Effectiveness of positive psychology interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

A meta-analysis of positive psychology intervention (PPIs) studies was conducted. PPIs were defined as interventions in which the goal of wellbeing enhancement was achieved through pathways consistent with positive psychology theory. Data were extracted from 347 studies involving over 72,000 participants from clinical and non-clinical child and adult populations in 41 countries. The effect of PPIs with an average of ten sessions over six weeks offered in multiple formats and contexts was evaluated. At post-test, PPIs had a significant small to medium effect on wellbeing (g = 0.39), strengths (g = 0.46), QoL (g = 0.48), depression (g = −0.39), anxiety (g = −0.62), and stress (g = −0.58). Gains were maintained at three months follow-up. Individuals in non-western countries with clinical problems, who engaged in longer individual or group therapy programs containing multiple PPIs benefited most. This meta-analysis shows that PPIs have an extensive evidence base supporting their effectiveness.

KEYWORDS:

• Positive psychology interventions
• positive psychology interventions meta-analysis
• positive psychology interventions systematic review
• positive psychotherapy
• quality of life
• wellbeing
• strengths
• depression
• anxiety

Disclosure statement

There was no conflict of interests in conducting this study.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was supported by funding from UCD.