of Group program based on positive psychology therapy

Transcranial direct current stimulation based on quantitative electroencephalogram combining positive psychotherapy formajordepression.

Frontal cortex activity is reduced in the left hemisphere during depression. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that can increase frontal cortex activity. Therapy based on transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and positive psychology therapy was applied for improving patients’ quality of life. The present study compared three conditions of subjects with clinical depression; (a) transcranial Direct Current Stimulation therapy, (b) positive psychotherapy, and(c) combined treatment. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Adult State Hope Scale and Optimism/Pessimism Scale was used at baseline, 2-week, 4-week, and 3-month follow-up. Combined condition participants showed greater reduction in depressed mood, improved hope and optimism after 4-weeks as well as during 3-month follow-up than the other conditions. Results are discussed in terms of additive or synergistic relation between transcranial direct current stimulation and positive psychology treatment.

W10-01 Applied positive psychology therapy (APPT): Empowerment instead of “curing”

The founders of Positive Psychology promoted the study of the "positive end" of human functioning such as happiness, strengths, virtues etc". One of the major findings of a decade of research on the positive side of human behavior, cognitions and emotions is that the positive aspects are qualitatively different from the negative aspects on a number of dimensions (e.g., negative emotions occur automatically whereas one has to be active in order to produce positive emotions). Hence, we propose a new approach to psychotherapy that is based on current conceptualization of positive psychology: Applied Positive Psychology Therapy (APPT). It is a meta theory for a therapeutic approach based n positive psychology principles. More specifically, APPT is based on the following assumptions:1.The long range goals of most human beings are to feel good and be psychologically satisfied.2.Failures to materialize these goals are not a function of deep seated pathologies but lack of skills or knowledge how to materialize these goals.3.The goal of therapy is not to cure clients from their pathologies (i.e., the "causes" of their anxieties, phobia, or aggression) but to train them in self-control skills and other skills that would enable them to achieve psychological well being in the most effective way and in harmony with their long range goals.In the present paper I will bring two examples how APPT is practiced with aggressive adolescents and marital difficulties. In both cases clients are told to define the most essential goals of their lives and how they can master their strengths and skills in order to regain their basic life goals. In contrast to the prevailing disease model of psychological problems, APPT is based on a psych-educational model.