Small to moderate effectiveness: 0.49
What is Positive Psychology?
1. Scientific study of what makes life worth living (the good life)
2. Emphasizes happiness, well-being, positivity, and social ties
3. Techniques: writing gratitude letters, learning optimistic thinking, replaying positive life experiences, making personal goals, focusing on personal strengths, and socializing with others.
Evidence:
0.29 small effect: improved well-being (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009)
0.31 small effect: reduced depression symptoms (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009)
0.53 moderate effect: reduced depression symptoms (Burckhardt, Rowan, Vijaya Manicavasagar, Philip J. Batterham, & Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic, 2016)
0.74 moderate to large effect: reduced stress (Burckhardt, Rowan, Vijaya Manicavasagar, Philip J. Batterham, & Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic, 2016)
0.57 moderate to large effect: reduced depression and anxiety combined (Burckhardt, Rowan, Vijaya Manicavasagar, Philip J. Batterham, & Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic, 2016)
Burckhardt, Rowan, Vijaya Manicavasagar, Philip J. Batterham, and Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic. (2016). “A randomized controlled trial of strong minds: A school-based mental health program combining acceptance and commitment therapy and positive psychology.” Journal Of School Psychology 57, 41-52.
Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 467-487. doi:10.1002/jclp.20593
How To Therapy 