Abstract
The advent of positive psychology has triggered research into positive interventions, which focus on strengths instead of
deficits. The present study aims to investigate the effects of gratitude and strengths-based interventions on happiness and
depressive symptoms against a control group, as well as to explore personality traits as moderator variables of the potential
effectiveness of these interventions. A total of 122 participants completed at least two stages of the research. Data were
collected at three stages—baseline pre-test, post-intervention assessment, and 1-month follow-up assessment. The findings
partially support the effectiveness of the gratitude and strengths-based interventions in increasing happiness and decreasing
depressive symptoms compared to a control group. Two personality domains showed significance as moderator variables. More
research is needed to enable a higher degree of control when administering these promising interventions.
deficits. The present study aims to investigate the effects of gratitude and strengths-based interventions on happiness and
depressive symptoms against a control group, as well as to explore personality traits as moderator variables of the potential
effectiveness of these interventions. A total of 122 participants completed at least two stages of the research. Data were
collected at three stages—baseline pre-test, post-intervention assessment, and 1-month follow-up assessment. The findings
partially support the effectiveness of the gratitude and strengths-based interventions in increasing happiness and decreasing
depressive symptoms compared to a control group. Two personality domains showed significance as moderator variables. More
research is needed to enable a higher degree of control when administering these promising interventions.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-22
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9344-4
- Authors
- Konrad Senf, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Institut für Psychologie II, Postfach 4120, 39116 Magdeburg, Germany
- Albert Kienfie Liau, Nanyang Technological University, Psychological Studies Academic Group National Institute of Education, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616 Singapore
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978