Abstract
The impact of nine strengths-based positive interventions on well-being and depression was examined in an Internet-based randomized
placebo-controlled study. The aims of the study were to: (1) replicate findings on the effectiveness of the gratitude visit, three good things, and using character strengths interventions; (2) test variants of interventions (noting three good things for 2 weeks; combining the gratitude visit and three good things interventions; and noting three funny things for a week); and (3) test the effectiveness of the counting kindness, gift of time, and another door opens-interventions in an online setting. A total of 622 adults subjected themselves to one of the nine interventions or to a placebo
control exercise (early memories) and thereafter estimated their degrees of happiness and depression at five times (pre- and
post-test, 1-, 3-,
placebo-controlled study. The aims of the study were to: (1) replicate findings on the effectiveness of the gratitude visit, three good things, and using character strengths interventions; (2) test variants of interventions (noting three good things for 2 weeks; combining the gratitude visit and three good things interventions; and noting three funny things for a week); and (3) test the effectiveness of the counting kindness, gift of time, and another door opens-interventions in an online setting. A total of 622 adults subjected themselves to one of the nine interventions or to a placebo
control exercise (early memories) and thereafter estimated their degrees of happiness and depression at five times (pre- and
post-test, 1-, 3-,
and 6 months follow-up). Eight of the nine interventions increased happiness; depression was decreased in all groups, including
the placebo control group. We conclude that happiness can be enhanced through some “strengths-based” interventions. Possible
mechanisms for the effectiveness of the interventions are discussed.
the placebo control group. We conclude that happiness can be enhanced through some “strengths-based” interventions. Possible
mechanisms for the effectiveness of the interventions are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-19
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9380-0
- Authors
- Fabian Gander, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/7, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- René T. Proyer, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/7, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Willibald Ruch, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/7, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Tobias Wyss, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/7, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978