Interventions of Positive Psychology as Tool for Fostering Well-being and Psychological Health

Abstract

Fostering positive emotions and sense of life are central aims of Positive Psychology (PP). These variables are also important for psychological health (PH). It is suggestive therefore to combine both approaches and to use methods of PP to promote PH. In the paper the conception and evaluation of a PP-seminar to foster PH is presented. The seminar consists of seven elements: Psycho-education, happiness-diaries, cognitive restructuring, individual strengths and resources, mindfulness, enjoyment-training, and work-life-balance. 42 subjects participated in the training and were compared with a randomized control group (n=54) in following outcomes: positive emotions, well-being, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, personal and social resources. Effects of the training show medium effect sizes in average. Highest effects were found in raising positive emotions, self-esteem, and perceived personal resources, and in reducing depression and anxiety. Most outcomes are stable over a four to six-months period. Results are promising and show that PP interventions are able to promote well-being and happiness and to reduce distress in people without apparent mental problems.