Why Studies in the Effect of Positive Psychological Interventions Should Use Life-Satisfaction as an Outcome.

Journal: Frontiers in psychology

Volume: 12

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Abstract summary 

The effect of positive psychological interventions (PPIs) is mostly assessed using self-report measures of positive mental health. These measures are problematic because (1) the content addressed is often not clear, (2) different scales are used to assess different notions of positive mental health, which impedes comparability, (3) the concept of positive mental health involves objective capabilities which are not well measurable using subjective self-estimates, and (4) the concept behind the measures denotes presumed chances for adaptation to life rather than adaptation as such. Therefore, we should also measure the effect of PPIs using life-satisfaction, which is (a) a clear-cut concept and as such tells us what an intervention brings about, (b) is well measurable using self-reports, since it is a subjective concept, (c) it allows better comparability across studies, and (d) it indicates actual adaptation to life instead of strengthening of presumed of chances for adaptation.

Authors & Co-authors:  Veenhoven Ruut R

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Bergsma A., Buijt I. & Veenhoven R. (2020). Will happiness-trainings make us happier? A research synthesis using an online findings-archive. In: van Zyl L. E., Rothmann S. eds. Positive Organizational Interventions: Contemporary Theories, Approaches and Applications. Lausanne: Frontiers Media, 177–208.
Authors :  1
Identifiers
Doi : 758623
SSN : 1664-1078
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
hedonic happiness;measurement of positive mental health;outcome measures;positive mental health;positive psychological interventions
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
Switzerland