WISE INTERVENTIONS

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Haworth et al., 2016: Performing acts of kindness and writing gratitude letters improved well-being and decreased depression and anxiety among twin pairs over ten weeks

Reference:

Haworth, C. M., Nelson, S. K., Layous, K., Carter, K., Bao, K. J., Lyubomirsky, S., & Plomin, R. (2016). Stability and change in genetic and environmental influences on well-being in response to an intervention. Plos one, 11(5), e0155538.
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Summary:

Twin pairs were asked to complete two activities per week for 6 weeks. On the first three weeks, the activities were neutral controls (e.g., describe a room in their house). On weeks 4-7, they involved performing acts of kindness and writing gratitude letters. Well-being improved and symptoms of anxiety and depression declined over the treatment weeks, and this pattern continued at week 10.

Psychological Process:

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

What is the Person Trying to Understand?

To Feel Connected, Included, Respected, and Valued by Others

Approach to Desired Meaning

What about it?

Remedy Threats to Belonging that Undermine Functioning

Psychological Question Addressed

Am I connected to others?

Psychological Process 2:

Need

What is the Person Trying to Understand?

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

What About it?

Approach to Desired Meaning

Approach to Desired Meaning

How?

Psychological Question Addressed

Psychological Question Addressed

Psychological Question Addressed

Psychological Process 3:

Heading

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

Approach to Desired Meaning

Social Area:

Intervention Technique:

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Posted By:

Greg Walton & Timothy Wilson