Effectiveness of savoring interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Savoring, a positive psychology intervention, has gained growing attention for its potential to enhance positive emotions and well-being while alleviating negative emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of savoring interventions on emotional outcomes. Twenty independent RCTs with 4805 participants were included, yielding 45 effect sizes. A three-level random-effects model with robust variance estimation (CR2) was employed to account for statistical dependence among multiple effects within studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. All analyses were conducted in R version 4.5.1 using the metafor (v4.8.0) and clubSandwich (v0.6.1) packages, with statistical significance set at α = .05 (two-tailed). The overall pooled effect was significant and of moderate magnitude (g = 0.51, 95% CI [0.26, 0.77], p < .001). For descriptive purposes, category-specific pooled estimates were observed for negative emotional symptoms (g = 0.61, 95% CI [0.31, 0.91], p < .001), negative emotional states (g = 0.33, 95% CI [-0.01, 0.68], p = .056), and positive psychological states (g = 0.50, 95% CI [0.24, 0.75], p < .001); outcome category did not significantly moderate intervention effects. Moderator analyses indicated no statistically significant differences across delivery formats, cultural contexts, or risk of bias levels; control group type did not reach statistical significance as a moderator (Δg = -0.47, p = .068), although point estimates were larger for passive than active controls. Publication bias analyses (Egger's regression, PET-PEESE, trim-and-fill, and selection models) provided convergent evidence that the observed effects were unlikely to be driven by selective reporting. Savoring interventions demonstrate consistent and meaningful benefits for enhancing positive psychological outcomes and reducing negative emotional symptoms across diverse populations and delivery modes. The findings underscore savoring's potential as a scalable and culturally adaptable approach to promoting emotional well-being.