A randomized crossover trial to test the effects of positive psychology intervention delivered by text messaging

Abstract

Positive psychology (PP) interventions delivered through technology have shown encouraging results. In a crossover design, we randomized 60 participants recruited from the community to two weeks of either text messaging-based PP exercises or control exercises, before being crossed over to receive the other condition. Participants were compensated for maintaining high response rates to the texts. Participants reported greater satisfaction and had higher engagement in the program when PP exercises were received first. Overall, PP exercises did not improve moods significantly more than control exercises. However, baseline depressive symptoms significantly moderated the effect of condition on change in depressive symptoms (p < 0.032) and negative affect (p < 0.006), such that regular completion of exercises resulted in better mood outcomes compared to control exercises for those with high depressive symptoms at baseline. Results suggest that completing PP exercises through text messaging can improve moods in those who have elevated depressive symptoms.

Keywords:

• Positive psychology
• text messaging
• technology
• happiness intervention
• gratitude