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

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.

Keywords:

• behavioral activation
• happiness
• happiness interventions
• intervention
• meta-analysis
• positive psychology
• treatment
• well-being

Notes

Notes

1. k ₀ = k[MES _k/MES_c–1], where k ₀ is the number of effect sizes with a value of zero needed to reduce the mean effect size to MES_c, k is the number of studies in the mean effect size, MES_k is the weighted mean effect size, and MES_c is the criterion effect size level (Rosenthal, 1979).

2. k _c = 5k + 10, where k _c is the critical number of studies, k is the number of studies in the mean effect size (Rosenthal, 1979).