Effects of a mood-enhancing intervention on subjective well-being and cardiovascular parameters

In spite of extensive evidence indicating that affective traits can influence health, conclusive studies on a potential preventive value of systematical mood improvement have been relatively sparse. In part, this may be due to the lack of appropriate and proven behavioral intervention methods.

The purpose of this study was to test a newly developed intervention method for its effectiveness to enhance cheerfulness and to improve aspects of psychological well-being and subjective health that may be advanced by increased levels of cheerfulness.

The key element of the "Cheerfulness Training," which follows a behavioral therapy approach, is that imaginations of personal shortcomings, annoyances, and unpleasant situations are coupled with a self-induced positive affective state by conditioning processes.

Experimental findings demonstrated a pronounced enhancement of cheerfulness that was accompanied by reduced feelings of stress and improved psychological well-being and subjective health. Effects were stronger in participants with lower levels of trait seriousness.

Findings indicate that the training is effective in enhancing cheerfulness and that successfully enhancing cheerfulness also promotes more general improvement of well-being.