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Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: a practice-friendly meta-analysis
Open accessAbstract
Do positive psychology interventions-that is, treatment methods or intentional activities aimed at cultivating positive feelings, positive behaviors, or positive cognitions-enhance well-being and ameliorate depressive symptoms? A meta-analysis of 51 such interventions with 4,266 individuals was conducted to address this question and to provide practical guidance to clinicians. The results revealed that positive psychology interventions do indeed significantly enhance well-being (mean r=.29) and decrease depressive symptoms (mean r=.31). In addition, several factors were found to impact the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions, including the depression status, self-selection, and age of participants, as well as the format and duration of the interventions. Accordingly, clinicians should be encouraged to incorporate positive psychology techniques into their clinical work, particularly for treating clients who are depressed, relatively older, or highly motivated to improve. Our findings also suggest that clinicians would do well to deliver positive psychology interventions as individual (versus group) therapy and for relatively longer periods of time.
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TL;DR
This meta-analysis of 51 positive psychology interventions with 4,266 participants found that such interventions significantly improved well-being and reduced depressive symptoms. Effects were medium-sized and moderated by participant and intervention features, supporting clinical use especially for depressed, older, self-selected clients and individual, longer formats.
Key findings
- Across 49 well-being studies (4,235 participants), the mean effect size was r = .29 (median .24; range −.31 to .84; 96% positive), significant in fixed- and random-effects models; the fail-safe N was 2,519 versus a tolerance level of 255.
- Across 25 depression studies (1,812 participants), the mean effect size was r = .31 (median .26; range −.28 to .81; 80% favoring the intervention), significant in both models; the fail-safe N was 420 versus a tolerance level of 135.
- Moderators: depressed status and self-selection predicted greater benefit in fixed-effects analyses only; older age predicted greater benefit in both models; individual therapy outperformed group and self-administered formats in both models; longer duration predicted greater well-being gains in fixed effects (random-effects p = .09) but not depression; comparison group type moderated well-being in fixed effects only.
- A binomial effect size display indicated that in a hypothetical group of 200, 65 intervention recipients versus 35 controls would improve well-being, and 66 versus 34 would reduce depression.
Methods
- Meta-analysis of English-language positive psychology intervention studies from 1977–2008. Inclusion required an intervention aimed at increasing positive feelings, behaviors, or cognitions; pre- and post-intervention well-being or depression measures; a comparison group; and effect-size information. Physical health/physical activity and mood-induction studies were excluded.
- Coded moderators included depression status, age, self-selection, intervention format, duration, and comparison group type. Effect sizes were computed as r from d, F, t, p, or descriptive statistics; multiple measures were averaged via Fisher Z transformations.
- Analyses used fixed- and random-effects models, Stouffer-combined significance tests, one-sample t-tests on mean Fisher Z effects, fail-safe N and tolerance estimates, chi-square heterogeneity tests, and contrast/correlation tests for moderators.
Limitations
- The authors state that the meta-analysis is not exhaustive and that moderator findings cannot be interpreted causally because studies were not randomly assigned to moderator levels. They also note likely file-drawer bias for well-being, though the fail-safe N exceeded the tolerance level.
- Evident from the text: the review is limited to English-language studies from 1977–2008 and samples adjacent literatures (e.g., mindfulness, life review, forgiveness), which may restrict generalizability. Fixed- and random-effects models disagreed for some moderators (depression status, self-selection, and comparison group type for well-being), and older adults could not be analyzed for depression because too few studies were available.
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In the paper
“For depression, however, the moderating effect of intervention duration was not significant based on both the fixed effects and random effects models.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Individuals who elected to participate in a PPI-perhaps expecting that the intervention would make them happier or less depressed-were more likely to experience greater gains in WB and depression compared with their non-self-selected counterparts, based on the fixed effects model.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Participant Moderators
Strength:hedged· not yet calibratedCausal:correlational· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The results revealed that positive psychology interventions do indeed significantly enhance well-being (mean r 5 .29)and decrease depressive symptoms (mean r 5 .31).”
- Also stated in: § Depression · boosted
“The unweighted mean r of .31 was close to the median r (.26) and was highly significant based on both the fixed effects (one-tailed p 5 2 Â 10 À12 ) and the random effects (one-tailed p 5 .0001)models.”
- Also stated in: § Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression? · boosted
“The combined results of 49 studies revealed that PPIs do, in fact, significantly enhance WB, and the combined results of 25 studies showed that PPIs are also effective for treating depressive symptoms.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Abstract
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passes- Also stated in: § Depression · boosted
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Although there were not enough studies to include the ''older adult'' group in the moderator analysis for depression, the other age groups nevertheless showed larger decreases in depression as a linear function of age.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Participant Moderators
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Depressed individuals benefited more from PPIs than nondepressed individuals, according to the fixed effects moderator analysis.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Participant Moderators
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The type of comparison group did not have a moderating effect on shifts in depression, based on both the fixed effects and the random effects models.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Load-bearingStrength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIn the paper
“In addition, causal conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the moderators because the studies were not randomly assigned to particular moderator levels (Rosenthal, 1991b, p. 81).”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression?
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Rosenthal, 1991b
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Load-bearingStrength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passes- Not matched
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Several studies have found that exerting high levels of effort to practice a happiness-boosting strategy, and continuing to practice it even after the intervention is over, results in greater improvements in WB and depression (e.g., Lyubomirsky et al., 2008;Seligman et al., 2005).”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression?
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites Lyubomirsky et al., 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites Seligman et al., 2005 source
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passes- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This indicates that participation in PPIs may be more effective for relieving depression than participation in a no-treatment control group, placebo activity, or treatment as usual.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesWhat the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The file drawer problem was unlikely to threaten the significant results, given that the fail-safe N was 420, which exceeded the tolerance level of 135.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Depression
Strength:hedged· not yet calibratedn = 1,812Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passes- The authors state this as an assumption: The number of unpublished studies is not five times greater than the number of published studies.
- It may state two separate claims as one. 12
- The quote only partly states this claim. 2
- Probably not a substantial claim. 1
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Intervention format had a significant moderating effect on the effectiveness of PPIs, based on both the fixed effects and the random effects models.Specifically, the mean r effect size was greatest for individual therapy, followed by group-administered PPIs, then self-administered PPIs.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Moreover, as in the case of well-being, the set of effect sizes was heterogeneous”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Depression
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:conditional· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In particular, studies that compared a PPI to a notreatment control group showed the greatest boost in WB.Positive interventions that were compared with ''treatment as usual'' showed the second greatest benefit, suggesting that PPIs may be more effective than standard treatments.Finally, PPIs also produced greater boosts in WB compared with neutral control and placebo activities.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The fixed effects analysis revealed that the type of comparison group used in a PPI moderated the gains in WB but not when computed using the random effects analysis.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Longer interventions produced greater gains in WB based on the fixed effects model, and this effect approached significance according to the random effects model (one-tailed p 5 .09).”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Methodological Moderators
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:correlational· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Furthermore, the set of effect sizes was heterogeneous (w 2 ð48Þ ¼ 230:92, one-tailed p 5 9 Â 10 À26 ), suggesting the presence of moderator variables.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Well-Being
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Both the fixed effects and random effects models revealed that the benefits of PPIs increase with age.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Participant Moderators
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The results revealed that positive psychology interventions do indeed significantly enhance well-being (mean r 5 .29)and decrease depressive symptoms (mean r 5 .31).”
- Also stated in: § Well-Being · plain
“The unweighted mean r (.29) was close in magnitude to the median r (.24) and was highly significant based on both the fixed effects (one-tailed p 5 0) and the random effects (one-tailed p 5 4 Â 10 À9 ) models.”
- Also stated in: § Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression? · boosted
“The combined results of 49 studies revealed that PPIs do, in fact, significantly enhance WB, and the combined results of 25 studies showed that PPIs are also effective for treating depressive symptoms.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Abstract
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
- Also stated in: § Well-Being · plain
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Please bear in mind that these findings should be interpreted cautiously, as this meta-analysis is not comprehensive (i.e., does not include all PPI studies ever conducted).”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression?
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
A claim is checked only against the cited paper’s full text, never its abstract, and none is available for its sources.
In the paper
“PPIs can be especially effective for treating residual symptoms (Fava et al., 1998) and preventing future relapse for formerly depressed clients (Seligman et al., 2006).”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression?
What the sources say
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“In a hypothetical group of 200 individuals-half the group treated with a PPI, and half the group untreated-65 individuals treated with a PPI would experience gains in WB, compared with only 35 of the individuals in the control group.Similarly, 66 PPI-treated individuals would experience decreased depression, relative to only 34 individuals in the control group.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression?
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The magnitude of these effects is medium-sized (mean r 5 .29 for WB, mean r 5 .31for depression), indicating that not only do PPIs work, they work well.”
§ Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-Analysis m > Clinical Practices Do positive psychology interventions effectively boost well-being and ameliorate depression?
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
The authors state this as an assumption.
The number of unpublished studies is not five times greater than the number of published studies.
“The tolerance level was also computed to estimate the number of irretrievable studies that possibly exist, based on the assumption that the number of unpublished studies is not five times greater than the number of published ones (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 2008, p. 689).”
The paper relies on this without support.
No systematic quantitative review of positive psychology intervention research had been published before this meta-analysis.
“The general effectiveness of PPIs remains unclear, as no systematic quantitative review of the research has yet been published.”
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“The lack of clarity in the inclusion criteria constitutes a third limitation.”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Their results show that PPIs can indeed be effective in enhancing well-being (r = 0.29, standardized mean difference Cohen’s d = 0.61) and help to reduce depressive symptom levels in clinical populations (r = 0.31, Cohen’s d = 0.65).”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“The practice of mindfulness has been found to enhance various qualities including empathy and self-compassion (Birnie et al., 2009), wellbeing and positive emotions (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009), emotional self-regulation and cognitive flexibility, and reduce stress and anxiety (Hölzel et al., 2011;Meiklejohn et al., 2012).”
From The influence of teacher-guided mindfulness practice on inter and intra-personal abilities among Israeli Arab students (2024) · cites this paper as Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Several meta-analyses have shown that positive psychology interventions targeting feelings of gratitude, savoring of experiences and sensations, and hope and meaning lead to improved well-being and reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms in both general populations and those considered vulnerable [73-75].”
From Optimization of a Transdiagnostic Mobile Emotion Regulation Intervention for University Students: Protocol for a Microrandomized Trial (2023) · cites this paper as [75]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Meta-analytic reviews of positive psychological interventions designed to cultivate well-being have demonstrated that these interventions can not only have robust effects on increasing well-being, they can also decrease associated depressive symptoms (Sin & Lyubmirksy, 2009).”
From Trajectories of change in well-being during cognitive behavioral therapies for anxiety disorders: Quantifying the impact and covariation with improvements in anxiety (2020) · cites this paper as Sin & Lyubmirksy, 2009
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Intervention studies, although related to positive psychology but not strictly developed within this new framework (e.g. mindfulness, life-review) were included in the meta-analysis.”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Their results show that PPIs can indeed be effective in enhancing well-being (r = 0.29, standardized mean difference Cohen’s d = 0.61) and help to reduce depressive symptom levels in clinical populations (r = 0.31, Cohen’s d = 0.65).”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Second, study quality was not addressed as a potential effect moderator.”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“In addition, we applied stricter inclusion criteria than those used by Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) and therefore did not include studies on any related areas such as mindfulness and life review therapy.”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Remarkably, effect sizes in the current meta-analysis are around 0.3 points lower than the effect sizes in the meta-analysis by Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) [37].”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) [37]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Two meta-analyses of PPIs for depression and well-being found that these interventions have small to moderate effects in enhancing well-being and decreasing depressive symptoms and that effects are stronger for individual vs. group formats [30, 31].”
From Skills to Enhance Positivity in adolescents at risk for suicide: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial (2023) · cites this paper as [30]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“They are effective in the improvement of depression and well-being [36, 37].”
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“A meta-analysis that reviewed 51 positive psychology interventions across a spectrum of domains, found that positive psychology programs significantly increased well-being (mean r=.29) [29] and led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms (mean r=.31).”
From Feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based positive psychology program for youth mental health: Randomized controlled trial (2014) · cites this paper as [29]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“A meta-analysis that reviewed 51 positive psychology interventions across a spectrum of domains, found that positive psychology programs significantly increased well-being (mean r=.29) [29] and led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms (mean r=.31).”
From Feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based positive psychology program for youth mental health: Randomized controlled trial (2014) · cites this paper as [29]
The check wasn’t confident either way, so it gives no verdict — never disputed.
In the citing paper
“First, the meta-analysis included both randomized studies and quasi-experimental studies.”
From Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (2013) · cites this paper as Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredIn the citing paper
“Vlaeyen and colleagues suggest that avoidance behavior persists due to certain beliefs, such as catastrophic cognitions 25, 337, 338.”
From Evaluating psychosocial contributions to chronic pain outcomes (2018) · cites this paper as [338]
In the citing paper
“The efficacy of PPIs increased linearly with participant age, and depressed individuals benefitted more than non-depressed individuals252.”
From Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life (2019) · cites this paper as [252]
In the citing paper
“A recent meta-analysis of PPIs including data from over four thousand adults indicated a highly significant, moderate effect of PPIs on both well-being (r = 0.29) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.31)252.”
From Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life (2019) · cites this paper as [252]
In the citing paper
“The efficacy of PPIs increased linearly with participant age, and depressed individuals benefitted more than non-depressed individuals252.”
From Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life (2019) · cites this paper as [252]
In the citing paper
“Interventions delivered individually were most effective, followed by those administered in a group, then by self-administered PPIs.”
From Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life (2019) · cites this paper as [252]
In the citing paper
“A recent meta-analysis of PPIs including data from over four thousand adults indicated a highly significant, moderate effect of PPIs on both well-being (r = 0.29) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.31)252.”
From Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life (2019) · cites this paper as [252]
In the citing paper
“Although PPIs are not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for moderate-to-severe MDD, research suggests that PPIs may be useful for the prevention or adjunct treatment of depression252.”
From Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life (2019) · cites this paper as [252]
In the citing paper
“A meta-analysis established that positive psychology interventions as diverse as writing gratitude letters, practising optimistic thinking, replaying positive experiences and socializing have beneficial effects on levels of depression 91.”
From Resilience in mental health: linking psychological and neurobiological perspectives. (2013) · cites this paper as [91]
In the citing paper
“The effect of kindness is small-to-mediumcomparable to other positive psychology interventions (such as 'mindfulness', 'positive thinking' and 'counting your blessings'; d = 0.34, Bolier et al., 2013;d = 0.31, Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009;d = 0.44, Weiss, Westerhof, & Bohlmeijer, 2016).”
From Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor (2018) · cites this paper as Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009
In the citing paper
“Interventions that explicitly target positive emotion show promise for improving health outcomes in a number of chronic illnesses, including diabetes [16,17], heart disease [18,19], hypertension [20,21], depression [22,23], and HIV [24].”
In the citing paper
“interventions based on increasing positive emotion have been shown to relieve symptoms of depression in a meta-analysis [23]”
In the citing paper
“Positive psychology (PP) interventions, which utilize systematic exercises to increase optimism, well-being, and positive affect, consistently increase positive states and are easily delivered to patients with chronic illnesses.”
From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [43]
In the citing paper
“PP interventions have been used in over 4000 mostly healthy subjects and have been found to increase well-being and decrease depression [41, 43], with effect sizes comparable to other psychological interventions [44, 45].”
From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [43]
In the citing paper
“moderation analysis revealed higher effect sizes associated with “shotgun” approaches, that is, packages that incorporate multiple positive psychology strategies.”
From Disseminating Self-Help: Positive Psychology Exercises in an Online Trial (2012) · cites this paper as [23]
In the citing paper
“A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with control conditions, positive interventions lead to reliable and moderate boosts in well-being and improvements in depressive symptoms [23].”
From Disseminating Self-Help: Positive Psychology Exercises in an Online Trial (2012) · cites this paper as [23]
In the citing paper
“Past research in positive psychology interventions has found that variety is an important moderator of intervention gains and that several techniques are more effective than a single technique [23,36].”
From Disseminating Self-Help: Positive Psychology Exercises in an Online Trial (2012) · cites this paper as [23]
In the citing paper
“Studies supporting the efficacy of positive activity interventions (PAIs) have been primarily conducted in unselected (non-clinical) community samples and examined single positive activities in isolation (for a meta-analysis, see66, 67).”
From Upregulating the positive affect system in anxiety and depression: Outcomes of a positive activity intervention: Taylor et al. (2017) · cites this paper as [66]
In the citing paper
“Overall, PP exercises have been successfully used by more than 4000 participants in over 50 clinical trials [20,21], though typically in nonclinical populations.”
From Feasibility and utility of positive psychology exercises for suicidal inpatients (2014) · cites this paper as [20]
In the citing paper
“These differences may be related to the fact that the first meta-analyses focused on subjective well-being whereas the second one included 10 different measures of psychological well-being in addition to the PWBS and MHC-SF, for example hope, mastery and purpose in life.”
From Can We Increase Psychological Well-Being? The Effects of Interventions on Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2016) · cites this paper as [11]
In the citing paper
“Furthermore, both previous meta-analyses focused on specific positive psychological interventions, whereas our study included a number of different therapeutic interventions.”
From Can We Increase Psychological Well-Being? The Effects of Interventions on Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2016) · cites this paper as [11]
In the citing paper
“The effect size of psychological well-being is somewhat lower than the standardized mean difference of .61 that was reported in a meta-analysis by Sin and Lyubomirsky (11) and somewhat higher than the effect of .20 for psychological well-being in a meta-analysis by Bolier et al. [12].”
From Can We Increase Psychological Well-Being? The Effects of Interventions on Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2016) · cites this paper as [11]
In the citing paper
“Positive psychology interventions (PPIs), such as mindful self-awareness, gratitude expression, and identifying and utilizing strengths, have been shown to impact both well-being and depressive symptoms [29-31].”
From MoodHacker Mobile Web App With Email for Adults to Self-Manage Mild-to-Moderate Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial (2016) · cites this paper as [29]
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“Third, the benefits of PPIs increased linearly with age, perhaps due to the greater wisdom and more effective emotional regulation and self-regulation associated with older age (Carstensen, Isaacowitz, & Charles, 1999; Linley et al., 2007).”
Background
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 2
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Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction Meditation Technique for Teacher Burnout: A Qualitative Study
Schnaider‐Levi, L., Mitnik, I., Zafrani, K., Goldman, Z., & Lev‐Ari, S. (2017) · Mind Brain and Education · doi:10.1111/mbe.12137 · Cited by 20
The Impact of an Integrated Gratitude Intervention on Positive Affect and Coping Resources
Klibert, J., Rochani, H. D., Samawi, H. M., LeLeux-LaBarge, K., & Ryan, R. G. (2019) · International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology · doi:10.1007/s41042-019-00015-6 · Cited by 25
Psychologist Self-Care During the Pandemic: Now More Than Ever
Norcross, J. C., & Phillips, C. M. (2020) · Journal of Health Service Psychology · doi:10.1007/s42843-020-00010-5 · Cited by 20
“Gratitude exercises are among the best documented and researched successes in positive psychology, they decrease negative affect and increase well-being (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundHendriks, T., Schotanus-Dijkstra, M., Graafsma, T., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & de Jong, J. T. V. M. (2020) · International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology · doi:10.1007/s41042-020-00037-5 · Cited by 21
Impact of WeChat‐based 'three good things' on turnover intention and coping style in burnout nurses
Guo, Y., Plummer, V., Cross, W. M., Lam, L., & Zhang, J. (2020) · Journal of Nursing Management · doi:10.1111/jonm.13111 · Cited by 20
On the Role of Mental Health Activities for Teachers’ Work and Life
Hofmann, H., Groß, D., & Kohlmann, C. (2020) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-020-09885-4 · Cited by 27
Exploring the Impact of a Character Strengths Intervention on Well-Being in Indian Classrooms
Khanna, P., Singh, K. K., & Proctor, C. (2021) · School Mental Health · doi:10.1007/s12310-021-09450-w · Cited by 24
Improving Employee Mental Health Through an Internet-Based Job Crafting Intervention
Uglanova, E., & Dettmers, J. (2022) · Journal of Personnel Psychology · doi:10.1027/1866-5888/a000304 · Cited by 20
Nagai, Y., Kisaka, Y., Nomura, K., Nishitani, N., Andoh, C., Koda, M., Kawai, H., Seiriki, K., Nagayasu, K., Kasai, A., et al. (2023) · Cell Reports · doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112149 · Cited by 21
The Role of Positive and Negative Aspects of Life Events in Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms
Yarrington, J. S., Metts, A. V., Zinbarg, R. E., Nusslock, R., Wolitzky-Taylor, K. B., Hammen, C. L., Kelley, N. J., Bookheimer, S. Y., & Craske, M. G. (2023) · Clinical Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/21677026221141654 · Cited by 28
“For example, positive-emotion inductions predicted subsequent reductions in negative affect (Fred-rickson et al., 2008; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
Pastore, O. L., & Fortier, M. (2023) · Health Promotion International · doi:10.1093/heapro/daad107 · Cited by 24
Xiao, F., Zhang, Z., Zhou, J., Wu, H., Zhang, L., Lin, M., & Hu, L. (2023) · Nurse Education in Practice · doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103796 · Cited by 29
How WeChat, the Most Popular Social Network in China, Cultivates Wellbeing
Wu, J. (2014) · Scholarly Commons (University of Pennsylvania) · Cited by 21
Walker, M. (2011) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118357309 · Cited by 23
Improving well-being with a gratitude exercise in Japanese workers: A randomized controlled trial
Otsuka, Y. (2012) · International Journal of Psychology and Counselling · doi:10.5897/ijpc11.031 · Cited by 20
“PPIs are treatment methods or intentional activities that aim to cultivate positive feelings, behaviors, or cognitions (Sin and Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundStones, M. J., Kozma, A., McNeil, K., & Worobetz, S. (2011) · Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement · doi:10.1017/s0714980811000365 · Cited by 26
“Although these fi ndings support top-down directionality, Sin and Lyubomirsky ( 2009 ) provided evidence for bottom-up directionality in a meta-analysis of 51 intervention studies of intentional activities intended to promote positive feelings, positive behaviors, or positive cognitions.”
BackgroundInfluentialBuitendach, J., Bobat, S., Muzvidziwa, R. F., & Kanengoni, H. (2016) · Psychology and Developing Societies · doi:10.1177/0971333615622895 · Cited by 24
“Employee well-being is viewed not only as the absence of disorders but also as the presence of positive psychological resources (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundBell, C. M., Davis, D. E., Griffin, B. J., Ashby, J. S., & Rice, K. G. (2016) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2016.1209545 · Cited by 20
Evidence-based coaching to enhance senior students’ wellbeing and academic striving
Dulagil, A., Green, S., & Ahern, M. M. (2016) · International Journal of Wellbeing · doi:10.5502/ijw.v6i3.426 · Cited by 24
Ho, H. C. Y., Mui, M. W.-K., Wan, A., Stewart, S. M., Yew, C. W.-S., Lam, T. H., & Chan, S. S. C. (2017) · Journal of Child and Family Studies · doi:10.1007/s10826-017-0788-3 · Cited by 19
“Positive psychology interventions are effective for promoting various well-being outcomes such as life satisfaction, happiness, positive affect, optimism, and resilience (Odou and Vella-Brodrick 2013; Pietrowsky and Mikutta 2012; Sin and Lyubomirsky 2009).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialWalsh, S., Szymczyńska, P., Taylor, S. J., & Priebe, S. (2018) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2018.07.003 · Cited by 19
“Evidence suggests that such interventions may improve wellbeing and reduce symptoms of depression (Bolier et al., 2013b; Sin and Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundPentti, S., Fagerlund, Å., & Nyström, P. (2019) · International Journal of Wellbeing · doi:10.5502/ijw.v9i4.1003 · Cited by 26
“A meta-analysis (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009) revealed that PPIs both significantly increased well-being and effectively treated and alleviated depressive symptoms.”
Kedroske, J., Koblick, S., Chaar, D., Mazzoli, A., O’Brien, M., Yahng, L., Vue, R., Chappell, G., Shin, J. Y., Hanauer, D. A., et al. (2019) · JMIR Formative Research · doi:10.2196/17077 · Cited by 19
“Simple strategies aimed at enhancing positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors have been shown to be effective and highly scalable [23-25].”
Backgroundvan Nieuwerburgh, C. J., Barr, M., Fouracres, A. J. S., Moin, T., Brown, C., Holden, C., Lucey, C., & Thomas, P. (2021) · Coaching An International Journal of Theory Research and Practice · doi:10.1080/17521882.2021.1897637 · Cited by 22
“…found, the interventions have been classified either as PPIs, for example meta-analysis studies by Bolier et al. (2013), Carr et al. (2020), Meyers et al. (2013) and Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009), or as coaching, for example meta-analysis studies by Grover and Furnham (2016) and Sonesh et al. (2015).”
BackgroundMethodConceptual framework for a positive psychology coaching practice
Burke, J. (2018) · The Coaching Psychologist · doi:10.53841/bpstcp.2018.14.1.16 · Cited by 20
What do clients want from therapy? A practice-friendly review of research into client preferences
McLeod, J. (2012) · European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling · doi:10.1080/13642537.2012.652390 · Cited by 25
Mazzucchelli, T. G., Rees, C. S., & Kane, R. T. (2009) · The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist · doi:10.1017/s1754470x09990201 · Cited by 20
“The effect sizes for the primary outcome measures achieved in this study compare favourably to other studies that have attempted to increase measures of well-being (Mazzucchelli et al. in press; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundResultPutwain, D. W., Symes, W., & Remedios, R. (2016) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2016.08.042 · Cited by 20
“Interventions reported in the positive psychology and positive education literatures have shown that reflecting on one’s strengths can help to strengthen confidence and efficacious beliefs (e.g., Oades et al., 2011; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009; Waters, 2011).”
Positive Technologies for Improving Health and Well-Being
Botella, C., Baños, R., & Guillén, V. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-51787-2_13 · Cited by 19
Correlates of well-being among Canadians with mood and/or anxiety disorders
Orpana, H., Vachon, J., Pearson, C., Elliott, K., Smith, M. J., & Branchard, B. (2016) · Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada · doi:10.24095/hpcdp.36.12.04 · Cited by 21
Phillips, J. (2016) · Evidence-based practices in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-40537-7_10 · Cited by 22
Existential psychological therapies: An overview of empirical research
Vos, J. (2023) · Pratiques Psychologiques · doi:10.1016/j.prps.2023.06.001 · Cited by 19
Using Social Network Sites to Boost Savoring: Positive Effects on Positive Emotions
Yu, S., Sheldon, K. M., Lan, W.-P., & Chen, J.-H. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17176407 · Cited by 19
“A number of studies have already demonstrated that PIs can enhance individual well-being and relieve depression [2,8,10,11].”
BackgroundHappiness Goal Orientations and their Associations with Well-Being
Krasko, J., Schweitzer, V. M., & Luhmann, M. (2020) · Journal of Well-Being Assessment · doi:10.1007/s41543-020-00029-x · Cited by 17
Hoppen, T. H., & Nexhmedin Morina, B. (2021) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046017 · Cited by 19
Wu, A. M. S., Lai, M. H. C., Zhang, M., Yogo, M., Yu, S. M., Mao, S., & Chen, J. H. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19052951 · Cited by 22
“Recent positive psychology studies have identified personal and social resources such as coping flexibility, mindfulness, and social support, which may promote positive coping of distress and enhance psychosocial wellbeing [32,33].”
Background“It’s loving yourself for you”: Happiness in trans and nonbinary adults.
Tebbe, E. A., Bell, H. L., Cassidy, K., Lindner, S., Wilson, E., & Budge, S. L. (2022) · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · doi:10.1037/sgd0000613 · Cited by 24
Murphy, S. L., Chen, Y. T., Alore, M., Hicks, S., Pape, A., Hassett, A. L., Kratz, A. L., Whibley, D., Harper, A. E., Huang, S., et al. (2023) · Arthritis Care & Research · doi:10.1002/acr.25253 · Cited by 22
“23,25,26 Second, program materials, including the RENEW website and app, were developed in partnership with individuals with SSc at the forefront to counter the typical provider – patient power dynamic.”
BackgroundMoscovitch, D. A., White, K., & Hudd, T. (2023) · Clinical Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/21677026231195792 · Cited by 20
“…years, which are conceptualized as purposeful strategies that can be self-administered in daily life for the purpose of temporarily boosting subjective psychological well-being (Bolier et al., 2013; Bryant et al., 2005; Meyers et al., 2013; Miguel-Alvaro et al., 2021; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundHassett, A. L., Goesling, J., Mathur, S., Moser, S. E., Brummett, C. M., & Sibille, K. T. (2016) · Clinical Journal of Pain · doi:10.1097/ajp.0000000000000350 · Cited by 20
Iddon, J., Dickson, J. M., & Unwin, J. (2016) · International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology · doi:10.1007/s41042-016-0003-6 · Cited by 19
“The search terms were identified taking into account those used in existing reviews of the positive psychology evidence base (Bolier et al. 2013; Sin & Lyubomirsky 2009) and the most commonly-used terminology within this area.”
BackgroundMethodMak, V. W. M., & Chan, C. K. Y. (2018) · Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health · doi:10.1002/cbm.2047 · Cited by 19
“Among mainstream psychological interventions, positive psychological intervention (PPI) is considered to be a promising approach that emphasises the cultivation of positive cognition, feelings and behaviours (Parks-Sheiner, 2009; Sin and Lyubomirsky, 2009; Bolier et al., 2013).”
BackgroundAndrews, E. E. E., & Hicks, R. E. (2017) · International Journal of Psychological Studies · doi:10.5539/ijps.v9n4p53 · Cited by 19
“…that are based upon the principles of psychological wellbeing, such as aiming to cultivate positive emotions, feelings, behaviours, and cognitions, have been found to significantly improve overall wellbeing and reduce the presentation of mental health conditions (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialGörges, F., Oehler, C., von Hirschhausen, E., Hegerl, U., & Rummel‐Kluge, C. (2018) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2018.03.001 · Cited by 19
“Although, technically, the idea of PPIs was not to fix something pathological or deficient (Sin and Lyubomirsky 2009), the effects of such techniques on mental illness (Walsh et al.”
BackgroundTagalidou, N., Baier, J., & Laireiter, A. (2019) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2019.100242 · Cited by 19
“Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) found in their meta-analysis that participants who decided to participate independently benefited more from PPIs than participants who did not decide to participate independently.”
BackgroundResultInfluentialMünder, T., Karcher, A., Yadikar, Ö., Szeles, T., & Gumz, A. (2019) · Zeitschrift für psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie · doi:10.13109/zptm.2019.65.2.144 · Cited by 18
Can positivity be counterproductive when suffering domestic abuse?: A narrative review
Sinclair, E., Hart, R., & Lomas, T. (2020) · International Journal of Wellbeing · doi:10.5502/ijw.v10i1.754 · Cited by 26
“Many PPIs can be used as mood boosting strategies even in clinical populations (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009; Ruini, 2017; Layous, Chancellor & Lyubomirsky, 2014).”
BackgroundLong-term effects and impact of a positive psychology intervention for Brazilian retirees
Durgante, H. B., Bedin, L. M., de Lima, M. P., & Dell’Aglio, D. D. (2020) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-020-00683-7 · Cited by 18
“…Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) which have been evidenced effective for the improvement of general health, also in the treatment and alleviation of psychopathology (Bolier et al. 2013; Knapp and Beck 2008; McGrath 2016; Seligman et al. 2005; Sin and Lyubomirsky 2009; Sutipan et al. 2016).”
BackgroundInfluentialAnxiety and excitement in the fourth industrial revolution: A systems- psychodynamic perspective
Mayer, C., & Oosthuizen, R. M. (2021) · SA Journal of Industrial Psychology · doi:10.4102/sajip.v47i0.1813 · Cited by 18
“Meta-analyses of the impacts of mediations found that such interventions have noteworthy impacts on positive influence or the related development of happiness (Bolier et al., 2013; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundAlexiou, E., Kotsoni, A., & Stalikas, A. (2021) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2021.123025 · Cited by 21
“Positive psychology interventions are defined as treatment methods or intentional activities that aim to cultivate positive emotions, behaviors and cognitions, as well as positive aspects of perso- DOI: 10.4236/psych.2021.123025 394 Psychology nality (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundInfluentialMarshall, J. M., Dunstan, D. A., & Bartik, W. J. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.775775 · Cited by 19
Lai, L., Ding, S., Zhong, Z., Mao, P., Sun, N., & Zheng, F. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.896415 · Cited by 19
Yuan, Q., Liu, S., Tang, S. W., & Zhang, D. (2014) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-685 · Cited by 19
Weiss, L., Westerhof, G. J., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2013) · Health and Quality of Life Outcomes · doi:10.1186/1477-7525-11-159 · Cited by 19
“First of all, the study belongs to the 10% of the largest studies in the field of positive psychology [16,27].”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialFranke, K. B., Huebner, E. S., & Hills, K. J. (2016) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-016-9763-8 · Cited by 22
“Sin and Lyubormirsky (2009) have also argued persuasively that, in order for higher levels of PE (and perhaps subsequent high LS) to be sustainable, individuals must continue to engage the various, systematic practices (e.g., acts of kindness, grateful thinking, mindfulness meditation) that…”
BackgroundForm Matters: Design Creativity in Positive Psychological Interventions
Desmet, P., & Sääksjärvi, M. (2016) · Psychology of Well-Being Theory Research and Practice · doi:10.1186/s13612-016-0043-5 · Cited by 19
Earley, C., Joyce, C., McElvaney, J., Richards, D., & Timulák, L. (2017) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2017.07.003 · Cited by 22
Kraiss, J. T., ten Klooster, P. M., Chrispijn, M., Trompetter, H. R., Stevens, A. W. M. M., Neutel, E., Kupka, R., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2018) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1916-3 · Cited by 20
Brief mindfulness, mental health, and cognitive processes: A randomized controlled trial
Cerna, C., García, F. E., & Téllez, A. (2019) · PsyCh Journal · doi:10.1002/pchj.325 · Cited by 20
Improving the Capacity to Treat Depression using Talking Therapies
Dunn, B. D., & Roberts, H. (2016) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118468197.ch13 · Cited by 19
LaFreniere, L. S., & Newman, M. G. (2024) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2024.104541 · Cited by 19
Appiah, R., Fadiji, A. W., Wissing, M. P., & Schutte, L. (2021) · International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1080/17482631.2021.1891760 · Cited by 26
“…in well-being and mental health, more generally, but not behavioural changes (see Odou & Vella-Brodrick, 2013; Pietrowsky & Mikutta, 2012; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009), partly due to the lack of qualitative research to explore the factors and mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of these…”
BackgroundBringmann, H. C., Vennemann, J., Gross, J., Matko, K., & Sedlmeier, P. (2021) · The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/acm.2021.0038 · Cited by 18
“28 The theme of empowerment (found in the subthemes ‘‘realizing new opportunities,’’ ‘‘recognizing and setting boundaries,’’ and ‘‘conscious interactions’’) has also been reported in qualitative studies of (primarily) body-oriented yoga for people with depression, 29,30 but it was less prominent…”
Cheung, A., Chao, G. C. N., Lau, E., Leung, A. N. M., & Chui, H. T. (2021) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-021-09959-x · Cited by 25
Michalski, C. A., Diemert, L. M., Hurst, M., Goel, V., & Rosella, L. C. (2022) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050057 · Cited by 17
Psychological Well-Being of Modern Students: Typology and Targets of Psychological Help
Samokhvalova, A. G., Shipova, N. S., Tikhomirova, E. V., & Vishnevskaya, O. N. (2022) · Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy · doi:10.17759/cpp.2022300103 · Cited by 19
“40 включающей все аспекты обучения, начиная от климата и заканчивая способом преподавания академических дисциплин [9; 29; 31].”
Vîrgă, D., Rusu, A., Pap, Z., Maricutoiu, L. P., & Tisu, L. (2022) · Applied Psychology · doi:10.1111/apps.12451 · Cited by 26
Green, Z. A. (2024) · Studies In Educational Evaluation · doi:10.1016/j.stueduc.2024.101343 · Cited by 22
Prydz, M. B., Czajkowski, N. O., Eilertsen, M., Røysamb, E., & Nes, R. B. (2024) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/49050 · Cited by 18
Stauber, S., Schmid, J., Saner, H. E., Znoj, H., Saner, G., Grolimund, J., & von Känel, R. (2012) · Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings · doi:10.1007/s10880-012-9311-6 · Cited by 18
“Also a new avenue of psychotherapy research specifically focuses on cultivating positive emotions, behaviors or cognitions (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundHolidays against depression? An Ethiopian Australian initiative
Filep, S., & Bereded-Samuel, E. (2011) · Current Issues in Tourism · doi:10.1080/13683500.2011.594161 · Cited by 18
“A major review of these strategies (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009) shows that such interventions significantly enhance happiness levels (mean r ¼ 0.29) and decrease depressive symptoms (mean r ¼ 0.31).”
BackgroundInfluentialThe say ‘yes’ to life (SYTL) program: A positive psychology group intervention for depression
Carr, A., & Finnegan, L. (2015) · Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy · doi:10.1007/s10879-014-9269-9 · Cited by 18
“Meta-analyses of 25 studies by Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) and 14 studies by Boiler et al.”
BackgroundMethodLA PSICOLOGÍA POSITIVA Y SUS ENEMIGOS: UNA RÉPLICA EN BASE A LA EVIDENCIA CIENTÍFICA
Vázquez, C. (2013) · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cited by 23
Gander, F., Proyer, R. T., & Ruch, W. (2017) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-017-9909-3 · Cited by 20
“Two recent meta-analyses support the notion that such interventions are effective strategies for increasing well-being and ameliorating depression (Bolier et al., 2013; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundInterventions efficaces en psychologie positive: Une revue systématique.
Sitbon, A., Shankland, R., & Martin‐Krumm, C. (2018) · Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne · doi:10.1037/cap0000163 · Cited by 28
“De fait, des personnes qui avaient choisi d’intégrer un programme de psychologie positive ont vu leur bien-être davantage s’améliorer et leurs symptômes dépressifs diminuer de façon plus prononcée que ceux qui avaient été sélectionnés (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundInfluentialElyasi, F., Douki, H. E., & Hasanzadeh, R. (2019) · Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences · doi:10.4103/jnms.jnms_33_18 · Cited by 18
Hope as a Mediator of Bullying Involvement and Emotional Difficulties in Children
Carney, J. V., Kim, C.-D., Duquette, K., Guo, X., & Hazler, R. J. (2019) · Journal of Counseling & Development · doi:10.1002/jcad.12286 · Cited by 18
Developing authentic happiness: Growth curve models to assess lifelong happiness
Tanzer, J. R. (2019) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2019.1689419 · Cited by 22
Positive psychological interventions and cognition
Stone, B. M., & Schmidt, K. (2020) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2020.1789714 · Cited by 17
Shin, L. J., Margolis, S., Walsh, L. C., Kwok, S. Y. C. L., Yue, X., Chan, C., Siu, N. Y.-F., Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021) · Affective Science · doi:10.1007/s42761-020-00029-3 · Cited by 19
Self-citationRudnik, A. A., Anikiej‐Wiczenbach, P., Szulman-Wardal, A., Conway, P., & Bidzan, M. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635378 · Cited by 23
“We also shared materials from programs similar to those prepared for our regular patients in hospitals, with some interesting activities based on positive psychology, such as practicing optimistic thinking or writing gratitude letters (Sin and Lyubomirsky, 2009; Yamaguchi et al., 2020).”
MethodPierobon, A., Giardini, A., Callegari, S., & Majani, G. (2011) · PubMed · Cited by 18
Sanjuán, P., Ruiz, Á., & García, A. M. P. (2010) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-010-9243-5 · Cited by 19
“If these results are confirmed by further studies, then it would strengthen the idea, in line with what modern positive psychology advocates, that intervention must be aimed not only at reducing or eliminating the negative characteristics, but also at enhancing the positive ones ( Sin and Lyubomirsky 2009 ).”
ResultVulpe, A., & Dafinoiu, I. (2011) · Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.376 · Cited by 20
“As some studies have shown, the psychotherapeutic interventions designed to stimulate the experience of positive emotions using positive psychology techniques determine the reduction or the alleviation of depressive symptoms (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009; Seligman et al., 2006).”
BackgroundAdaptation and Validation of the Steen Happiness Index into Polish
Kaczmarek, L. D., Stańko-Kaczmarek, M., & Dombrowski, S. U. (2010) · Polish Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.2478/v10059-010-0013-3 · Cited by 19
“For instance, the effectiveness of positive, or happiness-boosting, interventions depends on the culture of participants (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundBurns, R. A., Sargent‐Cox, K. A., Mitchell, P. L. R., & Anstey, K. J. (2014) · Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology · doi:10.1007/s00127-014-0864-6 · Cited by 18
“43) [48].”
BackgroundLi, H., Tucker, J. D., Holroyd, E. A., Zhang, J., & Jiang, B. (2016) · Archives of Sexual Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10508-016-0894-0 · Cited by 18
Depression and cardiovascular disease: have a happy day--just smile!
Pitt, B., & Deldin, P. (2010) · European Heart Journal · doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehq031 · Cited by 18
“Activities such as regularly expressing gratitude, choosing an optimistic framework, regularly carrying out acts of kindness, repeatedly writing or talking about negative (not positive) life events, regularly visualizing one’s best possible self, savouring joyful events, attending to and learning to appreciate life’s…”
BackgroundGörges, F., Oehler, C., von Hirschhausen, E., Hegerl, U., & Rummel‐Kluge, C. (2020) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22886 · Cited by 16
Flourish-HE: An online positive education programme to promote university student wellbeing
Morgan, B. E., Simmons, L. K., & Ayles, N. (2023) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2023.1124983 · Cited by 20
García, P. Á. C., & Ruiz, S. S. (2025) · Journal of Intelligence · doi:10.3390/jintelligence13040042 · Cited by 41
“…positive results (jointly in emotional attention and clarity, life satisfaction, and happiness, but particularly in attention and life satisfaction), with a small effect size, in line with other interventions such as those by Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009), Vally et al. (2019), respectively.”
The influence of character strengths on mental health
Kim, J.-Y., & Kwon, S. (2013) · The Korean Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.15842/kjcp.2013.32.4.002 · Cited by 17
van Zyl, L. E., Zondervan-Zwijnenburg, M. A. J., Dickens, L. R., & Hulshof, I. L. (2020) · International Review of Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/09540261.2020.1809357 · Cited by 20
“…design is similar to how “self-help books” present activities to readers in an attempt to provide structured guidelines on how to enhance their wellbeing; without therapeutic input or active guidance from a professional (Schueller & Parks, 2012; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009; Van Zyl & Rothmann, 2014).”
BackgroundGloor, S., Gonin-Spahni, S., Znoj, H., & Perrig-Chiello, P. (2021) · Journal of Social and Personal Relationships · doi:10.1177/02654075211009594 · Cited by 12
“Interventions aiming to improve subjective well-being have been shown to be effective and particularly favorable for older people (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundTrom, P., & Burke, J. (2021) · Coaching An International Journal of Theory Research and Practice · doi:10.1080/17521882.2021.1936585 · Cited by 24
“Two meta-analyses about the effect of PPIs on wellbeing concluded that indeed, PPIs are associated with enhancement of both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being (Bolier et al., 2013; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundFamily Harmony and Flourishing in Turkey: The Roles of Interdependent Happiness and Harmony in Life
Demırcı, İ. (2021) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-021-00437-7 · Cited by 17
Grenawalt, T. A., Umucu, E., Reyes, A., Baylin, A., Strauser, D. R., Tansey, T. N., & Wagner, S. (2021) · Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin · doi:10.1177/00343552211025509 · Cited by 23
“Research has demonstrated positive psychology interventions that address one or more domains of PERMA can have a positive effect on well-being (Cohn & Fredrickson, 2010; Seligman et al., 2005; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).”
BackgroundIqbal, N., & Dar, K. A. (2021) · Child Indicators Research · doi:10.1007/s12187-021-09871-8 · Cited by 19
McTiernan, K., Gullon-Scott, F., & Dudley, R. E. J. (2021) · Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy · doi:10.1007/s10879-021-09522-7 · Cited by 18
“This included two metaanalyses of positive psychology interventions (Bolier et al., 2013; Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009) three systematic reviews in mental health services (Santos et al., 2013; Schrank et al., 2013; Walsh et al., 2017) four systematic reviews in physical health services (Casellas-Grau…”
BackgroundResultLancastle, D., Hill, J., Faulkner, S., & Cousins, A. L. (2022) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0264837 · Cited by 17
“Future evaluations of the PRCI should include prospective, randomised controlled studies and include factors such as diagnosis, prognosis, and personal circumstances [58] to fully understand the extent to which the PRCI might be beneficial.”
Method
Metadata
- Authors
- Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S.
- Affiliations
- University of California, Riverside (US)
- Corresponding author
- Sin, Nancy L.
- Lyubomirsky, Sonja
- Venue
- Journal of Clinical Psychology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2009-03-19
- Volume
- 65
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 467-487
- ISSN
- 0021-9762 (ISSN-L)
- 1097-4679
- OpenAlex
- W2038506024
- Cited by
- 2,955
- References
- 69
- Citations by year
- 2026: 107 · 2025: 175 · 2024: 168 · 2023: 196 · 2022: 231 · 2021: 319 · 2020: 257 · 2019: 246 · 2018: 214 · 2017: 186 · 2016: 212 · 2015: 182 · 2014: 157 · 2013: 104 · 2012: 80
- FWCI
- 9.14
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Journal of Clinical Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- eScholarship (California Digital Library) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Keywords
- positive psychology interventions, well-being, depressive symptoms, depression treatment, intervention effectiveness, self-selection, intervention duration, age differences, clinician guidance
- MeSH terms
- Depression, Depressive Disorder, Emotions, Humans, Personal Satisfaction, Psychology, Clinical, Psychotherapy, Treatment Outcome
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