Psychological intervention
In applied psychology, interventions are actions performed to bring about change. A wide range of intervention strategies exist and they are directed towards various types of difficulties.
Definition
Psychological interventions are methods used to facilitate change in an individual. Specifically they are activities used to modify an individual or group’s behavior, emotional state, or feelings.[1] Psychological interventions have many different applications and the most common use if for the treatment of mental disorders. To treat mental disorders psychological interventions can be coupled with pharmaceuticals as well as talk therapy. The ultimate goal behind these interventions is not only to alleviate symptoms but also to target the root cause of mental disorders.
Interventions can also be used to promote good mental health in order to prevent mental disorders. These interventions are not tailored towards treating a condition but are designed to foster healthy emotions, attitudes and habits. Such interventions can improve quality of life even when mental illness is not present.[2]
Interventions can be diverse and can be tailored specifically to the individual or group receiving treatment depending on their needs. This versatility adds to their effectiveness in addressing all kinds of situations.[3]
Uses
- Treat mental disorders
- Promote mental health
- Instill social change
Types
Pharmaceuticals
Psychiatrists commonly prescribe antipsychotic drugs to remit symptoms of mental disorders.
Psychotherapy
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Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, promotes a relationship between a trained psychotherapist and a person suffering from a psychological disorder.
Positive Activity Interventions
Positive activity interventions (PAIs) are a part of Positive Psychology, which was introduced by Martin Seligman. PAIs can be used in psychotherapy as well as outside of it. Examples of PAIs include:[4]
- "Three Good Things"
- "Best Future Self"
- Writing a thank-you letter
- Counting one's blessings
- Performing acts of kindness
- Using strengths in a new way
- Affirming one's most important values
- Thinking about positive feeling toward others and self
References
- ↑ Mary B. Ballou, Psychological interventions: a guide to strategies, Greenwood Publishing Group, 1995
- ↑ Feldman, D. B., & Dreher, D. E. (2012). Can hope be changed in 90 minutes? Testing the efficacy of a single-session goal-pursuit intervention for college students. Journal Of Happiness Studies, 13(4), 745-759.
- ↑ Domínguez Martínez, T., Manel Blonqué, J., Codina, J., Montoro, M., Mauri, L., & Barrantes-Vidal, N. (2011). Rationale and state of the art in early detection and intervention in psychosis. Salud Mental, 34(4), 341-350.
- ↑ Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). The how, why, what, when, and who of happiness: Mechanisms underlying the success of positive interventions. ""To appear in J. Gruber & J. Moscowitz (Eds.), The light and dark side of positive emotions. New York: Oxford University Press