Best Possible Self Intervention Clinical Trial
Official title:
Efficacy of Best Possible Self Intervention Over Time: A Randomized Control Trial
This study is aimed to test the efficacy of a Positive Psychology Intervention (Best Possible Self) over optimism, future expectancies and positive affect at mid-term, in comparison to a control group. The principal hypothesis is that Best Possible Self intervention will enhance significantly the levels of optimism and positive affect in comparison to the control group at short and mid-term.
Over the last fifteen years, research in the field of positive psychology has increased
exponentially (Bolier, Haverman, Westerhof, Riper, Smit & Bohlmeijer, 2013; Sin &
Lyubomirsky, 2009). These studies have shown that positive moods and positive emotions lead
people to think, feel, and act in favor of their approach goals, promoting their involvement
in them (Lyubomirsky, 2001). One of the main arms of this framework, is the development of
exercises and treatment protocols aimed to promote the appearance of different positive
emotions and states, called Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs).
In this sense, Best Possible Self (BPS) has been included as a PPI, since is aimed to
enhance wellbeing. Specifically, BPS is a positive future thinking technique, which requires
people to envision themselves in the future, after everything has gone as good as it
possibly could. This exercise has shown efficacy improving optimism, future expectancies and
positive affect compared to a control condition, in general population (Meevissen, Peters &
Alberts, 2011; Sheldon &Lyubomirsky, 2012; Peters, Flink, Boersma & Linton, 2010).
Furthermore, the progress of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), has allowed
the development of technology applications and devices that could enhance the quality of
experience and the wellbeing levels. This approach is called Positive Technology (PT) and it
can be used as a complement to PPIs. PT can be defined as the scientific and applied
approach to improve the quality of our personal experience trying to increase wellness and
generate strengths (Riva, Baños, Botella, Wiederhold & Gaggioli, 2012).
Taking into account the prior literature, the aim of the present study is to carry out a
randomized controlled study in order to replicate the findings about the effects of BPS on
optimism, mood and affect in young general population. The exercise will be applied through
a Positive Technology system and the effects will be analyzed during four months. The design
employed in this study is similar to the used in other studies (Meevissen et al, 2011;
Renner, Schwarz, Peters & Huibers, 2014; Sheldon & Lyubomirsky, 2006).
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Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Subject), Primary Purpose: Treatment