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Impact of the best possible self intervention on affective well-being in early adolescence: A randomized controlled online trial

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Best Possible Self intervention (BPS) has demonstrated efficacy in promoting well-being in various populations, yet its impact in adolescence is under-researched. Our study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of the BPS in early adolescence (11–15 years) to promote positive affect and reduce negative affect. We conducted a randomized controlled online trial ( N = 200, M age = 14.01 years, SD = 1.19, 78.5 % female). Participants were assigned to the BPS group ( n = 59), a writing control group ( n = 68), or a non-writing control group ( n = 73). Affect (PANAS-C-SF) was measured immediately before and after the intervention. The BPS demonstrated feasibility in our sample and significantly increased positive affect post-intervention compared to both control groups, suggesting a mood-boosting effect. The BPS did not significantly reduce negative affect post-intervention relative to the control groups. Our findings provide initial evidence that the BPS is a feasible and effective intervention for enhancing positive affect in early adolescence. Future research should explore its long-term effects, repeated administration, and potential for implementation in group settings to maximize its impact. • First study to evaluate Best Possible Self intervention in early adolescence. • BPS showed high feasibility with 84 % completion and 97 % adherence rates. • BPS led to a significant increase in positive affect compared to both control groups. • Repeated BPS intervention suggested for future studies to enhance efficacy.
DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100827
Authors: Stefanie Bartha, Silke Schmidt, Samuel Tomczyk
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,980
OpenAlex ID: W4409260965
FWCI: 2.186
Cites: 71
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10