Best possible selves in times of crisis: randomized controlled trial of best possible self-interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendous impact on public mental health and on psychological resources such as optimism. In this context, positive psychological interventions like the best possible self (BPS) intervention may be useful tools for resource activation. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial, conducted between January and December 2021, compared BPS (n = 87), C-BPS (n = 85), and daily activity writing groups (DA; n = 82) on psychological outcomes. Each group completed a writing task over four consecutive weeks. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANCOVA, controlling for age, gender, educational attainment, relationship status, current work status, dyslexia (perceived or diagnosed), and perceived social support. The BPS led to short-term increases in positive affect and mood, and decreases in negative affect. However, this effect was limited to the first week, but the trajectories suggest temporal trends that warrant further investigation. In addition, the approach holds promise for specific groups (e.g. people with depression).

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