Effectiveness of a guided multicomponent internet and mobile gratitude training program - A pragmatic randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health

Background:

• Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic risk factor for various mental health conditions.
• Gratitude interventions show promise in addressing RNT, but their effectiveness needs further investigation.
• A multicomponent approach integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of gratitude may enhance intervention efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a guided, internet- and smartphone-based gratitude intervention on repetitive negative thinking.
• To assess the intervention's impact on symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety.
• To explore the maintenance of effects at six-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Two hundred adults with pronounced RNT were randomly assigned to a four-session guided gratitude intervention or a waiting list control group.
• The primary outcome, RNT, was assessed three months post-randomization.
• Exploratory outcomes included depression and anxiety symptoms, with follow-up assessments at six weeks and six months.

Main Results:

• The gratitude intervention group showed significantly lower RNT compared to controls at three months (d=0.66), with effects maintained at six months.
• Significant improvements were observed in depression (d=0.42) and generalized anxiety (d=0.38) symptoms.
• Benefits were more pronounced in participants who completed at least three intervention sessions.

Conclusions:

• A multicomponent gratitude intervention is effective in reducing repetitive negative thinking.
• Gratitude interventions, particularly multicomponent ones, can be a valuable addition to the repertoire of transdiagnostic interventions.
• Gratitude may serve as an indirect intervention for reducing depression in the general population.