GET.HAPPY2 – User perspectives on an internet‐based self‐management positive psychology intervention among persons with and without depression: Results from a retrospective survey

Abstract

Objective: Previous research suggests that online positive psychology interventions (PPI) are frequently used by individuals with symptoms of depression. We aimed to investigate differences in the way depressed and nondepressed users react to the content of an existing online PPI, originally designed for the general public. Method:In a retrospective online survey, we assessed discontinuation parameters, aspects of satisfaction with the program, and negative reactions among users of an online PPI.Results: Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that, overall, reactions between depressed and nondepressed individuals were similar. Differences were observed concerning reasons for using and for discontinuing the program, the perception of exercises, and negative reactions.Conclusions: Although satisfaction with the program was high, it did not seem to fully meet users' expectations and might be more difficult to complete during episodes of depression. Implications of this study for the adaptation of online PPIs addressing depressed individuals are discussed. K E Y W O R D S depression, internet intervention, positive psychology, user perspective

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“…Regarding the second hypothesis, the results showed a greater increase in emotional regulation, optimism, hope, and study engagement in the experimental group compared to the control group. These results are in line with past research showing that online positive psychology interventions can both lead to a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety and to an increase in participants' well-being (Antoine et al, 2018;Görges et al, 2020;Wellenzohn et al, 2016).…”

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“…Telepsychology, according to the APA, is the use of any of a number of telecommunication technologies to deliver psychological services (APA, 2015). Therefore, telepsychological services may run the gamut from smartphone apps meant to enhance treatment adherence (Reger et al, 2013) to Internet-based self-management tools for individuals with depression (Görges, Oehler, von Hirschhausen, Hegerl, & Rummel-Kluge, 2020) and other extensions of in-person services (Heesacker, Perez, Quinn, & Benton, 2020), to synchronous provision of audiovisual telepsychotherapy (Adler, Pritchett, Kauth, & Nadorff, 2014). Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telepsychology was being used but in a limited capacity.…”

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