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The Best Possible Selves Intervention: A Review of the Literature to Evaluate Efficacy and Guide Future Research

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  • Paula M Loveday

    (University of the Sunshine Coast)

  • Geoff P Lovell

    (University of the Sunshine Coast)

  • Christian M Jones

    (University of the Sunshine Coast)

Abstract

Since its inception in 2001, the best possible selves (BPS) activity has been the focus of more than 30 studies which have shown it to be a viable intervention for increasing optimism, positive affect, health and well-being. It is timely to critically review the findings from the BPS literature and suggest directions for future research. The majority of BPS studies have used an experimental methodology and have administered the BPS activity to diverse groups including students, adults, depressive individuals and suicidal inpatients. The BPS intervention can be effective when administered in-person or on-line and repeating the activity appears to enhance efficacy. Suggestions for future research include: (a) investigation of mediator variables, (b) additional outcome variables such as hope and appreciation, (c) comparative studies regarding dosage to enhance effectiveness, (d) extension of the BPS into a best-possible-other activity, (e) diversity of delivery methods, and (f) thematic content analysis of BPS text.

Suggested Citation

  • Paula M Loveday & Geoff P Lovell & Christian M Jones, 2018. "The Best Possible Selves Intervention: A Review of the Literature to Evaluate Efficacy and Guide Future Research," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 607-628, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-016-9824-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-016-9824-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kristin Layous & S. Katherine Nelson & Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2013. "What Is the Optimal Way to Deliver a Positive Activity Intervention? The Case of Writing About One’s Best Possible Selves," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 635-654, April.
    2. Natasha Odou & Dianne Vella-Brodrick, 2013. "The Efficacy of Positive Psychology Interventions to Increase Well-Being and the Role of Mental Imagery Ability," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 110(1), pages 111-129, January.
    3. Cheryl Maddalena & Ruth Saxey-Reese & Elizabeth Barnes, 2014. "Targeting writing interventions to emotional processing level: a factorial experimental design," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 48(6), pages 2939-2962, November.
    4. Kimberley Seear & Dianne Vella-Brodrick, 2013. "Efficacy of Positive Psychology Interventions to Increase Well-Being: Examining the Role of Dispositional Mindfulness," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 114(3), pages 1125-1141, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Miika Kujanpää & Christine Syrek & Dirk Lehr & Ulla Kinnunen & Jo Annika Reins & Jessica Bloom, 2021. "Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 681-707, February.
    2. Milena M. Grishutina & Vasily Yu. Kostenko, 2021. "Variety Of Possible Selves: The Role Of Agency And Empirical Evidence Review," HSE Working papers WP BRP 126/PSY/2021, National Research University Higher School of Economics.

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