The efficacy of the Strength, Hope and Resourcefulness Program for people with Parkinson's disease (SHARP-PWP): A...

Treatment of PD focuses on improving symptoms and quality of life, yet research has not examined interventions aimed at promoting hope in patients. This study examined the effects of a Strength, Hope, and Resources Program for People with PD (SHARP-PWP), based on the principles of positive psychology.

A mixed method design examined the effects of a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial of SHARP-PWP. 31 PD patients diagnosed in the last 5 years (average age = 66; 13 men, 18 women) participated in a 6-session program. All participants completed self-report measures at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. After the program, 15 participants completed a semi-structured interview. Qualitative interview data were analyzed using Interpretive Description.

No significant differences in improvement were found between the Immediate and Delayed intervention groups. However, significant effects for time (i.e., pre-treatment to post-treatment) were found for health-related quality of life and well-being in both Immediate and Delayed conditions. Additional quantitative analysis revealed significant improvement in both groups on hope from pre-treatment to follow-up. Qualitative findings revealed that clients identified social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive changes experienced in the group.

Participating in positive psychology research improved health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and mental health and patients identified additional benefits at 6-week follow-up. Our results provide insight about the placebo effect and Hawthorne pre-placebo effects in the context of PD research. The findings can inform trial design and clinical care of patients with PD.