TY - JOUR
T1 - Enhancing social relationships through positive psychology activities
T2 - a randomised controlled trial
AU - O’Connell, Brenda H.
AU - O’Shea, Deirdre
AU - Gallagher, Stephen
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Taylor & Francis.
PY - 2016/3/3
Y1 - 2016/3/3
N2 - Despite the robust relationship between well-being and social relationships, the latter has received little examination within positive psychology activities (PPAs). This study aimed to test whether kindness- and gratitude-based PPAs, through positive social interaction with peers, enhanced relationship satisfaction. Using a longitudinal randomised controlled design, 225 participants were assigned to one of three conditions (relationship-focused, self-focused or control) and completed measures of relationship satisfaction, social support and happiness on three occasions (baseline, post-intervention and six weeks). The experimental PPAs were relationship-focused (involving social interaction) or self-focused (no social interaction). Those who completed relationship-focused PPAs had greater increases in relationship satisfaction than the self-focused and active control activities at six-week follow-up. Additionally, only those in the relationship-focused condition felt their existing friendships had improved at intervention cessation. Regardless of participants’ initial levels of social support, the intervention effects remained. In conclusion, PPAs fostering social kindness and gratitude significantly strengthened relationship satisfaction.
AB - Despite the robust relationship between well-being and social relationships, the latter has received little examination within positive psychology activities (PPAs). This study aimed to test whether kindness- and gratitude-based PPAs, through positive social interaction with peers, enhanced relationship satisfaction. Using a longitudinal randomised controlled design, 225 participants were assigned to one of three conditions (relationship-focused, self-focused or control) and completed measures of relationship satisfaction, social support and happiness on three occasions (baseline, post-intervention and six weeks). The experimental PPAs were relationship-focused (involving social interaction) or self-focused (no social interaction). Those who completed relationship-focused PPAs had greater increases in relationship satisfaction than the self-focused and active control activities at six-week follow-up. Additionally, only those in the relationship-focused condition felt their existing friendships had improved at intervention cessation. Regardless of participants’ initial levels of social support, the intervention effects remained. In conclusion, PPAs fostering social kindness and gratitude significantly strengthened relationship satisfaction.
KW - gratitude
KW - happiness
KW - kindness
KW - positive psychology
KW - relationship satisfaction
KW - social support
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84953838486&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/17439760.2015.1037860
DO - 10.1080/17439760.2015.1037860
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84953838486
SN - 1743-9760
VL - 11
SP - 149
EP - 162
JO - Journal of Positive Psychology
JF - Journal of Positive Psychology
IS - 2
ER -