The Best Possible Self Intervention: Evidence for Its Efficacy in Multi-cultural Contexts

Abstract

Positive psychology interventions (PPI) have proved to produce mild to moderate effects in reducing depression and promoting subjective and psychological wellbeing. However, it is important to explore the optimal conditions under which these interventions work best. In this sense, it has been suggested that for a PPI to be effective in increasing wellbeing is important to take into account not only the characteristics of the exercise but also cultural background. This chapter presents preliminary efficacy of the Best Possible Self Intervention (BPS) supported by Information and Communication Technologies in different populations: Spanish clinical patients,Spanish participants from the general population, and Romanian immigrants. The intervention consists of a written guided imagery exercise that promotes positive future thinking by asking the participants to think about the best possible way that their life could turn out in four life domains: personal, relational, health, and professional. Participants from the Spanish populations used a virtual system to visualize their BPS and incorporate multimedia content to enrich the experience. Moreover,participants had the support of an internet platform to practice the guided imagery exercise online. Participants from the Romanian population performed the BPS exercise in a paper and pencil format. Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention and post-intervention after one month. To improve adherence, we provided support to all participants through text messages twice a week. Results demonstrated changes in depressive symptomatology, positive affect and positive future expectancies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)