People who had a depressed status, as opposed to a non-depressed status, have benefited more from positive psychology interventions than non-depressed individuals. This could be explained by "floor effect," that is depressed individuals may simply have more room to improve. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Several factors have been identified that can influence the effectiveness of PPIs on wellbeing and depressive symptoms, which include: 
- Depression status
- Self-selection
- Age of participants 
- Format of treatment 

Several factors that can impact the effectiveness of Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) 

Sin, N.L. and Lyubomirsky, S. (2009), Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: a practice-friendly meta-analysis. J. Clin. Psychol., 65: 467-487. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20593

Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: a practice-friendly meta-analysis

People who voluntarily elected to participate in positive psychology interventions were more likely to experience greater rewards in their well-being and depression compared to individuals who did not self-select their participation in PPIs. This could be explained by individuals expecting that the intervention would make them feel happier or less depressed. 

Self-selection's effect on efficiency of Positive Psychology Interventions 

Type of intervention format had a significant moderating effect on the effectiveness of PPIs. The mean effect size was greatest for individual therapy, which was followed by group-administered PPIs, then self-administered PPIs. Therefore, practitioners providing PPIs as part of individual therapy, followed by group therapy, can expect the highest benefits for their patients. 

Intervention format's effect on the efficiency of Positive Psychology Interventions 

Results from multiple studies revealed that the benefits of PPIs tend to increase with age. Older age groups displayed larger decreases in depression. Perhaps this is due to the greater wisdom and more effective emotional regulation and self-regulation that is typically associated with older age. 

Learn Before

Related