The International Journal of Indian Psychology

ISSN 2348-5396 (Online) | ISSN: 2349-3429 (Print)

Volume 12, Issue 2, April- June, 2024
DIP: 18.01.373.20241202, DOI: 10.25215/1202.373
[Link]
Research Paper

Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Dr. Lav Kumar Singh1*

ABSTRACT
The study aimed to explore the impact of positive psychological interventions (PPI) such as
gratitude exercises, mindfulness interventions, and yoga on mental health, stress, and
depression. The research involved 450 participants selected through incidental-cum-purposive
sampling. The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving PPIs and the other
serving as a control group. Mental health was evaluated using questionnaires at the beginning
and after three months of practicing PPIs. The Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-
SF) and Anxiety Depression Stress Scale (ADSS) were used for this purpose. The results
strongly indicated that PPIs had a significant positive effect on enhancing well-being and
reducing anxiety, stress, and depression.

Keywords: Positive Psychological Intervention (PPI), Mental Health, Well-being, Gratitude,

Mindfulness, Pranayam, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

I n 2020, a striking 5.6% of the population in India experienced severe psychological

conditions (NIMHANS, 2020). The lack of mental health infrastructure and trained
professionals has significantly exacerbated mental health issues in developing countries,
particularly in India. Shockingly, the Indian government continues to show reluctance in
allocating sufficient budgets for mental health, with a meager allocation of less than 2% of
healthcare funds (Thirunavukarasu, 2011). An alarming 80% of individuals with mental health
problems have been left untreated for over a year (NIMHANS, 2016). These findings reveal
substantial gaps in mental healthcare treatment, ranging from 28% to 83% across different
mental illnesses. The situation in Bihar is particularly dire; despite a population of over nine
crores, a few Mental Health Hospitals are operational. In many hospitals, individuals posing
as clinical psychologists lack proper training and RCI-registered certificates to treat mental
health patients, often with backgrounds in psychology or social work.

Both physical and mental health are vital for overall well-being. For example, depression
increases the risk of various physical health issues, such as chronic diseases like diabetes,
heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, chronic illnesses can elevate the risk of mental illness
(NIMHANS, 2015). Psychological, emotional, and social well-being are all encompassed
within the realm of mental health. Mental health influences how we feel, act, relate to others,
and make life decisions. Mental illnesses encompass conditions such as depression, anxiety,
phobias, dissociative disorders, amnesia, schizophrenia, and more. Depression, anxiety
disorder, and phobias represent mild symptoms of mental illness, while dissociative disorders,

1
Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Psychology, A.P.S.M. College, Barauni, Begusarai, Bihar, India
*Corresponding Author
Received: June 20, 2024; Revision Received: June 27, 2024; Accepted: June 30, 2024
© 2024, Singh, L.K.; licensee IJIP. This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License ([Link]/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

amnesia, and schizophrenia are severe mental disorders that impair patients' perception of
reality.

According to the WHO, mental health is "more than merely the absence of mental diseases or
disabilities." It stresses the importance for each person, as well as for the community and
society as a whole, to maintain and recover their mental health.

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues can be attributed to various factors such as
modern lifestyle, economic pressures, and stress (Pearlin, 1999 & Thoits, 2013). With the
rising incidence of mental disorders and limited treatment resources, it is crucial to explore
cost-effective positive psychological interventions to promote mental well-being. Positive
psychology interventions (PPIs) are aimed at enhancing positive emotions, thoughts, and
behaviors rather than solely reducing symptoms and problems (Sin and Lyubomirsky, 2009).

Positive psychological interventions include gratitude exercises, acts of kindness, empathy-

enhancing activities, optimism training, building personal strengths, and meaning-oriented
exercises. Bryant (2003) discovered that practicing savouring leads to greater enjoyment, life
satisfaction, and fewer depressive symptoms. Dunn et al. (2008) revealed that acts of kindness,
or "prosocial spending," improve mental health by enhancing well-being. Fredrickson et al.
(2008) showed that participation in empathy PPI increases life satisfaction, decreases
depression symptoms, and promotes pleasant emotions and behaviors. King (2001) indicated
that optimism PPI leads to substantial changes in subjective well-being and is associated with
fewer illnesses. Haidt (2002) and Louis (2011) found that PPI related to strengths leads to
greater enjoyment and fewer depression symptoms. Several studies have also shown that
meaning-based PPI increases people's satisfaction in life and happiness (Steger et al., 2008
and 2009).

Bolier et al. (2013) meta-analysis of 39 studies with 6,139 participants revealed that PPIs can
improve subjective and psychological well-being while reducing symptoms of depression.
Additionally, a study by Proyer et al. (2014) on online PPIs for individuals aged 50 to 79
found that interventions such as gratitude visits, focusing on positive events, and leveraging
personal strengths effectively increased happiness and reduced depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, Waters (2011) studied the impact of PPIs in a school setting and found a strong
association with students' well-being, social connections, and academic success.

The literature review reveals that positive psychological interventions (PPIs) are effective
intervention programs promoting mental health and well-being. However, little research has
been conducted in India to determine the role of various positive psychological interventions
in enhancing mental health.

Objectives of the Study

The present study has been conducted with the following aims and objectives:
i. To measure the role of the PPI in enhancing emotional well-being, social well-being,
and psychological well-being.
ii. To assess the effectiveness of the PPI in reducing anxiety, depressive symptoms, and
stress.

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4191
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Hypotheses of the Study

Based on the objectives of the study and review of the related literature some hypotheses have
been formulated. The study has been conducted to test the following hypotheses:
• PPIs would have a significant effect on enhancing participants’ emotional well-being.
• The social well-being of the participants would be significantly increased due to PPIs.
• There would be a significant effect of PPIs on enhancing participants’ psychological
well-being.
• The anxiety level of the participants would be significantly reduced by the PPIs.
• The PPIs would significantly reduce the depressive symptoms of the participants.
• There would be a significant role of PPIs in reducing the stress level of the participants.

METHODOLOGY
Sample
The study has been conducted on 450 samples. The sample has been selected through
purposive-cum-incidental technique. The participants of the study are teachers of different
schools and colleges situated in the Begusarai district of Bihar, India. Among them, 305
participants were males and 145 were females. 68% of the sample were males whereas 32%
were females. The mean age of the sample was 41.29 years. 40 and 37 were the median and
mode of the age of the participants, respectively. The minimum age of the participant was 18
years while the maximum was 65 years thus the range of their ages was 47. The standard
deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of their age were 8.72, 0.389, and -0.165 respectively. The
descriptive statistics of the age of the sample are shown in Table 1. The graph 1 and 2 show
their ages in pie charts and histograms. The histogram shows that participants, in terms of
their age, are normally distributed.

Table 1: showing descriptive statistics of the age of the sample

Age
N 450
Mean 41.29
Std. Error of Mean .411
Median 40
Mode 37
Std. Deviation 8.720
Variance 76.041
Skewness .389
Std. Error of Skewness .115
Kurtosis -.165
Std. Error of Kurtosis .230
Range 47
Minimum 18
Maximum 65

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4192
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Graph 1: showing the age of the sample in the pie chart

Graph 2: showing age of the sample in histogram with normal probability

Instruments
The study has used the following psychological scales for measuring the relevant variables
used in the study:
• Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) – This scale has been used to
measure the emotional well-being, social well-being, and psychological well-being of
the participants. This instrument has been developed by Keyes (2009). This short form
of the scale has only 14 items.
• Anxiety Depression Stress Scale (ADSS) – This scale has been employed for
assessing the anxiety, depression, and stress levels of the participants. It has been
developed by Pallavi Bhatnagar, Megha Singh, Manoj Pandey, Sandhya, and Amitabh
and published by National Psychological Corporation, Agra. It uses 48 items for
measuring the variables. 19 items are used for measuring anxiety, 15 items for
measuring depression, and the remaining 14 items are used for assessing stress. The
score of the scale ranges from 0 to 19, 0 to 15, and 0 to 14 for anxiety, depression, and

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4193
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

stress, respectively. Contrastingly to MHC-SF, here in this scale, the lowest score
implies a low level and the highest score denotes a high level of anxiety, depression,
and stress.

Procedure
The participants were divided into two groups, experimental group and controlled group. The
specifically designed PPI was administered to the experimental group for three months on
alternate days i.e. three times per week. While, the other group, the controlled one was given
no PPI (interventions). PPI is comprised of practicing gratitude, pranayama, and mindfulness.
In gratitude practice, participants were supposed to write two things. In first thing, they were
made to write the names of the people to whom they have either expressed or wished to
express gratitude/thankfulness on the particular day and the previous day. Whereas, in the
second instance they wrote the names of the people or events where they felt happiness or
simply positive, no matter how small or big the event was. Participants were made to practice
anulom-vilom and bhramari under pranayama. Anulom vilom is a kind of breath exercise
(pranayama) of Hatha yoga in which deep breath is taken in and out through alternate nostrils.
Bhramari is also a type of breath exercise in which a long humming sound is produced after
blocking the ear, closing the eyes, and closing the nose and mouth. Both ears are closed using
thumbs to push on the tragus of each ear. The mindfulness practice involves three sorts of
concentration practices: focus on sound, focus on breath, and focus on thoughts without being
judgemental. Participants are encouraged to listen, observe, and differentiate all kinds of
sounds that are available without thinking anything about them. They are made to concentrate
on breathing and only observe air while breathing in and out without thinking anything. At
the last stage of mindfulness, participants are made to observe the thoughts in their minds
without judging them. Participants took about 30 minutes to complete the PPI practice.

At the beginning of the study, all participants' emotional well-being, social well-being,
psychological well-being, anxiety level, depressive symptoms, and stress levels were
measured to record the base level. The experimental group then trained to practice the PPI and
was made to practice it thrice a week for three months. The emotional well-being, social
well-being, psychological well-being, anxiety level, depressive symptoms, and stress levels
of all participants of both groups have been assessed after three months. The data were
analyzed and compared with the base level thus the effect of PPI has been assessed.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Emotional well-being and PPI
Hypothesis number one predicted that the practice of PPI would have a significant effect on
the enhancement of emotional well-being. For testing this hypothesis, two mean scores of
emotional well-being were calculated. One mean score at the beginning of the study and
another mean score after three months. This was done concerning participants of both groups,
controlled and experimental. The mean scores (at the beginning and after three months) were
compared in the controlled group as well as in the experimental one and paired sample t-tests
were also calculated for both groups. The results are recorded in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2: Comparison of emotional well-being in the experimental group

Variable Emotional Well-Being
Condition Base Level After 3 Months of Intervention
Mean 10.11 11.49
Mean Difference 1.38

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4194
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Variable Emotional Well-Being

Standard Deviation 3.447
Standard Error 0.23
T 5.996
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.000
N 225

Table 3: Comparison of emotional well-being in the controlled group

Variable Emotional Well-Being
Condition Base Level After 3 Months
Mean 9.65 9.58
Mean Difference 0.07
Standard Deviation 0.707
Standard Error 0.047
T 1.414
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.159
N 225

Table 2 shows the mean difference between base emotional well-being and emotional well-
being after three months in the experimental group. The mean score of the emotional well-
being of the participants after PPI is greater than their mean score of emotional well-being
before PPI (base level). 10.11 and 11.49 are the mean scores of emotional well-being for base
level and after PPI, respectively. The mean difference between the two conditions is 1.38.
3.447 and 0.23 are the standard deviation and standard error for the data, respectively. 5.996
and 224 are t-score and df, respectively. Given the value of t-score and df for the data, the
mean difference is statistically significant which implies that the emotional well-being of the
participants has been increased after practicing PPI.

Table 3 reflects the values of mean scores of emotional well-being for the initial stage of the
study and after three months for participants of the controlled group. The mean score of the
emotional well-being of the participants after three months is smaller than their mean score of
emotional well-being of the initial stage of the study. 9.65 and 9.58 are the mean scores of
emotional well-being for the initial stage of the study and after three months, respectively.
The mean difference between the two conditions is 0.07. 0.707 and 0.047 are the standard
deviation and standard error for the data, respectively. 1.414 and 224 are t-score and df,
respectively. Given the value of t-score and df for the data, the mean difference is statistically
not significant.

The emotional well-being of the participants of the experimental group is significantly

improved after PPI but no such change has been noticed in the emotional well-being of the
participants of the controlled group after three months. This is because no PPI has been
practiced in the controlled group. As such, the first hypothesis stating that PPI significantly
would enhance emotional well-being is accepted.

Social well-being and PPI

The second hypothesis suggested that practicing PPI would significantly improve social well-
being. To test this, the average scores of social well-being were calculated at the start of the

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4195
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

study and again after three months for both the controlled and experimental groups. Paired
sample t-tests were conducted for both groups to compare the mean scores at the beginning
and after three months. The results are presented in Tables 4 and 5.

Table 4: Comparison of social well-being in the experimental group

Variable Social Well-Being
Condition Base Level After 3 Months of PPI
Mean 15.69 17.28
Mean Difference 1.59
Standard Deviation 6.801
Standard Error 0.453
T 3.509
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.001
N 225

Table 5: Comparison of social well-being in the controlled group

Variable Social Well-Being
Condition Base Level After 3 Months
Mean 15.369 15.36
Mean Difference 0.009
Standard Deviation 0.341
Standard Error 0.023
T 0.391
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.696
N 225

In Table 4, the mean difference between the participants' social well-being before and after
three months of practicing PPI (Positive Psychology Intervention) in the experimental group
is presented. The mean score of social well-being after PPI is higher than the initial score,
with mean scores of 15.69 and 17.28 for the base level and after PPI, respectively. The mean
difference between the two conditions is 1.59, with standard deviation and standard error of
6.801 and 0.453, and t-score and degrees of freedom (df) are 3.509 and 224. The statistical
analysis shows that the increase in social well-being after PPI is significant.

In Table 5, the mean scores of social well-being for the initial stage and after three months are
presented for the controlled group. The mean score of social well-being after three months is
lower than the initial stage, with mean scores of 15.369 and 15.36. The mean difference
between the two conditions is 0.003, with standard deviation and standard error of 0.341 and
0.023, and t-score and degrees of freedom (df) of 0.391 and 224. The statistical analysis
indicates that the change in social well-being after three months for the controlled group is not
significant.

The findings demonstrate that the social well-being of the participants in the experimental
group significantly improved after practicing PPI, while no significant change was observed
in the controlled group. This supports the acceptance of the hypothesis that PPI enhances
social well-being.

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4196
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Psychological well-being and PPI

Additionally, to test the hypothesis that PPI has a significant effect on the enhancement of
psychological well-being, mean scores of psychological well-being at the beginning of the
study and after three months were compared for both the controlled and experimental groups,
and paired sample t-tests were conducted. The results are summarized in Tables 6 and 7.

Table 6: Comparison of psychological well-being in the experimental group

Variable Psychological well-being
Condition Base level After 3 months of intervention
Mean 22.86 24.52
Mean difference 1.66
Standard deviation 6.132
Standard error 0.409
T 4.066
Df 224
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N 225

Table 7: Comparison of psychological well-being in the controlled group

Variable Psychological well-being
Condition Base level After 3 months
Mean 22 21.95
Mean difference 0.05
Standard deviation 0.820
Standard error 0.055
T 0.895
Df 224
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.372
N 225

In Table 6, the mean difference between the baseline psychological well-being and the well-
being after three months in the experimental group is presented. Participants had a higher
mean score of psychological well-being after the three months compared to their baseline
level, with mean scores of 22.86 and 24.52, respectively. The mean difference between the
two conditions is 1.66, with a standard deviation of 6.132 and a standard error of 0.409. The
t-score and degrees of freedom (df) are 4.066 and 224, respectively, showing that the mean
difference is statistically significant. This suggests that psychological well-being significantly
increased after the practice of PPI (Positive Psychology Interventions).

In contrast, Table 7 shows the mean scores of psychological well-being at the initial stage of
the study and after three months for participants in the controlled group. The mean score of
psychological well-being after three months is lower than the initial stage, with mean scores
of 22 and 21.95, respectively. The mean difference between the two conditions is 0.05, with
a standard deviation of 0.820 and a standard error of 0.055. The t-score and df are 0.895 and
224, indicating that the mean difference is not statistically significant.

The findings indicate a significant improvement in the psychological well-being of the

participants in the experimental group after PPI, whereas no significant change was observed

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4197
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

in the controlled group. This supports the acceptance of the third hypothesis, stating that
psychological well-being would significantly increase with PPI.

Additionally, the impact of PPI on mental health has been supported by various researchers
such as Bolier et al. (2013), Proyer et al. (2014), Waters (2011), and Bryant (2003).

Anxiety and PPI

The study also addressed the effect of PPI on anxiety, with the hypothesis that PPI would
significantly reduce anxiety. Mean scores of anxiety at the beginning of the study and after
three months were calculated for both the controlled and experimental groups. The results are
recorded in Tables 8 and 9.

Table 8: Comparison of anxiety in the experimental group

Variable Anxiety
Condition Base level After 3 months of intervention
Mean 3.6 2.95
Mean difference 0.65
Standard deviation 2.547
Standard error 0.170
T 3.848
Df 224
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N 225

Table 9: Comparison of anxiety in the controlled group

Variable Anxiety
Condition Base level After 3 months
Mean 4.57 4.58
Mean difference 0.01
Standard deviation 0.384
Standard error 0.026
T 0.174
Df 224
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.862
N 225

Table 8 shows the mean difference between base anxiety and anxiety after three months in the
experimental group. The mean score of the anxiety of the participants after PPI is lower than
their mean score of anxiety before PPI (base level). 3.60 and 2.95 are the mean scores of
anxiety for base level and after PPI, respectively. The mean difference between the two
conditions is 0.65. 2.547 and 0.170 are the standard deviation and standard error for the data,
respectively. 3.848 and 224 are t-score and df, respectively. Given the value of t-score and df
for the data, the mean difference is statistically significant which implies that the anxiety of
the participants has been reduced after practicing PPI.

Table 9 reflects the values of mean scores of anxiety for the initial stage of the study and after
three months for participants of the controlled group. The mean score of the anxiety of the
participants after three months is greater than their mean score of anxiety in the initial stage
of the study. 4.57 and 4.58 are the mean scores of anxiety for the initial stage of the study and

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4198
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

after three months, respectively. The mean difference between the two conditions is 0.01.
0.384 and 0.026 are the standard deviation and standard error for the data, respectively. 0.174
and 224 are t-score and df, respectively. Given the value of t-score and df for the data, the
mean difference is statistically not significant.

The anxiety of the participants of the experimental group is significantly reduced after PPI but
no such change has been noticed in the anxiety of the participants of the controlled group after
three months. This is because no PPI has been practiced in the controlled group. As such, the
fourth hypothesis stating that PPI would significantly reduce anxiety is accepted.

Depression and PPI

Hypothesis number five proposed that the practice of PPI would significantly reduce
depression. For testing this hypothesis, two mean scores of depression were calculated. One
mean score at the beginning of the study and another mean score after three months. This was
done for participants of both groups, controlled and experimental. The mean scores (at the
beginning and after three months) were compared in the controlled group as well as in the
experimental one and paired sample t-tests were also calculated for both groups. The results
are recorded in Tables 10 and 11.

Table 10: Comparison of depression in the experimental group

Variable Depression
Condition Base Level After 3 Months of Intervention
Mean 3.24 2.08
Mean Difference 1.16
Standard Deviation 2.564
Standard Error 0.171
T 6.734
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.000
N 225

Table 11: Comparison of depression in the controlled group

Variable Depression
Condition Base Level After 3 Months
Mean 3.52 3.60
Mean Difference 0.08
Standard Deviation 0.319
Standard Error 0.021
T 3.339
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.001 Depressive Symptoms Increased
N 225

In Table 10, the mean difference between the participants' depression levels before and after
PPI in the experimental group is shown. The average depression score after PPI is lower than
the baseline score. The mean scores for depression before PPI and after PPI are 3.24 and 2.08,
respectively, with a mean difference of 1.16. The standard deviation and standard error are
2.564 and 0.171, and the t-score and df are 6.734 and 224, respectively. The t-score and df

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4199
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

indicate that the mean difference is statistically significant, suggesting a reduction in

depression after PPI.

In Table 11, the mean depression scores for participants in the controlled group at the initial
stage and after three months are presented. The average depression score after three months
is higher than the initial score. The mean scores for depression at the initial stage and after
three months are 3.52 and 3.60, with a mean difference of 0.08. The standard deviation and
standard error are 0.319 and 0.021, and the t-score and df are 3.339 and 224, respectively. The
statistical analysis indicates a significant increase in depression after three months in the
controlled group.

The experimental group showed a significant reduction in depression after practicing PPI,
while the controlled group experienced an increase in depression after three months. This
supports the hypothesis that PPI significantly reduces depression. Several studies have found
similar effects of various PPIs in reducing depressive symptoms (Bolier et al., 2013; Proyer
et al., 2014; Bryant, 2003; Wood et al., 2010).

Stress and PPI

The last hypothesis predicted that practicing PPI would reduce participants' stress levels.
Mean stress scores were compared at the beginning of the study and after three months for
both the controlled and experimental groups. The results are recorded in Tables 12 and 13,
with paired sample t-tests conducted for both groups.

Table 12: Comparison of stress in the experimental group

Variable Stress
Condition Base Level After 3 Months of intervention
Mean 4.81 3.36
Mean Difference 1.45
Standard Deviation 2.254
Standard Error 0.150
T 9.673
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.000
N 225

Table 13: Comparison of stress in the controlled group

Variable Stress
Condition Base Level After 3 Months
Mean 5.52 5.524
Mean Difference 0.004
Standard Deviation 0.417
Standard Error 0.028
T 0.160
Df 224
Sig. (2-Tailed) 0.873
N 225

Table 12 shows the mean difference between base stress and stress after three months in the
experimental group. The mean score of the stress of the participants after PPI is lower than

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4200
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

their mean score of stress before PPI (base level). 4.81 and 3.36 are the mean scores of stress
for base level and after PPI, respectively. The mean difference between the two conditions is
1.45. 2.254 and 0.150 are the standard deviation and standard error for the data, respectively.
9.673 and 224 are t-score and df, respectively. Given the value of t-score and df for the data,
the mean difference is statistically significant which implies that the stress of the participants
has been reduced after practicing PPI.

Table 13 reflects the values of mean scores of stress for the initial stage of the study and after
three months for participants of the controlled group. The mean score of the stress of the
participants after three months is greater than their mean score of stress in the initial stage of
the study. 5.52 and 5.524 are the mean scores of stress for the initial stage of the study and
after three months, respectively. The mean difference between the two conditions is 0.004.
0.417 and 0.28 are the standard deviation and standard error for the data, respectively. 0.160
and 224 are t-score and df, respectively. Given the value of t-score and df for the data, the
mean difference is statistically not significant.

The stress level of the participants of the experimental group has been found significantly
decreased after PPI but no such change has been noticed in the stress level of the participants
of the controlled group after three months. This is because no PPI has been practiced in the
controlled group. As such, the last hypothesis stating that PPI would significantly reduce
stress levels is accepted. Dunn et al. (2008) and Fredrickson et al. (2008) also found a similar
effect of PPI in reducing the stress level of the subjects.

CONCLUSIONS
1. Participation in PPI enhances emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
2. PPI reduces anxiety, depression, and stress levels.

REFERENCES
Avison, W., & Gotlib, I. H. (Eds.). (1994). Stress and mental health: Contemporary issues and
prospects for the future. Springer Science & Business Media.
Boehm, J. K., Lyubomirsky, S., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). A longitudinal experimental study
comparing the effectiveness of happiness-enhancing strategies in Anglo Americans
and Asian Americans. Cognition & Emotion, 25(7), 1263-1272.
Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2013).
Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
BMC public health, 13(1), 1-20.
Bryant, F. (2003). Savoring Beliefs Inventory (SBI): A scale for measuring beliefs about
savouring. Journal of mental health, 12(2), 175-196.
Diener, E., Oishi, S., & Lucas, R. E. (2003). Personality, culture, and subjective well-being:
Emotional and cognitive life evaluations. Annual review of psychology, 54(1), 403-
425.
Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes
happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687-1688.
Fredrickson, B. L., Cohn, M. A., Coffey, K. A., Pek, J., & Finkel, S. M. (2008). Open hearts
build lives: positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build
consequential personal resources. Journal of personality and social psychology, 95(5)
, 1045.
Haidt, J. (2002). " Dialogue Between My Head and My Heart": Affective Influences on Moral
Judgment. Psychological Inquiry, 13(1), 54-56.

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4201
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Indian Express dated February 7, 2022: [Link]

ental-health-in-india-a perspective-anxiety-depression-stress-7764309/.
King, L. A. (2001). The health benefits of writing about life goals. Personality and Social
Psychology Bulletin, 27(7), 798-807.
Keyes, C. L. (2002). The mental health continuum: From languishing to flourishing in
life. Journal of health and social behaviour, 207-222.
Keyes, C. L. M. (2009). Atlanta: Brief description of the mental health continuum short form
(MHC-SF). Available: [Link] retrieved
15.02.2024].
Louis, M. C. (2011). Strengths interventions in higher education: The effect of identification
versus development approaches on implicit self-theory. The Journal of Positive
Psychology, 6, 204–215.10.1080/17439760.2011.57036.
Lyubomirsky, S., Dickerhoof, R., Boehm, J. K., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). Becoming happier
takes both a will and a proper way: an experimental longitudinal intervention to boost
well-being. Emotion, 11(2), 391.
Mehra, D., Lakiang, T., Kathuria, N., Kumar, M., Mehra, S., & Sharma, S. (2022, February).
Mental Health Interventions among Adolescents in India: A Scoping Review.
In Healthcare (Vol. 10, No. 2, p. 337). MDPI.
Meyers, M., Van Woerkom, M., & Bakker, A. B. (2013). The added value of the positive: A
literature review of positive psychology interventions in organizations. European
Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 22(5), 618–632.
Moore, K. A., & Cooper, C. L. (1996). Stress in mental health professionals: A theoretical
overview. International journal of social psychiatry, 42(2), 82-89.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (2015), ‘National Mental Health
Survey of India, 2015-16: Summary’, Survey Report.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (2016), ‘National Mental Health
Survey of India, 2015-16: Summary’, Survey Report.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (2020), ‘National Mental Health
Survey of India, 2015-16: Summary’, Survey Report.
Parks, A. C., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2013). Positive interventions: Past, present and
future. Mindfulness, acceptance, and positive psychology: The seven foundations of
well-being, 140-165.
Parks, A. C., Schueller, S. M., & Tasimi, A. (2013). Increasing happiness in the general
population: empirically supported self-help?.
Parks, A. C., & Titova, L. (2016). Positive psychological interventions: An overview. The
Wiley handbook of positive clinical psychology, 305-320.
Patel, V., Ramasundarahettige, C., Vijayakumar, L., Thakur, J. S., Gajalakshmi, V., Gururaj,
G., ... & Million Death Study Collaborators. (2012). Suicide mortality in India: a
nationally representative survey. The Lancet, 379(9834), 2343-2351.
Pearlin, L. I. (1999). Stress and mental health: A conceptual overview.
Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford university press.
Proyer, R. T., Gander, F., Wellenzohn, S., & Ruch, W. (2014). Positive psychology
interventions in people aged 50–79 years: Long-term effects of placebo-controlled
online interventions on well-being and depression. Aging & mental health, 18(8), 997-
1005.
Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of
psychological well-being. Journal of personality and social psychology, 57(6), 1069.
Schueller, S. M. (2012). Personality fit and positive interventions: Extraverted and introverted
individuals benefit from different happiness increasing strategies. Psychology, 3(12),
1166.
© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4202
 Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and Mental Health

Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well‐being and alleviating depressive
symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice‐friendly meta‐
analysis. Journal of clinical psychology, 65(5), 467-487.
Steger, M. F., Kashdan, T. B., & Oishi, S. (2008). Being good by doing good: Daily
eudaimonic activity and well-being. Journal of research in personality, 42(1), 22-42.
Thirunavukarasu, M. (2011). Closing the treatment gap. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 53(3),
199.
Thoits, P. A. (2013). Self, identity, stress, and mental health. In Handbook of the sociology of
mental health (pp. 357-377). Springer, Dordrecht.
Waters, L. (2011). A review of school-based positive psychology interventions. The
Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 28(2), 75-90.
Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and
theoretical integration. Clinical psychology review, 30(7), 890-905.
World Health Organization. (2018). Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response. Retrieved
from: [Link]
-our-response.
World mental health report, 2022: transforming mental health for all. Geneva: World Health
Organization; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO, page no.07 - 17.

Acknowledgment
The author duly acknowledges the financial grant (Minor Research Project:2023-24) received
from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi for conducting this
research. The author appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate
the research process.

Conflict of Interest
The author declared no conflict of interest.

How to cite this article: Singh, L.K. (2024). Positive Psychological Interventions (PPI) and
Mental Health. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 12(2), 4190-4203. DIP:18.01.373.
20241202, DOI:10.25215/1202.373

© The International Journal of Indian Psychology, ISSN 2348-5396 (e)| ISSN: 2349-3429 (p) | 4203