University of Twente Student Theses
Effects on mental well-being and depressive symptoms of online positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis
El Menshawy, N. (2018) Effects on mental well-being and depressive symptoms of online positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis.
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| Abstract: | Background: Positive psychology interventions are increasingly being delivered through the Internet and less is known about the efficacy, while many of such interventions have been developed in recent years. A meta-analysis has been conducted on the effects on mental well-being and depressive symptoms of online positive psychology interventions (OPPIs). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PsychINFO and Scopus. A random effects model was used for pooled effect sizes. The presence of heterogeneity has been examined by the indicators: Q-statistic and I2-statistic. Publication bias has been addressed using the indices: funnel plots and fail-safe number. Results: The inclusion criteria resulted in nine studies were included in this study, comprising 17 and 15 comparisons with well-being and depressive symptoms outcome measures respectively. OPPIs were all self-help interventions. Results showed a small but significant positive effect for both outcomes (well-being g=.18 and for depressive symptoms g=.14). Heterogeneity was rather high. For mental wellbeing, interventions were more effective if they were of longer duration. For depressive symptoms, indications for publication bias were found. Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis show that OPPIs can be effective for enhancing well-being, as well as for reducing depressive symptoms. Additional high-quality peer-reviewed studies in diverse (clinical) populations are needed to strengthen the evidence-base for OPPIs. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/75794 |
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