A Positive Activity Intervention to Promote Wellbeing in Romanian Immigrants

A Positive Activity Intervention to Promote Optimism and Psychological Wellbeing in Romanian Immigrants

This study aims to test the efficacy of an intervention focused on promoting positive emotions (Best Possible Self - BPS) to improve the psychological wellbeing of Romanian immigrants living in Spain. It is hypothesized that the BPS intervention will significantly improve a series of positive mental health outcomes, i.e., optimism, future expectancies, and affect, compared to the Control group.

Previous studies have shown that groups of immigrants may face a series of problems unique to the process of immigration, such as working, legal, social, and mental and physical health problems.

BPS is a guided imagery exercise that requires participants to envision themselves in the future, achieving desired goals in different areas of their lives. This exercise has shown efficacy improving optimism, future expectancies and positive affect compared to a control condition, in general population. Taking into account the prior literature, the aim of the present study is to carry out a randomized controlled study in order to replicate the findings about the effects of BPS on optimism, mood and affect in an immigrant population. The design employed in this study is similar to the used in other studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Romanian immigrant in Spain
• Sign a consent form stating their willingness to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of severe physical illness
• Presence of severe psychological disorder
• Be currently involved in another psychological treatment