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The Efficacy and Mechanism of Online Positive Psychological Intervention (PPI) on Improving Well-Being Among Chinese University Students: A Pilot Study of the Best Possible Self (BPS) Intervention

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  • Larry Auyeung

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Phoenix Kit Han Mo

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Positive psychological intervention (PPI), which aims at enhancing the quality of life and well-being, was developed and mainly been tested in the Western countries. It was rarely validated for Asians, who may value less on individualistic and positive well-being. This study examined the efficacy and mechanism of a 6-day online self-help PPI on improving eudaimonic well-being (flourishing) and reducing depressive symptoms among Chinese university students. In this two-armed randomized controlled trial, 100 university students were recruited online and randomly assigned to a 6-day PPI which involved writing about best possible self, or an active control group which involved writing about a past event. They completed pre- and post-intervention evaluation. Analysis of data using repeated measures ANOVA showed that PPI improved flourishing and reduced depressive symptoms. Results showed that positive affects and autonomy satisfaction fully mediated the effect of PPI on flourishing, while increased autonomy fully mediated the effect of PPI on depressive symptoms. Moreover, the effects on depressive symptoms and flourishing were independent of one another, indicating the general utility of PPI in improving positive well-being irrespective of change in depressive symptoms. These findings add novel support that increased autonomy satisfaction is an active ingredient that promotes intervention change and illustrated that online PPI might serve as a viable well-being intervention for Chinese university students.

Suggested Citation

  • Larry Auyeung & Phoenix Kit Han Mo, 2019. "The Efficacy and Mechanism of Online Positive Psychological Intervention (PPI) on Improving Well-Being Among Chinese University Students: A Pilot Study of the Best Possible Self (BPS) Intervention," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(8), pages 2525-2550, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:8:d:10.1007_s10902-018-0054-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-0054-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Corey Keyes, 2006. "Subjective Well-Being in Mental Health and Human Development Research Worldwide: An Introduction," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 77(1), pages 1-10, May.
    2. Lu Chen & Lin Wang & Xiao Hui Qiu & Xiu Xian Yang & Zheng Xue Qiao & Yan Jie Yang & Yuan Liang, 2013. "Depression among Chinese University Students: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(3), pages 1-6, March.
    3. Keyes, C.L.M. & Dhingra, S.S. & Simoes, E.J., 2010. "Change in level of positive mental health as a predictor of future risk of mental Illness," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(12), pages 2366-2371.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liyang Wu & Marjolein M. Hanssen & Madelon L. Peters, 2025. "The Effectiveness of the Best-Possible-Self Intervention in College Students from China and the Netherlands: A Cross-Cultural Study," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 1-17, February.

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