The impact of positive psychology as a low-intensity intervention on adolescent psychological well-being and depression severity

ABSTRACT Adolescents are considered at higher risk of psychosocial disturbances, requiring timely interventions to prevent further exacerbation. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a low-intensity positive psychology intervention on psychological well-being and severity of depressive symptoms among adolescents in Jordan. A quasi-experimental, interrupted time series design was used. A total of 69 adolescents were recruited across experimental and control groups. At baseline, adolescents in the control group had a higher overall mean score of depression (75.9, SD = 9.3) than those in the experimental group (70.2, SD = 7.1), and a significant mean difference (t = 2.8, p = .005). Adolescents in the experimental group reported higher psychological well-being at baseline, 61.2 (SD = 13.9), compared to the control group, 58.1 (SD = 16.6); however, this difference was not statistically significant (t = -0.8, p = .401). Over time, a significant reduction in depressive symptoms was observed (F = 8.3, p < .001), with a significant group-by-time interaction effect (F = 2.9, p = .049). Additionally, significant differences in well-being scores were found between baseline and Time I and Time III (t = -2.3, p = .028; t = -1.5, p = .011). The study highlights the importance of integrating Positive Psychology interventions into school mental health care.