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The role of optimism for mental well-being in a positive psychology intervention

Klösters, J.C. (2019) The role of optimism for mental well-being in a positive psychology intervention.

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Abstract:Introduction: In recent years, growing evidence suggests that increasing mental health proves to be an effective way of reducing symptoms of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. This study investigates the role of optimism in mental well-being. A secondary analysis was conducted on a positive psychological self-help intervention to ascertain the relationship between optimism and mental well-being and to find out if optimism can be effectively improved by taking part in a positive psychological intervention. Methods: A total of 275 participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=137) which received self-help book or to a wait-list control condition (n=138). They filled in online self-reporting questionnaires at baseline and after three and six months. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyse the relation between optimism and mental well-being. A repeated measures ANOVA analysis was used to determine to what extent optimism had increased after the intervention. Results: A significant positive correlation between optimism and mental well-being has been found at all times of measurement. This correlation was particularly strong three and six months after the start of the intervention. The repeated measures ANOVA analysis revealed a significant and time-stable increase in levels of optimism after the intervention for both the merged group and the experimental group. Discussion: The findings of this study underline the importance of optimism for mental well-being. Furthermore, the results indicate that optimism could be well-suited as a component of future positive psychological interventions. Additional research is necessary to establish the effects of other similar concepts on mental well-being.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Unknown organization, Deutschland
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/79505
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