Enhancing Subjective Wellbeing in Older Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Trial of a Positive Psychology Intervention

Konstantina Tsiflikioti; Despoina Moraitou; Christos Pezirkianidis; Georgia Papantoniou; Maria Sofologi; Georgios A. Kougioumtzis; Magdalini Tsolaki

doi:10.3390/bs13100838

Behavioral Sciences (Oct 2023)

Enhancing Subjective Wellbeing in Older Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Trial of a Positive Psychology Intervention

Konstantina Tsiflikioti,
Despoina Moraitou,
Christos Pezirkianidis,
Georgia Papantoniou,
Maria Sofologi,
Georgios A. Kougioumtzis,
Magdalini Tsolaki

Affiliations

Konstantina Tsiflikioti: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
Despoina Moraitou: School of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Christos Pezirkianidis: Interdisciplinary Mental Health Centre of the Armed Forces Board of Members, Hellenic Association of Positive Psychology, Panteion University, 17671 Athens, Greece
Georgia Papantoniou: Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Maria Sofologi: Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Georgios A. Kougioumtzis: Department of Turkish Studies and Modern Asian Studies, Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
Magdalini Tsolaki: Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Aristotle University, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100838
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13, no. 10
p. 838

Abstract

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Objectives: This pilot study aims to explore the potential of a positive psychology intervention (PPI) in enhancing the subjective well-being of older individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. Design and Setting: A randomized trial was conducted, initially recruiting 51 participants aged 65 and above from the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders in Thessaloniki, Greece. The study employed a control-experimental group setup. To ensure randomization, each participant was assigned a unique number, and a random number generator was used for group allocation. Participants: A total of 41 eligible participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were included in the study after screening. Intervention: The intervention consisted of a 3-week positive psychology program (PPI) where the PERMA Profiler questionnaire was administered at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one month after completion. Main Outcome Measures: The subjective well-being of participants. Results: The analysis, conducted mainly through mixed-measures ANOVAs, supported the study’s hypotheses, revealing that the 3-week PPI led to increased PERMA model scores and overall well-being, which persisted even after one month. Conversely, non-participants experienced declines in most domains except for Positive Emotion and Meaning, which demonstrated improvement and recovery during follow-up. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential of PPI in enhancing the subjective well-being of older adults with amnestic MCI, with implications for addressing dementia-related challenges. Further investigation is warranted to pinpoint PPI effects on MCI and tailor interventions for improved subjective well-being.

Published in Behavioral Sciences

ISSN: 2076-328X (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/behavsci

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