Individual Paper(s)
Focusing on the time to be happy: Past, present and future focused happiness interventions
Terri King
Southampton Solent University
Brian Wink
Southampton Solent University
Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated that subjective well-being can be influenced by how we explain the past, engage with the present, and approach the future. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of three interventions, with different temporal orientations (past-focused, present-focused or future-focused), that have each independently been shown improve subjective well-being.
Design: Experimental between subjects mixed design. The between subjects factor was temporal orientation (gratitude exercise (past); savouring (present); goal setting (future)). Positive affect, negative affect, gratitude and subjective happiness were measured before and after each intervention.
Methods: 60 participants were randomly allocated to each of the three conditions and completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6), and Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). They were then given one of three exercises to complete over the following week: blessings journal (past), savouring (present) or goal setting (future).
Results: In all three conditions, significant increases in positive affect, gratitude and subjective happiness were found, and there was a significant reduction in negative affect. MANOVA indicated that there was no significant difference between the three intervention conditions.
Conclusions: Results confirm the effectiveness of simple regular interventions for the enhancement of short-term subjective well-being. Regardless of the temporal orientation, the effectiveness of all interventions was similar, suggesting that individuals should select such activities on the basis of personal preference. Further interventions should be evaluated.
