Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Positive Interventions and Their Effectiveness with Clinical Populations

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Positive Psychology in the Clinical Domains

Abstract

This chapter is aimed at emphasizing the importance of promoting positive functioning in clinical settings. Common technical strategies shared by positive and clinical interventions are discussed. In order to provide clinicians with a toolkit of positive psychology strategies, the main positive psychotherapeutic strategies aimed at promoting positive functioning, that have been developed and tested in clinical trials are described: Well-being Therapy, Quality of Life therapy, Positive Psychotherapy and Strengths based Counseling. Finally, the chapter provides an overview on the beneficial effects of positive interventions, as well as on their possible paradoxical effects. Clinical implications are then discussed, with a special recommendation of integrating psychotherapy research design when testing and implementing positive interventions.

Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means,

And so make for themselves different modes of life and different forms of government

Aristotle

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Ahn, H., & Wampold, B. E. (2001). Where oh where are the specific ingredients? A meta-analysis of component studies in counseling and psychotherapy. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 48(3), 251–257. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.48.3.251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Albieri, E., Visani, D., Offidani, E., Ottolini, F., & Ruini, C. (2009). Well-being therapy in children with emotional and behavioral disturbances: A pilot investigation. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78(6), 387–390. doi:10.1159/000235983.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alfonso, J., Datu, D., & King, R. B. (2016). Prioritizing positivity optimizes positive emotions and life satisfaction: A three-wave longitudinal study. Personality and Individual Differences, 96, 111–114. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2016.02.069.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin, S. A., Wampold, B. E., & Imel, Z. E. (2007). Untangling the alliance-outcome correlation: Exploring the relative importance of therapist and patient variability in the alliance. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(6), 842–852. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.75.6.842.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bannink, F. P. (2014). Positive CBT: From reducing distress to building success. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 44(1), 1–8. doi:10.1007/s10879-013-9239-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D. H. (2010). Negative effects from psychological treatments: A perspective. The American Psychologist, 65(1), 13–20. doi:10.1037/a0015643.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ben-Shahar, T. (2002). The question of happiness: On finding meaning, pleasure, and the ultimate currency. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beutler, L. E., Moleiro, C., & Talebi, H. (2002). Resistance in psychotherapy: What conclusions are supported by research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(2), 207–217. doi:10.1002/jclp.1144.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biswas-Diener, R., Kashdan, T. B., & Minhas, G. (2011). A dynamic approach to psychological strength development and intervention. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 6(2), 106–118. doi:10.1080/17439760.2010.545429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2013). Positive psychology interventions: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 119. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-119.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Catalino, L. I., Algoe, S. B., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2014). Prioritizing positivity: An effective approach to pursuing happiness? Emotion, 14(6), 1155–1161.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Derubeis, R. J., Cohen, Z. D., Forand, N. R., Fournier, J. C., Gelfand, L. A., & Lorenzo-luaces, L. (2014). The Personalized Advantage Index: Translating research on prediction into individualized treatment recommendations. A demonstration. PLoS One, 9(1), 1–8. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083875.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith, H. L. (1999). Subjective weil-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125(2), 276–302. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.125.2.276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, B. D. (2012). Helping depressed clients reconnect to positive emotion experience: Current insights and future directions. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 19(4), 326–340. doi:10.1002/cpp.1799.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, C. J., Cella, M., Tarrier, N., & Wykes, T. (2015). Predicting the future in schizophrenia: The discrepancy between anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Psychiatry Research, 229(1–2), 462–469. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.091.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (1974). Self observation versus flooding in the treatment of agoraphobia. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 12(3), 229–237. doi:10.1016/0005-7967(74)90119-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fava, G. A., & Bech, P. (2016). The concept of euthymia. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 85(1), 1–5. doi:10.1159/000441244.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fava, G. A., & Ruini, C. (2003). Development and characteristics of a well-being enhancing psychotherapeutic strategy: Well-being therapy. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 34(1), 45–63. doi:10.1016/S0005-7916(03)00019-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fava, G. A., Rafanelli, C., Cazzaro, M., Conti, S., & Grandi, S. (1998). Well-being therapy. A novel psychotherapeutic approach for residual symptoms of affective disorders. Psychological Medicine, 28(2), 475–480. doi:10.1017/S0033291797006363.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fava, G. A., Ruini, C., Rafanelli, C., Finos, L., Conti, S., & Grandi, S. (2004). Six-year outcome of cognitive behavior therapy for prevention of recurrent depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(10), 1872–1876. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.161.10.1872.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fava, G. A., Ruini, C., Rafanelli, C., Finos, L., Salmaso, L., Mangelli, L., & Sirigatti, S. (2005). Well-being therapy of generalized anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 74(1), 26–30. doi:10.1159/000082023.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fava, G. A., Ruini, C., Rafanelli, C., & Grandi, S. (2002). Cognitive behavior approach to loss of clinical effect during long-term antidepressant treatment: A pilot study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(12), 2094–2095. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.12.2094.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Favrod, J., Giuliani, F., Ernst, F., & Bonsack, C. (2010). Anticipatory pleasure skills training: A new intervention to reduce anhedonia in Schizophrenia. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 46(3), 171–181. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6163.2010.00255.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, K., Parker, G., Paterson, A., Fava, M., Iosifescu, D., & Pizzagalli, D. A. (2015). Anhedonia in melancholic and non-melancholic depressive disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders, 184, 81–88. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.05.028.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. The American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Frisch, M. B. (2006). Quality of life therapy. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frisch, M. B. (2013). Evidence-based well-being/positive psychology assessment and intervention with Quality of Life Therapy and Coaching and the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI). Social Indicators Research, 114(2), 193–227. doi:10.1007/s11205-012-0140-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gander, F., Proyer, R. T., Ruch, W., & Wyss, T. (2013). Strength-based positive interventions: Further evidence for their potential in enhancing well-being and alleviating depression. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(4), 1241–1259. doi:10.1007/s10902-012-9380-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geraghty, A. W. A., Wood, A. M., & Hyland, M. E. (2010). Dissociating the facets of hope: Agency and pathways predict dropout from unguided self-help therapy in opposite directions. Journal of Research in Personality, 44(1), 155–158. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2009.12.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, P., McEwan, K., Gibbons, L., Chotai, S., Duarte, J., & Matos, M. (2012). Fears of compassion and happiness in relation to alexithymia, mindfulness, and self-criticism. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 85(4), 374–390. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8341.2011.02046.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, S. B., Rousmaniere, T., Miller, S. D., Whipple, J., Nielsen, S. L., Hoyt, W. T., & Wampold, B. E. (2016). Do psychotherapists improve with time and experience? A longitudinal analysis of outcomes in a clinical setting. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 1–11. doi:10.1037/cou0000131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haidt, J. (2002). It’s more fun to work on strengths than weaknesses (but it may not be Better for you). Retrieved from http://people.stern.nyu.edu/

  • Hansen, N. B., Lambert, M. J., & Forman, E. M. (2002). The psychotherapy dose-response effect and its implications for treatment delivery services. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. doi:10.1093/clipsy/9.3.329.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hone, L. C., Jarden, A., & Schofield, G. M. (2015, August). An evaluation of positive psychology intervention effectiveness trials using the re-aim framework: A practice-friendly review. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10, 1–20. doi:10.1080/17439760.2014.965267

    Google Scholar 

  • Horan, W. P., Kring, A. M., & Blanchard, J. J. (2006). Anhedonia in schizophrenia: A review of assessment strategies. Schizophr Bull, 32(2), 259–273. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbj009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huibers, M. J. H., Cohen, Z. D., Lemmens, L. H. J. M., & Arntz, A. (2015). Predicting optimal outcomes in cognitive therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed individuals using the Personalized Advantage Index approach. PLoS One., 10(11), e0140771. doi:10.5061/dryad.m112v.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Huppert, F. A. (2004). A population approach to positive psychology: The potential for population interventions to promote well-being and prevent disorder. In A. Linley, & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 1–16). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeste, D. V., Palmer, B. W., Rettew, D. C., & Boardman, S. (2015, June). Positive psychiatry: Its time has come. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(6), 675–683. doi:10.4088/JCP.14nr09599.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joseph, S. (2015). Positive therapy: Building bridges between positive psychology and person-centred psychotherapy. London: Taylor & Francis Retrieved from https://books.google.it/books?id=vusjCQAAQBAJ.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joshanloo, M., & Weijers, D. (2014). Aversion to happiness across cultures: A review of where and why people are averse to happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 15(3), 717–735. doi:10.1007/s10902-013-9489-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karwoski, L., Garratt, G. M., & Ilardi, S. S. (2006). On the integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression and positive psychology. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 20(2), 159–170. doi:10.1891/jcop.20.2.159.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kashdan, T. B. (2002). Social anxiety dimensions, neuroticism, and the contours of positive psychological functioning. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 26(6), 789–810. doi:10.1023/A:1021293501345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kashdan, T. B. (2007). Social anxiety spectrum and diminished positive experiences: Theoretical synthesis and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(3), 348–365. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2006.12.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krentzman, A. R. (2012). Review of the application of positive psychology to substance use, addiction, and recovery research. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 27(1), 151–165. doi:10.1037/a0029897.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kuyken, W., Dalgleish, T., & Holden, E. R. (2007). Advances in cognitive-behavioural therapy for unipolar depression. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 52(1), 5–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lilienfeld, S. O. (2007). Psychological treatments that cause harm. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2(1), 53–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., & Layous, K. (2013). How do simple positive activities increase well-being? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(1), 57–62. doi:10.1177/0963721412469809.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111–131. doi:10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacLeod, A., & Luzon, O. (2014). The place of psychological well-being in cognitive therapy. In G. A. Fava, & C. Ruini (Eds.), Increasing psychological well-being in clinical and educational settings SE - 3 (Vol. 8, pp. 41–55). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-94-017-8669-0_3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mongrain, M., & Anselmo-Matthews, T. (2012). Do positive psychology exercises work? A replication of seligman et al. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(4), 382–389. doi:10.1002/jclp.21839.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Myers, L. B., & Brewin, C. R. (1996). Illusions of well-being and the repressive coping style. British Journal of Social Psychology, 35(Pt 4), 443–457. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8309.1996.tb01107.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owen, J., Adelson, J., Budge, S., Wampold, B., Kopta, M., Minami, T., & Miller, S. (2015). Trajectories of change in psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(9), 817–827. doi:10.1002/jclp.22191.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Padesky, C. A., & Mooney, K. A. (2012). Strengths-based cognitive-behavioural therapy: A four-step model to build resilience. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 19(4), 283–290. doi:10.1002/cpp.1795.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues. A handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press http://doi.org/313971759.

    Google Scholar 

  • Proyer, R. T., Gander, F., Wellenzohn, S., & Ruch, W. (2015a, April). Strengths-based positive psychology interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled online trial on long-term effects for a signature strengths-vs. A lesser strengths-intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 456. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00456.

    Google Scholar 

  • Proyer, R. T., Wellenzohn, S., Gander, F., & Ruch, W. (2015b). Toward a better understanding of what makes positive psychology interventions work: Predicting happiness and depression from the person × intervention fit in a follow-up after 3.5 years. Applied Psychology. Health and Well-Being, 7(1), 108–128. doi:10.1111/aphw.12039.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quoidbach, J., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Psychological bulletin positive interventions: An emotion regulation perspective positive interventions: An emotion regulation perspective. Psychological Bulletin, 141(3), 655–693.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rashid, T. (2009). Positive interventions in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 461–466. doi:10.1002/jclp.20588.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rashid, T. (2015). Positive psychotherapy: A strength-based approach. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(1), 25–40. doi:10.1080/17439760.2014.920411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., & Fava, G. A. (2009). Well-being therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 510–519.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., & Fava, G. A. (2012). Role of well-being therapy in achieving a balanced and individualized path to optimal functioning. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 19(4), 291–304. doi:10.1002/cpp.1796.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., & Fava, G. A. (2013). The polarities of psychological well being and their response to treatment [Las polaridades del bienestar psicológico y su respuesta al tratamiento]. Terapia Psicologica, 31(1), 49–57 Retrieved from http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84876550947&partnerID=40&md5=1231fe805bbf078c2496266db3972ef3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., & Ottolini, F. (2014). The use of narrative strategies based on fairytales as a novel, integrative ingredient in CBT: A case report. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 10(2), 121–124. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2013.12.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., Albieri, E., & Vescovelli, F. (2015). Well-being therapy: State of the art and clinical exemplifications. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 45(2), 129–136. doi:10.1007/s10879-014-9290-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., Belaise, C., Brombin, C., Caffo, E., & Fava, G. A. (2006). Well-being therapy in school settings: A pilot study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 75(6), 331–336. doi:10.1159/000095438.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruini, C., Ottolini, F., Tomba, E., Belaise, C., Albieri, E., Visani, D., … Fava, G. A. (2009). School intervention for promoting psychological well-being in adolescence. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 40(4), 522–532. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2009.07.002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rust, T., Diessner, R., & Reade, L. (2009). Strengths only or strengths and relative weaknesses? A preliminary study. Journal of Psychology, 143(5), 465–476. doi:10.3200/JRL.143.5.465-476.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. The American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.57.6.1069.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (2014). Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of eudaimonia. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(1), 10–28. doi:10.1159/000353263.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (1996). Psychological well-being: Meaning, measurement, and implications for psychotherapy research. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 65(1), 14–23. doi:10.1159/000353263.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schimmel, P. (2010). The elephant on the couch: Side-effects of psychotherapy. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. doi:10.1080/00048670903107559.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. (2006). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. Learned optimism (vol. 9). New York: Vintage Books Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24477162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new a understanding of happiness and well-beingr. New York, NY: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2015). Chris Peterson’s unfinished masterwork: The real mental illnesses. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(1), 3–6. doi:10.1080/17439760.2014.888582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology - An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P., Rashid, T., & Parks, A. C. (2006). Positive psychotherapy. The American Psychologist, 61(8), 774–788. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.61.8.774.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress. American Psychologist, 60, 410–421. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.410.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shankman, S. A., Sarapas, C., & Klein, D. N. (2011). The effect of pre- vs. post-reward attainment on EEG asymmetry in melancholic depression. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 79, 287–295.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shedler, J., Mayman, M., & Manis, M. (1993). The illusion of mental health. The American Psychologist, 48(11), 1117–1131. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.48.11.1117.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sims, A., Barker, C., Price, C., & Fornells-Ambrojo, M. (2015). Psychological impact of identifying character strengths in people with psychosis. Psychosis, 7(2), 179–182. doi:10.1080/17522439.2014.925485.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 467–487. doi:10.1002/jclp.20593.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sin, N. L., Della Porta, M. D., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2011). Tailoring positive psychology interventions to treat depressed individuals. In S. I. Donaldson, M. Csikszentmihalyi, & J. Nakamura (Eds.), Applied positive psychology: Improving everyday life, health, schools, work, and society (pp. 79–96). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spielmans, G. I., Pasek, L. F., & McFall, J. P. (2007). What are the active ingredients in cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy for anxious and depressed children? A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review., 27(5), 642–654. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2006.06.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, S. E., Kemeny, M. E., Reed, G. M., Bower, J. E., & Gruenewald, T. L. (2000). Psychological resources, positive illusions, and health. American Psychologist, 55(1), 99–109.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tomba, E., Belaise, C., Ottolini, F., Ruini, C., Bravi, A., Albieri, E. Rafanelli C., Caffoe., Fava GA. (2010). Differential effects of well-being promoting and anxiety-management strategies in a non-clinical school setting. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24, 326-33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vazquez, C. (2013). Positive Psychology and Its Enemies: A reply based on scientific evidences. Papeles Del Psicologo, 34(2), 91–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, J. V., & Lampropoulos, G. K. (2014). A comparison of self-help ( homework ) activities for mood enhancement: Results from a Brief Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 24(1), 46–64. doi:10.1037/a0036145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wampold, B. E. (2015). How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update. World Psychiatry, 14(3), 270–277. doi:10.1002/wps.20238.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wampold, B. E., Minami, T., Tierney, S. C., Baskin, T. W., & Bhati, K. S. (2005). The placebo is powerful: Estimating placebo effects in medicine and psychotherapy from randomized clinical trials. Journal of Clinical Psychology. doi:10.1002/jclp.20129.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss, L. A., Westerhof, G. J., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2016). Can we increase psychological well-being? the effects of interventions on psychological well-being: A meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS One, 11(6), e0158092. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0158092.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, A. M., & Joseph, S. (2010). The absence of positive psychological (eudemonic) well-being as a risk factor for depression: A ten year cohort study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 122(3), 213–217. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2009.06.032.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, A. M., & Tarrier, N. (2010). Positive Clinical Psychology: A new vision and strategy for integrated research and practice. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 819–829. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.06.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, A. M., Joseph, S., & Maltby, J. (2008). Gratitude uniquely predicts satisfaction with life: Incremental validity above the domains and facets of the five factor model. Personality and Individual Differences, 45(1), 49–54. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2008.02.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Young, K. C., Kashdan, T. B., & Macatee, R. (2015). Strength balance and implicit strength measurement: New considerations for research on strengths of character. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(1), 17–24. doi:10.1080/17439760.2014.920406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Chiara Ruini

Authors
  1. Chiara Ruini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ruini, C. (2017). Positive Interventions and Their Effectiveness with Clinical Populations. In: Positive Psychology in the Clinical Domains. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52112-1_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation