A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing two positive psychology interventions for their capacity to increase subjective wellbeing

Objectives: UK participants (29 female, 26 male) took part in a single blind randomised controlled trial to test whether concentrating on gratitude increased self-reported measures of wellbeing more than concentrating on happiness. Method: Participants in the two intervention groups were guided by an instructional video and asked to list three items a day in a customised to this study note-pad for a period of 12 consecutive days. They completed a battery of wellbeing measures before and after the intervention. A third group, the control group, completed only the battery of wellbeing measures at pre and post intervals. Findings: A trend of reduced psychological distress was reported between the treatment and control groups. No significant advantage between concentrating on happiness or gratitude was found.