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Efficacy of Positive Psychology Interventions to Increase Well-Being: Examining the Role of Dispositional Mindfulness

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  • Kimberley Seear
  • Dianne Vella-Brodrick

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that positive interventions enhance well-being, although benefits for individuals will partly depend on the congruence between their unique characteristics and the requirements of an intervention. In this study, dispositional mindfulness was examined as a potential moderator of the efficacy of two interventions: three good things and best possible selves. These interventions were expected to increase positive affect and mental well-being and decrease negative affect, and it was hypothesised that participants high on mindfulness would benefit most. In an online randomised controlled trial, 211 participants (159 women, 52 men, M age = 34.00 years) completed baseline measures of well-being and mindfulness, and were randomly assigned into a 7-day intervention or a no-activity control group. Results from 73 participants who completed Time 2 indicated that best possible selves significantly lowered negative affect, with a medium effect size. Follow-up data from 37 participants 2 weeks later indicated that for participants with lower initial mindfulness, those allocated to the best possible selves group experienced increased positive affect, with a large effect size. Motivation to do the assigned intervention was strongly and positively associated with practice, and both motivation and frequency were strongly related to increased mental well-being. These results provide additional support for the efficacy of the best possible selves intervention and indicate that it can be beneficial for individuals with low levels of dispositional mindfulness. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:114:y:2013:i:3:p:1125-1141
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-012-0193-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Cummins, 2010. "Subjective Wellbeing, Homeostatically Protected Mood and Depression: A Synthesis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, March.
    2. László Zsolt Garamszegi, 2006. "Comparing effect sizes across variables: generalization without the need for Bonferroni correction," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 17(4), pages 682-687, July.
    3. Michele Tugade & Barbara Fredrickson, 2007. "Regulation of Positive Emotions: Emotion Regulation Strategies that Promote Resilience," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 8(3), pages 311-333, September.
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    1. Selda Koydemir & Aslı Bugay Sökmez & Astrid Schütz, 2021. "A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Randomized Controlled Positive Psychological Interventions on Subjective and Psychological Well-Being," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(3), pages 1145-1185, June.
    2. Lukasz Kaczmarek & Aleksandra Bujacz & Michael Eid, 2015. "Comparative Latent State–Trait Analysis of Satisfaction with Life Measures: The Steen Happiness Index and the Satisfaction with Life Scale," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 443-453, April.
    3. Sumell, Albert J. & Chiang, Eric P. & Koch, Steven & Mangeloja, Esa & Sun, Jin & Pédussel Wu, Jennifer, 2021. "A cultural comparison of mindfulness and student performance: Evidence from university students in five countries," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
    4. Henry C. Y. Ho & Moses Wai-keung Mui & Alice Wan & Carol Wing-see Yew & Tai Hing Lam, 2020. "Happy Family Kitchen Movement: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Based Family Holistic Health Intervention in Hong Kong," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 15-36, January.
    5. 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.

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