René T Proyer1, Fabian Gander2, Kay Brauer1, Garry Chick3. 1. Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. 2. University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. 3. The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While there are numerous applications of play-based interventions, there is little research on playfulness-based interventions. We applied interventions that aim at stimulating playfulness and test effects on happiness and depressive symptoms. METHOD: In a randomised placebo-controlled online intervention, N = 533 participants were assigned to one of three 1-week playfulness conditions (i.e. three playful things, using playfulness in a new way, and counting playfulness) or a placebo condition. Participants reported on global playfulness, facets of playfulness, well-being, and depression at pretest, posttest, and at follow-ups after 2, 4, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All interventions increased expressions in all facets of playfulness, had short-term effects on well-being, and ameliorated depression. CONCLUSION: Overall, findings suggest that playfulness can be stimulated by short self-administered interventions.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: While there are numerous applications of play-based interventions, there is little research on playfulness-based interventions. We applied interventions that aim at stimulating playfulness and test effects on happiness and depressive symptoms. METHOD: In a randomised placebo-controlled online intervention, N = 533 participants were assigned to one of three 1-week playfulness conditions (i.e. three playful things, using playfulness in a new way, and counting playfulness) or a placebo condition. Participants reported on global playfulness, facets of playfulness, well-being, and depression at pretest, posttest, and at follow-ups after 2, 4, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All interventions increased expressions in all facets of playfulness, had short-term effects on well-being, and ameliorated depression. CONCLUSION: Overall, findings suggest that playfulness can be stimulated by short self-administered interventions.