Development of a Positive Psychology Well-Being Intervention in a Community Pharmacy Setting

Abstract

Community pharmacies are well‐placed to deliver well‐being interventions;however, to date, nothing has been produced specifically for this setting. The aim of this study was to develop a positive psychology intervention suitable for a community pharmacy setting with the goal of increasing the well‐being of community members. Methods: Intervention development consisted of three steps: Step 1—identify the evidence-base and well-being model to underpin the basis of the intervention (Version 1); Step 2—model the intervention and gather user feedback to produce Version 2, and Step 3—revisit the evidence-base and refine the intervention to produce Version 3. Results: Findings from nine studies (seven RCTs, one cross-sectional, one N-1 design plus user feedback were applied to model a 6-week ‘Prescribing Happiness (P-Hap)’ intervention, underpinned by the PERMA model plus four other components from the positive psychology literature (Three Good Things, Utilising Your Signature Strengths in New Ways, Best Possible Selves and Character Strengths). A PERMA-based diary was designed to be completed 3 days a week as part of the intervention. Conclusions: This work is an important development which will direct the future implementation of interventions to support well-being in this novel setting. The next stage is to gain the perspectives of external stakeholders on the feasibility of delivering the P-Hap for its adoption into community pharmacy services in the future.

The effectiveness of savouring interventions on well-being in adult clinical populations: A protocol for a systematic review

“…These include interventions which emphasise the development of savouring future positive events before they occur (anticipation), present positive events while they are unfolding (savouring the present moment), or past positive events after they occur (reminiscence) [15]. These interventions aim to increase the well-being of an individual through the PERMA pathway (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment) of savouring pleasant moments or experiences [16] as proposed by Seligman [17]. Different savouring processes regulate different positive emotional states [18].…”