PPI to Promote the Psychological Well-being of Children Living in Poverty

The Use of a Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) to Promote the Psychological Well-being of Children Living in Poverty: a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

Positive psychology interventions use positive psychology techniques to identify meaning and value in life events to raise positive feelings and emotions. Application of PPIs has steadily increased in clinical and non-clinical samples. However, that meta-analysis did not include any study in a Chinese population, and it remains unclear whether PPIs are applicable in the Hong Kong Chinese context.

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A convenience sample of 120 patients age 13 to 17 years with no cognitive and/or behavioral problem(s) will be recruited in secondary school around Kwai Chung Estate Participants will be randomized into experimental and control group. The experimental group, who will receive a 1.5-hour workshop covering positive psychology techniques delivered by a qualified research assistant, in groups of less than 5 people, and a booster intervention at 1 week. The control group will received no intervention. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, 1 week, 1month, 3months and 6 months for both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 13-17
• Can read Chinese and speak Cantonese

Exclusion Criteria:

• with identified cognitive and/or behavioral problem(s)
• with identified mental problem(s)
• participating in any mental health service/programme and/or receiving any psychiatric medication.