Restriction lift date: 2027-12-31
Positive psychology within the clinical context
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Date
2024
Authors
Cullen, Katie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background: Positive psychology is a subdomain of psychology concerned with the development and enhancement of well-being, strengths and conditions conducive to human flourishing. A plethora of research now supports the efficacy of positive psychology interventions in increasing well-being and reducing psychopathology amongst clinical populations, pointing to the utility of implementing strengths-based approaches when working with individuals with mental and physical health difficulties. However, less is understood about whether or not, and how, these approaches are used in clinical practice by clinical psychologists.
Aims: The overarching aim of this thesis is to further explore the use and efficacy of positive psychology within clinical contexts. Two studies are reported addressing these aims.
1) Systematic Review: A narrative systematic review evaluating the evidence base on savouring interventions when applied to adult clinical populations is reported. Data were extracted from nine studies primary involving over 900 participants from mental and physical health clinical populations from seven countries. These specific interventions promoted some positive changes amongst participants, such as increasing levels of well-being and reducing levels of depression and anxiety. Both individuals with mental and physical health difficulties appeared to benefit. However, when comparing the results of these interventions against outcomes gained by participants in no intervention or active control groups, the efficacy of these interventions appears relatively weak.
2) Empirical Study: A mixed-methods study utilising an online cross-sectional survey and participant interviews exploring clinical psychologists’ use of positive psychology in their clinical work and attitudes towards same is reported. Findings revealed that clinical psychologists use an array of positive psychology interventions, however they are predominantly used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches. Several barriers and facilitators to this implementation were noted, including therapist, client, and systemic factors. Results highlighted the many nuances involved in utilising positive psychology in clinical settings, given existing ambiguity surrounding knowledge and understanding of the approach, and specific therapeutic considerations needed for the approach to be implemented successfully and appropriately.
Conclusions: Findings from this thesis portfolio support the far-reaching potential of positive psychology principles and interventions when applied to clinical settings. However, many factors appear to contribute to the implementation and successful use of these approaches, as reported by clinical psychologists actively working across numerous clinical settings. Clinical implications of this research are discussed. Future research should further explore systemic factors which impact on the integration of positive psychology within clinical contexts.
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Keywords
Positive psychology , Clinical psychology
Citation
Cullen, K. 2024. Positive psychology within the clinical context. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.