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An integrative theory-driven positive emotion regulation intervention.

Fanny Weytens, Olivier Luminet, Lesley L Verhofstadt, Moïra Mikolajczak

PLoS One April 23, 2014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095677 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 113
Population Undergraduate students
Intervention Loving-Kindness Meditation training
Duration 6-week program
Topics Depression Meditation
Keywords Humans Personal satisfaction Emotions Happiness Adolescent Female Young adult
Key findings Fewer participants dropped out of the Positive Emotion Regulation (PER) program than the loving-kindness meditation training. Compared with wait-list controls, the PER group showed significant increases in subjective well-being and life satisfaction and significant decreases in depression and physical symptoms. The authors suggest the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation can effectively organize and deliver positive integrative interventions.

Abstract

Over the past fifteen years, positive psychology research has validated a set of happiness enhancing techniques. These techniques are relatively simple exercises that allow happiness seekers to mimic thoughts and behavior of naturally happy people, in order to increase their level of well-being. Because research has shown that the joint use of these exercises increases their effects, practitioners who want to help happiness seekers need validated interventions that combine several of these techniques. To meet this need, we have developed and tested an integrative intervention (Positive Emotion Regulation program - PER program) incorporating a number of validated techniques structured around a theoretical model: the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation. To test the effectiveness of this program and to identify its added value relative to existing interventions, 113 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a 6-week positive emotion regulation pilot program, a loving-kindness meditation training program, or a wait-list control group. Results indicate that fewer participants dropped out from the PER program than from the Loving-Kindness Meditation training. Furthermore, subjects in the PER group showed a significant increase in subjective well-being and life satisfaction and a significant decrease in depression and physical symptoms when compared to controls. Our results suggest that the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation can be an effective option to organize and deliver positive integrative interventions.

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