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Qualitative analysis of the Best Possible Self intervention: Underlying mechanisms that influence its efficacy

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  • Alba Carrillo
  • Marian Martínez-Sanchis
  • Ernestina Etchemendy
  • Rosa M Baños

Abstract

Background: The Best Possible Self is a Positive Psychology Intervention which asks participants to write down about themselves in their best possible future. Previous studies have shown its efficacy to enhance wellbeing, but the mechanisms that underlie its efficacy are still unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the content of the essays of the BPS intervention and to examine how this content was related to the efficacy of the intervention to increase positive affect. Method: Participants (N = 78) were randomized to either the Best Possible Self condition, or one of two variants of the intervention: one’s best self in the present, and one’s best self in the past. Qualitative analyses of the texts were carried out to explore the main themes and features of the essays. Then, a mixed-methods approach with quantitative and qualitative data was followed, in order to analyze the relationship between the content of the texts and the change in positive affect produced by the interventions. Results: Significant differences between conditions were found in the content of the compositions. Regression analyses showed that different variables predicted the change in positive affect depending on the condition. Mediation analyses also found differences among conditions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that these interventions respond to different underlying mechanisms which influence their efficacy. This study contributed to a better understanding of how Positive Psychology Interventions work, and how to increment their efficacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Alba Carrillo & Marian Martínez-Sanchis & Ernestina Etchemendy & Rosa M Baños, 2019. "Qualitative analysis of the Best Possible Self intervention: Underlying mechanisms that influence its efficacy," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(5), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0216896
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216896
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    1. David Newman & Louis Tay & Ed Diener, 2014. "Leisure and Subjective Well-Being: A Model of Psychological Mechanisms as Mediating Factors," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 555-578, June.
    2. Natasha Odou & Dianne Vella-Brodrick, 2013. "The Efficacy of Positive Psychology Interventions to Increase Well-Being and the Role of Mental Imagery Ability," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 110(1), pages 111-129, January.
    3. Eric Hill & Heather Terrell & Andrea Arellano & Blake Schuetz & Craig Nagoshi, 2015. "A Good Story: Using Future Life Narratives to Predict Present Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(6), pages 1615-1634, December.
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    1. Amelia Dennis & Jane Ogden, 2022. "Nostalgia, Gratitude, or Optimism: The Impact of a Two-Week Intervention on Well-Being During COVID-19," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2613-2634, August.

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