A preliminary evaluation of an applied positive psychology framework in Sweden — ASN Events
  1. Schedule
  2. Afternoon Tea & Poster Session 2
  3. A preliminary evaluation of an applied positive psychology framework in Sweden

A preliminary evaluation of an applied positive psychology framework in Sweden (#905)

Kristoffer Walsund 1 2 , Rebecca Linder 1 , Monica Bergman 1 2 , Stefan Berglund 1 , Sakari Kallio 1 2
  1. Cognitive neuroscience and philosophy, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
  2. Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

Background

 Since 2008, an applied positive psychology framework has been developed and applied to real-world clients within the curriculum of an applied positive psychology bachelor program at the University of Skövde, Sweden. The framework is established in accordance with principles of evidence-based psychological practice (APA, 2006) with the purpose to effectively promote individual mental well-being. Furthermore, the framework is continuously updated based on the current best scientific knowledge in relation to measurements, interventions, models of change, client work etcetera.

Aims

 The aim is to present a preliminary evaluation of the framework when applied to real-world clients.

Method

 Between 2014 and 2022, a total of 366 individuals met with trainees in applied positive psychology for 6-9 weekly individual psychoeducational counseling sessions. Initially, clients baseline level of mental well-being was assessed using the PANAS (Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988), the SWLS (Diener et al., 1985), and the QOLI (Frisch, 1994). Subsequently, clients were assisted to set a goal responding to a specific mental well-being component. Trainees and clients then met for weekly follow-up sessions to evaluate and plan the ongoing process. Continuously, goal-directed interventions based on the best current scientific knowledge were presented and action plans were constructed. At the end, clients' mental well-being outcome levels were again assessed, and clients were supported to summarize their process and to construct a long-term action plan.

Results

 For the full sample, paired samples t-tests showed that measures of positive affect increased from 33,1 (SD=6,8) to 37,1 (6,2) [p<.001, d=-0.58], measures of negative affect decreased from 20,0 (6,5) to 16,9 (5,4) [p<.001, d=0.52], measures of life satisfaction increased from 24,2 (5,7) to 27,0 (5,0) [p<.001, d=-0.69], and domain life satisfaction increased from 2,1 (1,2) to 2,8 (1,0) [p<.001, d=-0.77].

Conclusion

 Preliminary evaluation of an applied positive psychology framework in Sweden seems promising in effectively promoting individual mental well-being. Thus, this may serve as a starting point for further investigations and developments of the framework.

 

  1. APA Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice. (2006). Evidence-based practice in psychology. The American Psychologist, 61(4), 271-285.
  2. Watson, D., Clark, L. A., & Tellegen, A. (1988). Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: the PANAS scales. Journal of personality and social psychology, 54(6), 1063.
  3. Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of personality assessment, 49(1), 71-75.
  4. Frisch, M. B. (1994). Quality of life inventory (QOLI). Minneapolis, MN: National Computer Systems.
  • Please select up to 3 keywords from the following list to best describe your submission content: Coaching, Education, Psychotherapy
#IPPAWorldCongress