A Positive Psychology Resource for Students? Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the 6 Minutes Diary in a Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the 6 Minutes Journal (6MT), a commercial diary combining several positive psychology interventions, including gratitude, goal-setting, and self-affirmation exercises, on several mental health outcome measures. In a randomized controlled trial, university students (N = 157) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 6MT (n = 77) and a wait list control group (n = 80). Participants in the intervention group were instructed to follow the instructions of the 6MT for 4 weeks. Participants in both groups completed measures of perceived stress, positive and negative affect, self-efficacy and resilience at baseline, after 2 (t1), and 4 (t2) weeks. We used path-analyses with autoregressive and cross-lagged effects to test our hypotheses of the effects of the 6MT. Participants in the intervention group reported decreased levels of perceived stress and negative affect, as well as increased levels of resilience and self-efficacy compared to the control group. Positive affect was not statistically significantly influenced. The data showed a statistically significant increased levels of self-efficacy and resilience only after 4 weeks, suggesting that changing these constructs needs more time. The 6-minute diary does not appear to make individuals fundamentally more positive. However, the intervention may have a protective function against negative influences on well-being.

Effectiveness of Training to Overcome the Learned Helplessness on Academic Procrastination and Self-efficacy of Adolescent girls

“…The results of this hypothesis are in line with the results of Lorenz et al (2022), Tejado-Gallardo et al (2020) and Musaibi et al (2021. In order to explain the possible confirmation of this hypothesis that learning to overcome learned helplessness has an effect on academic procrastination, it can be said that most procrastinating students have a kind of time wasting and waste time, and they dream and wish instead of doing things.…”

Effectiveness of Positive Psychology Training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Improving Psychological Distress and Motivational Beliefs in Students with a Parental Death Experience: A Quasi-experimental Study

“…These outcomes align with findings from Ryff (33). Lorenz et al (18) emphasized that positive psychology is based on the belief that individuals have a natural tendency towards growth, flourishing, and the pursuit of happiness, which helps combat feelings of worry, sadness, and anxiety. Positive psychology interventions have been successful in mitigating psychological trauma and enhancing happiness among students who have experienced parental loss by promoting a sense of purpose.…”

“…As a result, it acts as a safeguard against behavioral issues, such as risky behaviors. Lorenz et al (18) contend that the primary goals of positive psychology include achieving well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness. According to this perspective, an increase in positive emotions is closely linked with greater commitment, purpose, life satisfaction, and mental health, which support personal growth, self-enhancement, and improved mental health.…”

“…Unlike traditional therapeutic methods that primarily seek to reduce symptoms of psychological disorders, positive psychology aims to refine, enhance, and optimize psychotherapeutic techniques. This approach not only relieves distress but also fosters personal growth, well-being, and happiness by highlighting positive psychological traits like hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy (18). Positive psychologists also emphasize the role of cultural influences, considering individuals as products of their cultural environments.…”

Current study on the influence of psychological factors on returning to sports after ACLR

“…Individuals with high self-efficacy consciously set challenging goals, improve individual self-esteem, have a high level of motivation, and use their personal strengths to achieve their goals [ 57 , 58 ]. Self-efficacy regulates human functioning through cognitive, motivational, affective and decisional processes which arise from self-confidence in handling field events that an individual engages [ 57 , 59 ].…”