Datasets for What emotions to encourage? International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 2023

However, less is known about the specific role of high and low arousal positive emotions within such interventions. The goal of the current study is to examine the effect of different types of PPIs on high and low arousal emotions and to explore whether high and low arousal positive emotions serve as mediators for the intervention effects on mental well-being.

Post-hoc tests of three formerly published randomized controlled trials were conducted in comparison with waitlist control: (1) a multicomponent PPI (N = 275), (2) a comprehensive gratitude intervention (N = 144), and (3) an acts of kindness intervention (N = 216). Findings showed that the multicomponent PPI improved low arousal emotions, while the gratitude intervention marginally improved high arousal positive emotions.