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Looking Forward: The Effect of the Best-Possible-Self Intervention on Thriving Through Relative Intrinsic Goal Pursuits

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  • Johannes Bodo Heekerens

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • Kathrin Heinitz

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

Abstract

How do positive interventions work? We hypothesized that an increase in the importance individuals place on intrinsic rather than extrinsic goal pursuits (relative intrinsic goal pursuits; RIGP) explains the effectiveness of the best possible self (BPS) intervention. We randomized 128 mainly female psychology undergraduates to perform either the BPS intervention or a daily activities control. We assessed thriving (comprehensive inventory of thriving) and RIGP (Aspiration Index) before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the intervention. Results from a cross-lagged panel design path analysis indicate that the BPS intervention effectively increased thriving (r = .11, p = .010). However, RIGP do not mediate the intervention effect (95% CI [− 0.01, 0.01]). Our results challenge predictions derived from self-determination theory. We suggest that future studies test goal ambivalence as a mediator.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Bodo Heekerens & Kathrin Heinitz, 2019. "Looking Forward: The Effect of the Best-Possible-Self Intervention on Thriving Through Relative Intrinsic Goal Pursuits," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(5), pages 1379-1395, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-018-9999-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-9999-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kristin Layous & S. Katherine Nelson & Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2013. "What Is the Optimal Way to Deliver a Positive Activity Intervention? The Case of Writing About One’s Best Possible Selves," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 635-654, April.
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    3. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve & Ed Diener & Louis Tay & Cody Xuereb, 2013. "The Objective Benefits of Subjective Well-Being," CEP Discussion Papers dp1236, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
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