Evidence-based, positive psychology processes research and reading list

A growing body of research now exists within positive psychology, and this list highlights some of the key studies in the field.

Know of a study that deserves a place on this list? Get in touch and let us know!

• Anglim, Jeromy, Sharon Horwood, Luke D. Smillie, Rosario J. Marrero, and Joshua K. Wood. 2020. “Predicting Psychological and Subjective Well-Being from Personality: A Meta-Analysis.” Psychological Bulletin 146 (4): 279–323.
• Armitage, Christopher J., Peter R. Harris, Gareth Hepton, and Lucy Napper. 2008. “Self-Affirmation Increases Acceptance of Health-Risk Information among UK Adult Smokers with Low Socioeconomic Status.” Psychology of Addictive Behaviors: Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors 22 (1): 88–95.
• Biber, David D., and Rebecca Ellis. 2019. “The Effect of Self-Compassion on the Self-Regulation of Health Behaviors: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Health Psychology 24 (14): 2060–71.
• Boggiss, Anna L., Nathan S. Consedine, Jennifer M. Brenton-Peters, Paul L. Hofman, and Anna S. Serlachius. 2020. “A Systematic Review of Gratitude Interventions: Effects on Physical Health and Health Behaviors.” Journal of Psychosomatic Research 135 (August): 110165.
• Borman, Geoffrey D., Jeffrey Grigg, and Paul Hanselman. 2016. “An Effort to Close Achievement Gaps at Scale Through Self-Affirmation.” Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis 38 (1): 21–42.
• Briki, Walid. 2017. “Passion, Trait Self-Control, and Wellbeing: Comparing Two Mediation Models Predicting Wellbeing.” Frontiers in Psychology 8 (May): 841.
• Burnette, Jeni L., Laura E. Knouse, Dylan T. Vavra, Ernest O’Boyle, and Milan A. Brooks. 2020. “Growth Mindsets and Psychological Distress: A Meta-Analysis.” Clinical Psychology Review 77 (April): 101816.
• Ciarrochi, J., Hayes, S. C., Oades, L. G., & Hofmann, S. G. (2021). Toward a Unified Framework for Positive Psychology Interventions: Evidence-Based Processes of Change in Coaching, Prevention, and Training. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 809362. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.809362/full
• Ciarrochi, Joseph, Peter Leeson, and Patrick C. L. Heaven. 2009. “A Longitudinal Study into the Interplay between Problem Orientation and Adolescent Well-Being.” Journal of Counseling Psychology 56 (3): 441–49.
• Ciarrochi, Joseph, Philip Parker, Todd B. Kashdan, Patrick C. L. Heaven, and Emma Barkus. 2015. “Hope and Emotional Well-Being: A Six-Year Study to Distinguish Antecedents, Correlates, and Consequences.” The Journal of Positive Psychology 10 (6): 520–32.
• Ciarrochi, Joseph, Baljinder K. Sahdra, Keong Yap, and Theresa Dicke. 2020. “The Role of Nonattachment in the Development of Adolescent Mental Health: A Three-Year Longitudinal Study.” Mindfulness 11 (9): 2131–39.
• Colombo, Desirée, Jean-Baptiste Pavani, Javier Fernandez-Alvarez, Azucena Garcia-Palacios, and Cristina Botella. 2021. “Savoring the Present: The Reciprocal Influence between Positive Emotions and Positive Emotion Regulation in Everyday Life.” PloS One 16 (5): e0251561.
• Cooper, David, Keong Yap, and Luisa Batalha. 2018. “Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Their Effects on Emotional Clarity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Affective Disorders 235 (August): 265–76.
• Credé, Marcus. 2018. “What Shall We Do About Grit? A Critical Review of What We Know and What We Don’t Know.” Educational Researcher 47 (9): 606–11.
• Cregg, David R., and Jennifer S. Cheavens. 2021. “Gratitude Interventions: Effective Self-Help? A Meta-Analysis of the Impact on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.” Journal of Happiness Studies 22 (1): 413–45.
• Creswell, J. David, William T. Welch, Shelley E. Taylor, David K. Sherman, Tara L. Gruenewald, and Traci Mann. 2005. “Affirmation of Personal Values Buffers Neuroendocrine and Psychological Stress Responses.” Psychological Science 16 (11): 846–51.
• Dickens, Leah R. 2017. “Using Gratitude to Promote Positive Change: A Series of Meta-Analyses Investigating the Effectiveness of Gratitude Interventions.” Basic and Applied Social Psychology 39 (4): 193–208.
• Dimidjian, Sona, Steven D. Hollon, Keith S. Dobson, Karen B. Schmaling, Robert J. Kohlenberg, Michael E. Addis, Robert Gallop, et al. 2006. “Randomized Trial of Behavioral Activation , Cognitive Therapy , and Antidepressant Medication in the Acute Treatment of Adults With Major Depression.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 74 (4): 658–70.
• Donald, James N., Emma L. Bradshaw, Richard M. Ryan, Geetanjali Basarkod, Joseph Ciarrochi, Jasper J. Duineveld, Jiesi Guo, and Baljinder K. Sahdra. 2020. “Mindfulness and Its Association With Varied Types of Motivation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Using Self-Determination Theory.” Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin 46 (7): 1121–38.
• Duckworth, Angela L., Christopher Peterson, Michael D. Matthews, and Dennis R. Kelly. 2007. “Grit: Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 92 (6): 1087–1101.
• Epton, Tracy, Sinead Currie, and Christopher J. Armitage. 2017. “Unique Effects of Setting Goals on Behavior Change: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 85 (12): 1182–98.
• Ferrari, Madeleine, Keong Yap, Nicole Scott, Danielle A. Einstein, and Joseph Ciarrochi. 2018. “Self-Compassion Moderates the Perfectionism and Depression Link in Both Adolescence and Adulthood.” PloS One 13 (2): e0192022.
• Fjorback, L. O., M. Arendt, E. Ornbøl, P. Fink, and H. Walach. 2011. “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 124 (2): 102–19.
• Franklin, Cynthia, Anao Zhang, Adam Froerer, and Shannon Johnson. 2017. “Solution Focused Brief Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Summary of Process Research.” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 43 (1): 16–30.
• Fredrickson, Barbara L. 2001. “The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology: The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions.” The American Psychologist 56 (3): 218–26.
• Frost, Helen, Pauline Campbell, Margaret Maxwell, Ronan E. O’Carroll, Stephan U. Dombrowski, Brian Williams, Helen Cheyne, Emma Coles, and Alex Pollock. 2018. “Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing on Adult Behaviour Change in Health and Social Care Settings: A Systematic Review of Reviews.” PloS One 13 (10): e0204890.
• Gallagher, Matthew W., Laura J. Long, and Colleen A. Phillips. 2020. “Hope, Optimism, Self-Efficacy, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Protective Effects of Positive Expectancies.” Journal of Clinical Psychology 76 (3): 329–55.
• Gander, F., R. T. Proyer, W. Ruch, and T. Wyss. 2013. “Strength-Based Positive Interventions: Further Evidence for Their Potential in Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depression.” Journal of Happiness Studies. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10902-012-9380-0.pdf
• Heekerens, Johannes Bodo, and Michael Eid. 2021. “Inducing Positive Affect and Positive Future Expectations Using the Best-Possible-Self Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The Journal of Positive Psychology 16 (3): 322–47.
• Howell, Andrew J. 2017. “Self-Affirmation Theory and the Science of Well-Being.” Journal of Happiness Studies 18 (1): 293–311.
• Huffman, Jeff C., Emily H. Feig, Rachel A. Millstein, Melanie Freedman, Brian C. Healy, Wei-Jean Chung, Hermioni L. Amonoo, et al. 2019. “Usefulness of a Positive Psychology-Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Promote Positive Affect and Physical Activity After an Acute Coronary Syndrome.” The American Journal of Cardiology 123 (12): 1906–14.
• Jiang, Xinjun, Jingpin Wang, Yanhui Lu, Hua Jiang, and Mingzi Li. 2019. “Self-Efficacy-Focused Education in Persons with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Psychology Research and Behavior Management 12 (January): 67–79.
• Jiao, Xinian, Xiyan Yu, Shuyuan Wang, Zishan Wang, and Zhun Gong. 2021. “Are Effect Sizes in Self-Efficacy Field Changing over Time? A Meta-Meta Analysis.” International Journal of Psychology: Journal International de Psychologie 56 (5): 801–11.
• Jordt, Hannah, Sarah L. Eddy, Riley Brazil, Ignatius Lau, Chelsea Mann, Sara E. Brownell, Katherine King, and Scott Freeman. 2017. “Values Affirmation Intervention Reduces Achievement Gap between Underrepresented Minority and White Students in Introductory Biology Classes.” CBE Life Sciences Education 16 (3). https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.16-12-0351
• Kansky, Jessica, and Ed Diener. 2017. “Benefits of Well-Being: Health, Social Relationships, Work, and Resilience.” Journal of Positive School Psychology 1 (2): | 129-169 |.
• Kanter, Jonathan W., Rachel C. Manos, William M. Bowe, David E. Baruch, Andrew M. Busch, and Laura C. Rusch. 2010. “What Is Behavioral Activation? A Review of the Empirical Literature.” Clinical Psychology Review 30 (6): 608–20.
• Koningsbruggen, Guido M. van, Eleanor Miles, and Peter R. Harris. 2018. “Self-Affirmation and Self-Control: Counteracting Defensive Processing of Health Information and Facilitating Health-Behavior Change.” https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-56398-039.
• Lenger, Katherine A., and Cameron L. Gordon. 2019. “To Have and to Savor: Examining the Associations between Savoring and Relationship Satisfaction.” Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice 8 (1): 1.
• Marshall, Sarah L., Phillip D. Parker, Joseph Ciarrochi, Baljinder Sahdra, Chris J. Jackson, and Patrick C. L. Heaven. 2015. “Self-Compassion Protects against the Negative Effects of Low Self-Esteem: A Longitudinal Study in a Large Adolescent Sample.” Personality and Individual Differences 74: 116–21.
• Mazzucchelli, Trevor G., Robert T. Kane, and Clare S. Rees. 2010. “Behavioral Activation Interventions for Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis.” The Journal of Positive Psychology 5 (2): 105–21.
• Nezu, Arthur M., and Christine Maguth Nezu. 2021. “Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy.” In Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Overview and Approaches, Vol, edited by Amy Wenzel, 1:465–91. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association, xxvii.
• Noetel, Michael, Joseph Ciarrochi, Brooke Van Zanden, and Chris Lonsdale. 2019. “Mindfulness and Acceptance Approaches to Sporting Performance Enhancement: A Systematic Review.” International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology 12 (1): 139–75.
• Pollack, Jeffrey M., Violet T. Ho, Ernest H. O’Boyle, and Bradley L. Kirkman. 2020. “Passion at Work: A Meta‐analysis of Individual Work Outcomes.” Journal of Organizational Behavior 41 (4): 311–31.
• Rozanski, Alan, Chirag Bavishi, Laura D. Kubzansky, and Randy Cohen. 2019. “Association of Optimism With Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” JAMA Network Open 2 (9): e1912200.
• Sahdra, Baljinder, Joseph Ciarrochi, Philip D. Parker, Sarah Marshall, and Patrick Heaven. 2015. “Empathy and Nonattachment Independently Predict Peer Nominations of Prosocial Behavior of Adolescents.” Frontiers in Psychology 6 (MAR): 263.
• Sarrasin, Jérémie Blanchette, Lucian Nenciovici, Lorie-Marlène Brault Foisy, Geneviève Allaire-Duquette, Martin Riopel, and Steve Masson. 2018. “Effects of Teaching the Concept of Neuroplasticity to Induce a Growth Mindset on Motivation, Achievement, and Brain Activity: A Meta-Analysis.” Trends in Neuroscience and Education 12 (July): 22–31.
• Saville, Bryan K., Alex Bureau, Claire Eckenrode, and Michelle Maley. 2018. “Passion and Burnout in College Students.” College Student Journal 52 (1): 105–17.
• Schutte, Nicola S., and John M. Malouff. 2019. “The Impact of Signature Character Strengths Interventions: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Happiness Studies 20 (4): 1179–96.
• Vallerand, Robert J., Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, Geneviève A. Mageau, Andrew J. Elliot, Pascale L. Denis, Frédéric M. E. Grouzet, and Céline Blanchard. 2007. “On the Role of Passion in Performance.” Journal of Personality 75 (3): 505–33.
• Wang, Guoxia, Yi Wang, and Xiaosong Gai. 2021. “A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Mental Contrasting With Implementation Intentions on Goal Attainment.” Frontiers in Psychology 12 (May): 565202.
• Wang, Yanhui, Lili Tian, and E. Scott Huebner. 2019. “Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction at School, Behavioral School Engagement, and Academic Achievement: Longitudinal Reciprocal Relations among Elementary School Students.” Contemporary Educational Psychology 56 (January): 130–39.
• Williams, Kathryn E., Joseph Ciarrochi, and Patrick C. L. Heaven. 2015. “Relationships between Valued Action and Well-Being across the Transition from High School to Early Adulthood.” The Journal of Positive Psychology 10 (2): 127–40.
• Wilson, Alexander C., Kate Mackintosh, Kevin Power, and Stella W. Y. Chan. 2019. “Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Related Therapies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Mindfulness 10 (6): 979–95.
• Yu, Lin, Sam Norton, and Lance M. McCracken. 2017. “Change in ‘Self-as-Context’ (‘Perspective-Taking’) Occurs in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for People With Chronic Pain and Is Associated With Improved Functioning.” The Journal of Pain: Official Journal of the American Pain Society 18 (6): 664–72.
• Yu, Shi, Chantal Levesque-Bristol, and Yukiko Maeda. 2018. “General Need for Autonomy and Subjective Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Studies in the US and East Asia.” Journal of Happiness Studies 19 (6): 1863–82.
• Zarate, Kary, Daniel M. Maggin, and Amanda Passmore. 2019. “Meta‐analysis of Mindfulness Training on Teacher Well‐being.” Psychology in the Schools 56 (10): 1700–1715.
• Zettle, R. D., S. R. Gird, and B. K. Webster. 2018. The Self-as-Context Scale: Development and Preliminary Psychometric Properties. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science 10, 64-74.