1

Journal Article Critique

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliation

Course Name

Instructor Name

Date
 2

Journal Article Critique

Studies conducted by researchers influence human beings. Psychology studies the human

mind and how the mind affects behavior. Many articles have been written to add to existing

psychological knowledge. The article “Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of

randomized controlled studies” contributes to psychology by evaluating the effectiveness of

positive psychology interventions.

Introduction to the Article

The aforementioned article is a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of positive

psychological actions on individuals who suffer from certain psychosocial problems. It shows

that positive psychological methods effectively enhance psychological and subjective wellness

and help reduce depression symptoms (Bolier et al., 2013). Several psychological treatments

have been introduced for common mental disorders and problems such as anxiety and depression

in the past years. Interpersonal, cognitive, and problem-solving therapies have proved to be

effective. There are also available preventive actions such as coping with depressions courses

and living life to the full programs. This evidence depicts that mental health care systems focus

more on treating mental problems than preventing them. The world health organization defines

mental health as a state of wellness in which a person realizes their capabilities, copes with life

stresses easily, works productively, and can contribute to society (Bolier et al., 2013). Positive

psychology encourages people to nurture and discover their strengths rather than focusing on

their negative outlooks.

Purpose

The researchers conducted the study intending to conduct a meta-analysis of the effect of

specific positive psychological interventions. It targets outcome measures such as depressive

 3

symptoms, psychological well-being, and subjective well-being from other research. It also

examines the potential variables that moderate intervention effectiveness, such as quality and

durations of research designs and intervention types. Thus, the research was conducted with an

aim, and the realization of the aim will contribute to the existing knowledge on the topic.

Methodology

The study by Bolier et al. (2013) adopted a unique methodology. Systematic literature

research was carried out in Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PsychInfo, PubMed, and

manual searches. Forty articles that describe 39 studies with 6,139 total participants were

included. Most recent studies between 2009 and 2012 were used. The search strategy was based

on an outcome evaluation and a specific positive psychological intervention being present. The

study was also cross-checked from two other reviews of positive psychological intervention and

an earlier meta-analysis study. Studies that involved life review and reminiscence interventions,

forgiveness therapies, mediations, and physical exercises that improved well-being were

excluded.

Data was collected on outcome measures and effect sizes (at follow-up and post-tests),

control groups, attrition rates, delivery modes, recruitment methods, target groups, intervention

characteristics, and design. The primary outcomes of the study were depressive symptoms,

psychological well-being, and subjective well-being. The methodological quality of the included

studies was assessed using a scale based on a criterion established by Cochrane collaboration.

The criteria assessed the handling of missing data, completeness of follow-up data, power

analysis based on the number of participants, baseline compatibility of study groups, blinding of

subjects to the condition, and the adequacy of randomization concealment. The effects of the

post-test and long terms effects at follow-up were analyzed.

 4

Results

The study led to several results despite the existence of some limitations. Foremost,

Bolier et al. (2013) found that positive psychological intervention was effective in reducing

depression and enhancing psychological and subjective well-being. The results showed a mean

difference of 0.23 for depression, 0.2 for psychological well-being, and 0.34 for subjective well-

being. These results indicated that effects for positive psychological interventions were fairly

sustainable even at follow-up (Bolier et al., 2013). The research also discovered that the

variables that moderated the impacts on depression included the length of interventions, nature of

recruitment, and the method of delivering the intervention. The study had several limitations.

First, the randomization procedure was not clear in most of the studies. Additionally, excluding

grey literature and non-peer-reviewed articles could have led to bias. Thus, results contribute to

the aim of the study, although with some limitations.

Summary

The information in this article is credible since it proves that positive psychological

interventions are good in enhancing one's well-being. Cognitive therapies entail challenging

one's negative thoughts, leading to focusing on negative parts as a challenge and not enhancing

the positive strengths. However, positive psychology improves the functional effectiveness of

people. Furthermore, focusing on positive aspects of life increases life satisfaction and

accomplishments. People are also able to evaluate themselves positively and reduce depressive

feelings. The research was conducted well by encompassing several studies with many

participants and a strict assessment criterion for the articles. Therefore, the research is credible

since it proves that positive psychological interventions enhance well-being.

 5

The research is relevant in mental health care in several ways. First, Bolier et al. (2013)

assert that positive psychological interventions can be used with other preventive interventions

and treatments. This is mostly impactful when patients are in remission. These positive

psychological interventions strengthen social and psychological resources, increase the patient's

resilience, and prepare them for a normal life. Practitioners can also use this treatment strategy

according to the client's needs to enhance the well-being by enhancing the person's mood. The

clients feel happy about themselves and focus their energy on what they like. They become more

mindful and activate their good behaviors. They may easily forgive to lessen the negative

feelings and accept to commit to helping themselves and society. Positive psychological

interventions can also be used in public health to prevent depression and offer better non-

stigmatizing ways of dealing with thoughts about the self.

Moreover, positive psychological interventions can enhance relations between an

individual and others. People learn to value gratitude and appreciate what they have in life,

leading to the appreciation of those around them. As a result, people become more optimistic

about their lives and society. Besides, patients in critical health conditions and those in life-

threatening situations can easily handle stressful moments through this intervention. Therefore,

the intervention can have better outcomes when used with other therapies to prevent and treat

depression.

The research is also relevant to the community since the intervention discussed herein

can be carried out in several ways with significant outcomes. First, individual therapies can be

administered. These are more effective since the practitioner can concentrate on one person and

follow up on their progress. Self-help interventions can also be done whereby people carry out

the intervention independently. They evaluate their lives and focus on what is positive. Group
 6

training can also be done where several people are involved, with one or few practitioners

helping in the intervention. Hence, the information contained in the article is relevant to the

community and the field of psychology.

The study is in agreement with my own life experiences. Whenever my friends or I feel

stressed or lose hope in something we desire to achieve, we urge each other to appreciate what

we have and be optimistic about life. Appreciation and optimism change our mood, and we

become grateful for what we have and for the people around us. We also get motivated to work

towards achieving our goals. Our self-esteem is boosted with continuous support and motivation.

The study has enabled me to prove that positive psychological interventions effectively prevent

anxiety and depression. They also help people to appreciate their experiences, value their lives,

acknowledge the people around them and celebrate their accomplishments with little focus on

their shortcomings and disorders.

 7

References

Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2013).

Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled

studies. BMC public health, 13(1), pp. 1-20.