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My Best Self in the Past, Present or Future: Results of Two Randomized Controlled Trials

Author

Listed:
  • Alba Carrillo

    (Harvard Medical School
    Massachusetts General Hospital
    University of Valencia)

  • Ernestina Etchemendy

    (University of Valencia)

  • Rosa M. Baños

    (University of Valencia
    Instituto Carlos III)

Abstract

The best possible self (BPS), defined as a future-oriented Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI), has shown to be effective to increase wellbeing levels in previous studies. However, it is unknown if the future frame is an essential constituent for the efficacy of this exercise. This work was aimed at exploring the role of the temporal focus in the efficacy of the BPS intervention. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were carried out, in which participants (N = 112 and N = 107) were randomized to writing about their past, present or future best self, or about the activities carried out during the last 24 h (control condition). The main outcome measure was positive affect, and other measures related to wellbeing were also included (satisfaction with life, happiness, optimism, self-efficacy and self-satisfaction). It was hypothesized that all three experimental conditions would be equally effective to increase wellbeing and that they would produce larger benefits than the control condition. Results of both RCTs showed that all conditions significantly increased their wellbeing levels, which could imply that varying the temporality of the BPS does not affect the efficacy of the intervention. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control conditions. Implications of these results will be discussed. This study contributes to the research on the mechanisms that influence the effectiveness of a widely used PPI.

Suggested Citation

  • Alba Carrillo & Ernestina Etchemendy & Rosa M. Baños, 2021. "My Best Self in the Past, Present or Future: Results of Two Randomized Controlled Trials," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 955-980, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00259-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00259-z
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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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    4. Jack Bauer & Dan McAdams & Jennifer Pals, 2008. "Narrative identity and eudaimonic well-being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 81-104, January.
    5. Michael Fordyce, 1988. "A review of research on the happiness measures: A sixty second index of happiness and mental health," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 355-381, August.
    6. 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.
    7. Alba Carrillo & María Rubio-Aparicio & Guadalupe Molinari & Ángel Enrique & Julio Sánchez-Meca & Rosa M Baños, 2019. "Effects of the Best Possible Self intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(9), pages 1-23, September.
    8. Leonie Manthey & Viktor Vehreschild & Karl-Heinz Renner, 2016. "Effectiveness of Two Cognitive Interventions Promoting Happiness with Video-Based Online Instructions," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 319-339, February.
    9. Fred Bryant & Colette Smart & Scott King, 2005. "Using the Past to Enhance the Present: Boosting Happiness Through Positive Reminiscence," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 6(3), pages 227-260, September.
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    Cited by:

    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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