Positive psychology intervention for couples: A pilot study.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101089166 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1532-2998 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 15323005 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Stress Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Chichester, West Sussex, UK : John Wiley & Sons, c2001-

Adaptation, Psychological* ; Interpersonal Relations*; Couples Therapy/*methods ; Marriage/*psychology ; Psychology, Positive/*methods ; Stress, Psychological/*therapy; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Personal Satisfaction ; Pilot Projects ; Psychological Theory ; Young Adult

In this randomized study, a multicomponent, theory-driven, autonomous self-help positive psychology intervention (PPI) for couples was examined. This intervention was not designed for distressed couples but rather to address autonomous couples with a good initial level of functioning who, nonetheless, wished to improve it. The objective was to assess the efficacy of the PPI on satisfaction with life, affective life, communication patterns, and dyadic adjustment in each member of the dyad. The 4-week PPI encompassed dyadic and individual daily activities. Thirty-eight couples were assigned to an intervention group (n = 20 couples) or a waiting list control (WLC) group (n = 18 couples). Assessments were conducted prior to and after the PPI, with an immediate post-test and a follow-up. Ninety-two percent of the PPI was completed by the participants. Linear mixed models revealed improvements in positive emotions, communication patterns of mutuality, and dyadic adjustment from the pretest to the immediate post-test in the intervention group compared with the WLC group. Effects of dyadic adjustment were maintained from pretest to 1-month follow-up in the intervention group. This pilot study suggests that the realization of intentional dyadic activities presents an interesting approach to contribute to individual positive emotions and dyadic functioning.
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Keywords: couple; dyadic adjustment; dyadic approach; emotions; self-help; well-being

Date Created: 20200117 Date Completed: 20201120 Latest Revision: 20201120

20221213

10.1002/smi.2925

31943738