Journal article
The Best Possible Selves Intervention: A Review of the Literature to Evaluate Efficacy and Guide Future Research
Journal of Happiness Studies, Vol.19(2), pp.607-628
2018
Abstract
Since its inception in 2001, the best possible selves (BPS) activity has been the focus of more than 30 studies which have shown it to be a viable intervention for increasing optimism, positive affect, health and well-being. It is timely to critically review the findings from the BPS literature and suggest directions for future research. The majority of BPS studies have used an experimental methodology and have administered the BPS activity to diverse groups including students, adults, depressive individuals and suicidal inpatients. The BPS intervention can be effective when administered in-person or on-line and repeating the activity appears to enhance efficacy. Suggestions for future research include: (a) investigation of mediator variables, (b) additional outcome variables such as hope and appreciation, (c) comparative studies regarding dosage to enhance effectiveness, (d) extension of the BPS into a best-possible-other activity, (e) diversity of delivery methods, and (f) thematic content analysis of BPS text.
Details
- Title
- The Best Possible Selves Intervention: A Review of the Literature to Evaluate Efficacy and Guide Future Research
- Authors
- Paula M Loveday (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and LawGeoff Lovell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and LawChristian M Jones (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Journal of Happiness Studies, Vol.19(2), pp.607-628
- Publisher
- Springer Netherlands
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10902-016-9824-z
- ISSN
- 1389-4978
- Organisation Unit
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451037302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
2 File views/ downloads
1615 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
- Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites