Behavioral Activation Plus Savoring for University Students

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Behavioral Activation Plus Savoring for University Students With Positive Valence Dysregulation

The current investigation aims to examine whether a brief, two-session, virtual behavioral activation plus savoring intervention will increase daily positive emotion in university students.

Experiences of positive emotions are often unchanged following standard psychotherapy. To address this, the current investigation aims to enhance traditional brief behavioral activation with savoring, an emotion regulation strategy specifically targeting positive emotion, or affect, for university students endorsing low levels of the symptom. Individuals will be randomized to either a two-session behavioral activation plus savoring intervention or two sessions of empathic listening. Daily levels of positive emotions will be assessed throughout the study and for one week prior to and completing the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• University student
• Own a smartphone
• Positive affect score less than 32 on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Short Form (PANAS-SF)