Jenny Guidi1, Chiara Rafanelli1, Giovanni A Fava1,2. 1. a Department of Psychology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy. 2. b Department of Psychiatry , State University of New York at Buffalo , Buffalo , New York , USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: There are several clinical areas where psychological well-being may play an important role: the assessment of the dynamic balance between ill-being and well-being; reduction of incidence, prevention of recurrence and achievement of full recovery in psychiatric disorders such as depression; patient's satisfaction and perceived change after treatment. The aim of this article is to discuss the clinical role of Well-Being Therapy (WBT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A critical review of the literature concerned with psychological well-being and its treatment was performed. WBT is a short-term psychotherapeutic strategy that emphasizes self-observation of psychological well-being, with the use of a structured diary, cognitive restructuring of interfering thoughts and/or behaviors through cognitive behavioral techniques, and homework assignments (i.e. pursuing optimal experiences). WBT is based on a multidimensional model of psychological well-being that was originally developed by Marie Jahoda and it is aimed at achieving a state of euthymia. RESULTS: WBT has been validated in a number of randomized controlled trials. The sequential combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and WBT has mainly characterized its use so far. Illustration of a clinical case exemplifies its application and the potential role of psychological well-being in the clinical process. CONCLUSIONS: Even though more randomized controlled trials concerned with WBT are needed, consideration of psychological well-being may unravel innovative approaches to the prevention, assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
PURPOSE: There are several clinical areas where psychological well-being may play an important role: the assessment of the dynamic balance between ill-being and well-being; reduction of incidence, prevention of recurrence and achievement of full recovery in psychiatric disorders such as depression; patient's satisfaction and perceived change after treatment. The aim of this article is to discuss the clinical role of Well-Being Therapy (WBT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A critical review of the literature concerned with psychological well-being and its treatment was performed. WBT is a short-term psychotherapeutic strategy that emphasizes self-observation of psychological well-being, with the use of a structured diary, cognitive restructuring of interfering thoughts and/or behaviors through cognitive behavioral techniques, and homework assignments (i.e. pursuing optimal experiences). WBT is based on a multidimensional model of psychological well-being that was originally developed by Marie Jahoda and it is aimed at achieving a state of euthymia. RESULTS: WBT has been validated in a number of randomized controlled trials. The sequential combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and WBT has mainly characterized its use so far. Illustration of a clinical case exemplifies its application and the potential role of psychological well-being in the clinical process. CONCLUSIONS: Even though more randomized controlled trials concerned with WBT are needed, consideration of psychological well-being may unravel innovative approaches to the prevention, assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
Authors: Boheng Zhu; Sara Gostoli; Giada Benasi; Chiara Patierno; Maria Letizia Petroni; Chiara Nuccitelli; Giulio Marchesini; Giovanni Andrea Fava; Chiara Rafanelli Journal: Int J Clin Health Psychol Date: 2021-11-18