Ilona Papousek1, Günter Schulter. 1. Department of Psychology, Karl Franzens University of Graz, Austria. ilona.papousek@uni-graz.at
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In spite of extensive evidence indicating that affective traits can influence health, conclusive studies on a potential preventive value of systematical mood improvement have been relatively sparse. In part, this may be due to the lack of appropriate and proven behavioral intervention methods. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test a newly developed intervention method for its effectiveness to enhance cheerfulness and to improve aspects of psychological well-being and subjective health that may be advanced by increased levels of cheerfulness. METHOD: The key element of the "Cheerfulness Training," which follows a behavioral therapy approach, is that imaginations of personal shortcomings, annoyances, and unpleasant situations are coupled with a self-induced positive affective state by conditioning processes. RESULTS: Experimental findings demonstrated a pronounced enhancement of cheerfulness that was accompanied by reduced feelings of stress and improved psychological well-being and subjective health. Effects were stronger in participants with lower levels of trait seriousness. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that the training is effective in enhancing cheerfulness and that successfully enhancing cheerfulness also promotes more general improvement of well-being.
BACKGROUND: In spite of extensive evidence indicating that affective traits can influence health, conclusive studies on a potential preventive value of systematical mood improvement have been relatively sparse. In part, this may be due to the lack of appropriate and proven behavioral intervention methods. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test a newly developed intervention method for its effectiveness to enhance cheerfulness and to improve aspects of psychological well-being and subjective health that may be advanced by increased levels of cheerfulness. METHOD: The key element of the "Cheerfulness Training," which follows a behavioral therapy approach, is that imaginations of personal shortcomings, annoyances, and unpleasant situations are coupled with a self-induced positive affective state by conditioning processes. RESULTS: Experimental findings demonstrated a pronounced enhancement of cheerfulness that was accompanied by reduced feelings of stress and improved psychological well-being and subjective health. Effects were stronger in participants with lower levels of trait seriousness. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that the training is effective in enhancing cheerfulness and that successfully enhancing cheerfulness also promotes more general improvement of well-being.
Authors: Lisa Kugler; Christof Kuhbandner; Sarah Gerum; Christian Hierl; Tino Münster; Bernadette Offereins; Lea Sophie Lutterbach Journal: J Pain Res Date: 2021-10-07 Impact factor: 3.133
Authors: Robert M Montgomery; Eliane M Boucher; Ryan D Honomichl; Tyler A Powell; Sharelle L Guyton; Samantha L Bernecker; Sarah Elizabeth Stoeckl; Acacia C Parks Journal: JMIR Cardio Date: 2021-11-19