Well-being Therapy Research Articles

The Role of Online Well-Being Therapy in Overcoming Allostatic Overload in Medical Workers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction: Stress may lead to allostatic overload. Well-being therapy (WBT) might mitigate it by enhancing psychological well-being and protecting from psychological symptoms. Since no reports are available on the use of WBT in allostatic overload, we evaluated online WBT effects in reducing allostatic overload in medical workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Sixty-six participants with allostatic overload were enrolled and randomly assigned to eight sessions of online WBT (n = 32) or eight sessions of an online psychoeducation program on healthy lifestyle (CON) (n = 34). The primary outcome was the prevalence rate of allostatic overload in the two groups at session 8 (T2). Secondary analyses were performed on changes in the PsychoSocial Index (PSI) and Psychological Well-Being (PWB) scales scores at the same time points. Generalized estimating equation models were employed. Results: The WBT group showed a significantly lower rate of allostatic overload at T2 than the CON group (28.13% vs. 70.59%, p < 0.001); similar results were found at T1, T3, and T4 (p < 0.001). Compared to CON, WBT produced a significant decrease in psychological distress (p < 0.001) and abnormal illness behavior (p = 0.031), as well as a significant improvement in PWB autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Online WBT may be an effective non-pharmacological therapeutic strategy for individuals with allostatic overload. These findings need to be further validated in different clinical populations.

Effectiveness of the Well-being Therapy in depression management among adolescents in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

Effectiveness of the Well-being Therapy in depression management among adolescents in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

Well-Being Therapy in systemic sclerosis outpatients: a randomized controlled trial.

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients have psychological distress and poor well-being and need a tailored treatment. Psychological interventions, rarely tested for efficacy, showed poor benefits. The present randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of Well-Being Therapy (WBT) in SSc patients. Thirty-two outpatients were randomized (1:1) to WBT (n = 16) or Treatment As Usual (i.e. routine medical check-ups) (TAU) (n = 16). Primary outcome was well-being. Secondary outcomes included functional ability related to SSc, psychological distress, mental pain, suffering. All participants were assessed at baseline (T0). The WBT group was assessed after two months (end of WBT session 4) (T1), after four months (end of WBT session 8) (T2), after seven months (3-month follow-up) (T3), and after 10 months (6-month follow-up) (T4). The TAU group was assessed two (T1), four (T2), seven (T3), and ten (T4) months after baseline. WBT produced a significant improvement in subjective well-being (p ≤ 0.001), personal growth (p = 0.006), self-acceptance (p = 0.003) compared with TAU, maintained at T3 as what concerns subjective well-being (p = 0.012). WBT produced greater decrease in psychological distress (p = 0.010), mental pain (p = 0.010), suffering (p ≤ 0.001) compared with TAU, maintained at T4 as what concerns suffering (p ≤ 0.001). Participants reported high satisfaction with WBT. The study provides preliminary evidence on the benefits of WBT as short-term approach for in- and out-patient SSc healthcare paths. Studies with larger samples are needed to have the evidence for recommending WBT to SSc patients.

Well-Being Therapy for Depression.

Well-being therapy (WBT) is a short-term psychotherapeutic strategy, based on the technique of self-observation via the use of a structured diary and the guide of a therapist, with the goal of increasing psychological well-being, thus reaching euthymia and a balance among psychic forces. WBT showed to be suitable for application in residual symptoms of unipolar and bipolar depression, since the sequential combination with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) led to a decrease in the relapse rate of recurrent depression. WBT also showed clinical utility in the treatment of cyclothymia, which represents one of the stages of bipolar disorder. Further, WBT seems to have efficacy in treatment-resistant depression and in case of withdrawal syndromes (in particular the so-called persistent post-withdrawal disorder) following antidepressant decrease, switch or discontinuation. In brief, WBT is a rather new but promising therapeutic strategy in the management of unipolar and bipolar depression. This chapter offers an overview of WBT possible applications.

Effectiveness of a Well-Being Therapy Protocol on Sexual Minority Psychological Well-Being: A Single-Case Research Design

Sexual minority individuals are at higher risk of mental health concerns than heterosexual individuals due to the impacts of minority stress. Previous counseling interventions for sexual minority individuals have focused on pathology and reducing negative symptoms. However, there is a need for more empirical counseling interventions that address these disparities from a positive psychology perspective. Utilizing a multiple probe single case research design, the current study examined the impact of a well-being therapy protocol for improving the psychological well-being for four sexual minority individuals. There was no functional relation observed for the Well-Being Therapy protocol on psychological well-being. Discussion of the findings and implications for future research are discussed.

Improving Purpose in Life in School Settings.

Background and aim: The dimension of purpose in life (PiL) is one of the core features of eudaimonia and plays a crucial role in developmental settings. However, few studies have examined purpose in life in younger generations and verified if it is amenable to improvements following a wellbeing-promoting intervention. The aim of the present investigation is to explore correlates and predictors of purpose in life in school children and to test if it can be ameliorated after school-based wellbeing interventions. Methods: A total of 614 students were recruited in various schools in Northern Italy. Of these, 456 belonged to junior high and high schools and were randomly assigned to receive a protocol of School Well-Being Therapy (WBT) or a psychoeducational intervention (controls). A total of 158 students were enrolled in elementary schools and received a positive narrative intervention based on fairytales or were randomly assigned to controlled conditions. All students were assessed pre- and post- intervention with Ryff scales of eudaimonic wellbeing (short version) and with other self-report measures of anxiety, depression and somatization. Additionally, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to their schoolteachers as observed-rated evaluation. Results: In both elementary and high schools, purpose in life after the intervention was predicted by initial depressive symptoms and by group assignment (positive interventions vs. controls). In older students, PiL was predicted by female gender and anxiety levels, while no specific strengths identified by teachers were associated with PiL. Conclusions: PiL plays an important and strategic role in developmental settings, where students can develop skills and capacities to set meaningful goals in life. Depressive symptoms and anxiety can be obstacles to developing PiL in students, while positive school-based interventions can promote this core dimension of eudaimonia.

An intervention based on Well-Being Therapy to prevent alcohol use and other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among students: a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Unhealthy lifestyle, such as alcohol use, and negative health outcomes have been associated with impairments in psychological well-being. The primary objective of the study was to test the efficacy of an intervention based on Well-Being Therapy to prevent or stem alcohol use, binge drinking and other unhealthy lifestyle among Italian adolescents in school settings. A three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial including three test periods (baseline, post-test, six-month follow-up) was implemented. Seven classes (144 students) were randomly assigned to receive well-being intervention (WBI), lifestyle intervention (LI), or no intervention (NI). Primary outcomes were alcohol use (AUDIT-C), binge drinking and other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (i.e. unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and cannabis smoking, poor sleep and Internet addiction). Linear mixed models and mixed-effects logistic regression were used to test the efficacy of WBI in comparison with LI and NI. At six-month follow-up, AUDIT-C total score increased more in NI in comparison with WBI (p = 0.044) and LI (p = 0.016), whereas the odds of being classified as at-risk drinker were lower in WBI (p = 0.038) and LI (p = 0.002), than NI. Only WBI showed a protective effect for cannabis use at post-test in comparison with NI (p = 0.003) and LI (p = 0.014). Sleep hours at night decreased more in NI than in LI (p = 0.027) at six months. Internet addiction decreased more in WBI (p = 0.002) and LI (p = 0.005) at post-test in comparison with NI. Although both interventions showed a positive impact on adolescent lifestyle, the positive effect of WBI on cannabis use underlines how this approach might be promising to stem adolescents’ substance use.

Effectiveness of Shiatsu on Fatigue in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Protocol for a Randomized Cross-Over Pilot Study.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a serious chronic inflammatory rheumatism implying different painful and crippling symptoms that require a multidisciplinary approach for the patient. Fatigue is one of the less well treated symptoms, even if its repercussion on everyday life is noticeable. Shiatsu is a Japanese preventive and well-being therapy that aims to promote better health. However, the effectiveness of shiatsu in SpA-associated fatigue has never been studied yet in a randomized study. We describe the design of SFASPA (Etude pilote randomisée en cross-over évaluant l'efficacité du Shiatsu sur la FAtigue des patients atteints de SPondyloarthrite Axiale), a single-center, randomized controlled cross-over trial with allocation of patients according to a ratio (1:1) evaluating the effectiveness of shiatsu in SpA-associated fatigue. The sponsor is the Regional Hospital of Orleans, France. The two groups of 60 patients each will receive three "active" shiatsu and three sham shiatsu treatments (120 patients, 720 shiatsu). The wash-out period between the active and the sham shiatsu treatments is 4months. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients responding to the FACIT-fatigue score. A response to fatigue is defined as an improvement, i.e., an increase of ≥ 4 points in the FACIT-fatigue score, which corresponds to the "minimum clinically important difference" (MCID). Differences in the evolution of activity and impact of the SpA will be assessed on several secondary outcomes. An important aim of this study is also to gather material for further trials with higher proof of evidence. NCT05433168, date of registration, June 21st, 2022 (clinicaltrials.gov).

NEW ERA FOR AD PHAGE THERAPY

Chemistry & IndustryVolume 87, Issue 5 p. 18-25 Health and Well-Being NEW ERA FOR AD PHAGE THERAPY First published: 08 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/cind.10110AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Volume87, Issue5May 2023Pages 18-25 RelatedInformation

Well-being therapy and sleep hygiene in a non-clinical population of adults reporting poor sleep quality and distress: A remote pilot randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT Objectives This pilot randomized controlled study evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 7-week remote intervention combining well-being therapy and sleep hygiene to improve sleep and psychological outcomes among adults reporting poor sleep and distress. Methods Thirty-one participants (81% women, 40.2 ± 13.0 y, 48% racial/ethnic minority) were recruited from the community during the COVID-19 pandemic through online and local advertisement, and randomized to well-being therapy+sleep hygiene or sleep hygiene-only. Study outcomes were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires administered at baseline and post-intervention and a daily sleep diary. Results Compared to sleep hygiene-only, well-being therapy+sleep hygiene led to greater improvements in wake after sleep onset (time-by-group interaction: 3.6 ± 1.5 min, p = .017), personal growth (β −3.0, 95%CI −5.2, −0.8, p = .01), and purpose in life (β −3.5, 95%CI −6.1, −0.9, p = .009). Anxiety, perceived stress, sleep quality, and insomnia symptoms improved similarly in both groups (between-group differences, p > .05). Improvements in sleep quality, insomnia, and sleep duration were associated with reductions in multiple measures of psychological distress (all p < .05). Conclusions These findings suggest that, in a non-clinical setting of individuals suffering from combined poor sleep and psychological distress, the addition of well-being therapy to sleep hygiene may provide additional benefits for sleep by promoting sleep continuity and well-being.

Female Entrepreneurship in Leading Digitalization as a Marketing Strategy for Prosperous MSMEs and Women’s Empowerment: A Case Study of Latifa Indonesia

Female entrepreneurship involves a movement where women can empower oneself and share their values with others. This study explores a business initiative led these principles: Latifa Indonesia, a maternal wellbeing therapy business founded by a female entrepreneur named Verawati. It describes the digital marketing strategy implemented by the company and analyzes several its impacts. The research employs a qualitative case study as well as semi-structured interviews, observation, and textual documentation to collect the data required. Thematic analysis, triangulation, and member checking are used while analyzing the obtained data. The finding of this study reveals that the digital marketing strategy used by Latifa Indonesia in establishing its business is implemented through the utilization of some digital platforms such as website, Facebook, and Instagram, but that transactions occur through WhatsApp, which is considered a more user-friendly application. The use of digital platforms positively impacted the company’s development, leading to increasing numbers of both new therapists and customers, improving the company’s accessibility, growing business income, and forming partnerships with other companies. Latifa’s business data from 2021 showed that both customers and income are increasing approximately 20 percent each year since the commencement of the business’ digital marketing strategy in 2017.

Well-Being Therapy as Adjunctive to Sleep Hygiene Improves Sleep and Well-Being in Adults With Poor Sleep and Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Well-Being Therapy as Adjunctive to Sleep Hygiene Improves Sleep and Well-Being in Adults With Poor Sleep and Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Musical creativity support tools for bereavement support

ABSTRACT Self-expression is central to mental well-being and mental health therapy. Art therapy offers a wide range of expressive mechanisms, allowing individuals to process their emotions when traditional therapies prove unsuccessful. However, a lack of expertise or comfort with artistic expression, along with cost and waiting times, may hinder one's ability to receive needed mental health support. Creative machines can offer novel therapeutic approaches enabling the bereaved to engage in creative expression as and when needed. In this paper, we apply a co-creative songwriting system, ALYSIA, as a new form of therapy for those who had recently suffered the loss of a loved one. We evaluate the utility of this creative system in aiding bereaved individuals through user testing. The utility of collaborative creative systems for adaptation to bereavement is discussed and may have implications for other therapeutic applications.

Psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression in patients with coronary artery disease.

Psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression in patients with coronary artery disease.

Особливості консультативного та терапевтичного процесу в позитивній психології

The article notes the features of the consultative and therapeutic process in positive psychology. The article makes the analysis of the fundamental works of Pezeshkina N.P. on positive psychotherapy, Fava J. and Ruini K. on the well-being therapy, and the works of Sin N.L. and Lubomyrskyi S. on the theory of psychological interventions, Parks A.S. and Biswas-Diner R. on models of self-help. The main characteristics of positive psychological interventions are considered. As a means of influence, such characteristics must turn to the constructs of positive psychology, as well as to have scientific evidence of their effectiveness. The following features of the consultative and therapeutic process are revealed. The purpose and means are: according to the hedonistic paradigm it is changing the focus of the client’s vision of the situation to a more positive one; in the eudemonic paradigm the emphasis is on self-determination and the achievement of personal authenticity by personality. It is believed that the resources of achieving well-being in a person are sufficient. Accordingly, “hedonists” believe that the key point is to increase positive affect through the development of positive thinking, optimism, and taste skills. The eudemonists see the approach to their identity through meditation, the development of abilities for self-expression. The role of the consultant in in following: to act as an informed communicator, to help the client to focus on his strengths (virtues). The counselor / psychotherapist does not look for the source of problems in the past, but focuses on the present and future of the client, identifies factors that prevent the latter from transforming the life situation in the desired direction in the current moment of life. The role of life’s difficulties is such: the problem is not treated as a difficult life task that needs to be solved and it is necessary to get out of the comfort zone, but as an opportunity for the client to improve his own personality. Psychological practice should take into account the cultural specificity of views on happiness, well-being and criteria of psychological comfort. Key words: positive psychology, well-being therapy, positive therapy, subjective well-being, positive psychology intervention.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Well-being Therapy on Life Expectancy and Psychological Health in Elderly Nonclinical Depressed Patients

Comparing the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Well-being Therapy on Life Expectancy and Psychological Health in Elderly Nonclinical Depressed Patients

Integration of Well-Being Therapy and Positive Psychotherapy: A Response to Fava and Guidi's (2021) Commentary on Radstaak etal. (2020).

The results of our study on the effects of well‐being therapy (WBT) compared with a treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) control condition among individuals with residual symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were recently published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress (Radstaak et al., 2020). In a subsequent commentary, Fava and Guidi (2020) raised several conceptual and methodological issues that they asserted potentially limited the interpretation of the results. In this response, we aim to clarify these issues, thus contributing to the optimal interpretation of the findings.

Conceptual and Clinical Innovations of Well-being Therapy

The evidence supporting the use of well-being therapy (WBT), a specific psychotherapeutic strategy for modulating psychological well-being, and its specific contribution when it is combined with other psychotherapeutic techniques is still limited. However, the insights gained by the use of WBT may unravel innovative approaches to assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. An important characteristic of WBT is self-observation of psychological well-being associated with specific homework. Another important feature of WBT is the assumption that imbalances in well-being and distress may vary from one illness to another, and from patient to patient. A final characteristic is its reference to the concept of euthymia, where lack of mood disturbances is associated with positive affect and psychological well-being (flexibility, consistency, and resilience). Progress can be achieved by modifying our clinical approach to mental disorders, and by promoting self-observation of psychological well-being and the pursuit of a state of euthymia.

Well-Being Therapy for Depressive Symptoms in Chronic Migraine: A Case Report

Depression in chronic migraine is a common and vexing problem. Stress-oriented psychotherapies showed to improve depressive symptoms but not to affect migraine disability or attacks. Well-Being Therapy (WBT) is a short-term psychotherapy intervention based on promoting well-being and optimizing functioning, which showed to be effective in the treatment of residual depressive symptoms and chronic pain. This single case describes an account of successful WBT for a case of chronic migraine with depressive symptoms. The patient is a 37-year old employed, engaged, Caucasian heterosexual woman who had chronic migraine without aura and depressive symptoms and received eight WBT sessions. Number of migraine attacks, migraine disability, and psychological variables were assessed at baseline, at sessions 4 and 8 of WBT, and at 3-month follow-up. At session 8 of WBT, a decrease in number of migraine attacks and migraine disability was observed together with an improvement on depressive symptoms as well as an increase of well-being and euthymia. The positive effects of WBT were maintained at 3-month follow-up. WBT may be a promising intervention for chronic migraine patients with depressive symptoms.

When the Label Does Not Match the Content of a Trial: “Well‐Being Therapy” in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Commentary on Radstaak et al. (2020)

AbstractRadstaak, Hüning, and Bohlmeijer (2020) reported on a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of well‐being therapy (WBT) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in the treatment of residual posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. No significant differences emerged between treatment conditions. However, our view is that what the authors labeled as WBT did not match the manualized psychotherapeutic strategy, and what was defined as TAU was actually an active control group. Further methodological limitations hinder the interpretation of results and make it difficult to draw conclusions from the study. Radstaak et al. (2020) deserve credit for addressing the vexing and neglected problem of residual symptoms in PTSD. However, the role of WBT in PTSD treatment still needs to be explored via an effectively designed RCT. Given that WBT does not require exposure to a patient's index traumatic event as a means of alleviating PTSD symptoms, WBT may represent a promising alternative to current treatments of PTSD.