Working mechanisms in positive interventions: A study using daily assessment of positive emotions. Issue 5 (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gander, Fabian; Proyer, René T.; Hentz, Eva; Ruch, Willibald
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 15:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 633
• Page End: 638
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: positive emotions -- positive psychology interventions -- well-being -- positive psychology -- working mechanisms; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1789698
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

ABSTRACT: One commonly suggested mechanism in positive psychology interventions (PPIs) involves the elicitation of positive emotions. We examined (1) whether PPIs increase the intensity and variety of positive emotions; (2) which positive emotions are elicited by two different PPIs; and (3) the impact of positive emotions on well-being. In a randomized, controlled one-week intervention study, we compared the 'three good things' and the 'three funny things' intervention with a placebo control. We assessed the positive and negative emotions reported daily during the intervention, and the well-being and depressive symptoms directly before, after, and one week after the intervention. Results showed higher intensity and variety of positive emotions elicited by the PPIs, and increases in well-being could be explained by the intensity and variety of positive emotions. The study provides a model for how the mechanisms underlying PPIs can be studied and underlines the relevance of positive emotions in PPIs.