Cited by 319Psychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesMindfulness and Compassion Interventions

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Behavioral activation interventions for well-being: A meta-analysis

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Mazzucchelli, Trevor G., Kane, Robert T., Rees, Clare S.·2010·The Journal of Positive Psychology

DOI 10.1080/17439760903569154PMC PMC2882847

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Abstract

One of the most promising ways to increase well-being is to engage in valued and enjoyable activities. Behavioral activation (BA), an intervention approach most commonly associated with the treatment of depression, is consistent with this recommendation and can easily be adapted for non-clinical populations. This study reports on a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies to examine the effect of BA on well-being. Twenty studies with a total of 1353 participants were included. The pooled effect size (Hedges's g) indicated that the difference in well-being between BA and control conditions at posttest was 0.52. This significant effect, which is comparable to the pooled effect achieved by positive psychology interventions, was found for non-clinical participants and participants with elevated symptoms of depression. Behavioral activation would seem to provide a ready and attractive intervention for promoting the well-being of a range of populations in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

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“Based on research on behavioral activation, specific activities that positively influence mental health were used to create the suggested recreational activities [21].”
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“On the other hand, as described above, some researchers (Mazzucchelli et al., 2010; Hale & Spates, 2015) have noted that behavioral activation might be useful and appropriate for non-depressed individuals.”
Background
Efficacy of a smartphone-based intervention — “Holidaily” — promoting recovery behaviour in workers after a vacation: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
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“It has also been shown to improve a range of other depression-related phenomena, such as anxiety [19], sleep [20], emotional and social support [21,22], obesity [23], and general well-being, among those without clinical diagnoses [24].”
Background
Working in the real world: a review of sociological concepts of health and well‐being and their relation to modern mental health nursing
Blakeman, P., & FORD, L. (2011) · Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2011.01818.x · Cited by 15

Authors: Mazzucchelli, T. G., Kane, R. T., & Rees, C. S.
Affiliations: Curtin University (AU)
Corresponding author: Mazzucchelli, Trevor G.
ORCID: Mazzucchelli, Trevor G.
Kane, Robert T.
Rees, Clare S.
Venue: The Journal of Positive Psychology
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2010-03
Volume: 5
Issue: 2
Pages: 105-121
ISSN: 1743-9760 (ISSN-L)
1743-9779
DOI: 10.1080/17439760903569154
PMC: PMC2882847
OpenAlex: W1970182819
Cited by: 319
References: 83
Citations by year: 2026: 29 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 45 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 4
FWCI: 1.22
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Locations: The Journal of Positive Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
eSpace (Curtin University) (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: behavioral activation, well-being, positive psychology interventions, depression, non-clinical population, valued activities

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Behavioral activation interventions for well-being: A meta-analysis

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