Seligman 2006 RCT Mild to University 40 Placebo 6 session PPT, 6 Baseline, post The intervention group showed a significant 20 attended therapy, i.e. weeks intervention, 3, decrease in depressive symptoms at 6 and – method recording 6, 12 month 12 month follow up compared to control Study 1: students unclear earliest follow up group. memories No significant changes in life satisfaction. Study 2: RCT Severely Referred from 46 Two control 14 PPT, 12 Baseline, post The intervention group showed less depressed Counselling groups: weeks intervention depressive symptoms, better overall students and treatment as functioning, higher life satisfaction and Psychological usual with or happiness compared to both control groups Services at without post-intervention. University of Pennsylvania medication Study 3: Uncontrolled Community Website 50 None Exercises from Baseline, Limited description. In the first month, 50 study sample with session PPT: 1 subscribers had baseline score indicating depression exercise a month (tested after severe depression. After each completed for a each exercise) the three blessings task and returned to the number website approx. 14 days later, 94% were of months less depressed (mild-moderate depression) Akhtar 2010 73 Controlled Young adults Alcohol and 20 No treatment 8 weekly sessions Baseline, Significant increase in happiness, optimism trial not years) with drug including savouring, 6 and positive emotions post-intervention in – stated if substance abuse treatment gratitude, strengths, and 12- week intervention group, and decrease in randomised issues service for relaxation, follow-ups happiness, optimism and positive emotions young people in control group. relationships, nutrition and resilience. Cuadra-Peralta Outpatients with Mental health 18 CBT 9 weekly sessions Baseline, post Positive psychology was more effective than 2010 74 depression clinic in Chile adapted from intervention behavioural therapy in decreasing comparing session PPT depressive symptoms PPT to existing CBT group. Huffman 2014 Uncontrolled People with Inpatient 61 None 9 exercises, 1 each Pre and post All exercises were associated with 75 study suicidal ideation psychiatric day: gratitude, each exercise significant improvements in hopelessness or behaviours unit strengths, acts of and optimism, except for optimism following kindness, the forgiveness exercise (which saw a small meaningful improvement)
Seligman 2006 20 Study 1: RCT Mild to students University attended – method unclear 40 Placebo therapy, i.e. recording earliest memories 6 session PPT, 6 weeks Baseline, post intervention, 3, 6, 12 month follow up The intervention group showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms at 6 and 12 month follow up compared to control group. No significant changes in life satisfaction. Study 2: RCT Severely depressed students Referred from Counselling and Psychological Services at University of Pennsylvania 46 Two control groups: treatment as usual with or without medication 14 PPT, 12 weeks Baseline, post intervention The intervention group showed less depressive symptoms, better overall functioning, higher life satisfaction and happiness compared to both control groups post-intervention. Study 3: Uncontrolled study Community sample with depression Website 50 None Exercises from PPT: 1 exercise a month for a number of months Baseline, (tested after each exercise) Limited description. In the first month, 50 subscribers had baseline score indicating severe depression. After each completed the three blessings task and returned to the website approx. 14 days later, 94% were less depressed (mild-moderate depression) Akhtar 2010 73 Controlled trial – not stated if randomised Young adults years) with substance abuse issues Alcohol and drug treatment service for young people 20 No treatment 8 weekly sessions including savouring, gratitude, strengths, relaxation, relationships, nutrition and resilience. Baseline, 6 and 12- week follow-ups Significant increase in happiness, optimism and positive emotions post-intervention in intervention group, and decrease in happiness, optimism and positive emotions in control group. Cuadra-Peralta 2010 74 comparing PPT to existing CBT group. Outpatients with depression Mental health clinic in Chile 18 CBT 9 weekly sessions adapted from PPT Baseline, post intervention Positive psychology was more effective than behavioural therapy in decreasing depressive symptoms Huffman 2014 75 Uncontrolled study People with suicidal ideation or behaviours Inpatient psychiatric unit 61 None 9 exercises, 1 each day: gratitude, strengths, acts of kindness, meaningful Pre and post each exercise All exercises were associated with significant improvements in hopelessness and optimism, except for optimism following the forgiveness exercise (which saw a small improvement) session session
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