Scope of a Signature Strengths Intervention in Improving the Mental Health of Low-income Indian Emerging Adult Women: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims: Indian women from lower socioeconomic statuses battle severe hardships owing to various social, cultural, and economic reasons. They have limited opportunities for personal growth, development, and progress in life which adversely affects their well-being and mental health. According to the positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA), theory of well-being, utilizing one’s inner potential or signature strengths leads to an increase in these five factors of well-being. The present study was to test the effect of signature strengths intervention on well-being and its factors of low-income Indian emerging adult women. Methods: The researcher conducted a 6-weeks long online signature strengths intervention in a sample of 82 economically backward Indian emerging adult women. The study implemented a randomized controlled trial using a pretest–posttest experimental design, measuring well-being and its five factors at the pretest, posttest, and 1-month follow-up. Data were collected using the PERMA Profiler, a standardized questionnaire measuring the five factors of well-being as conceptualized by the PERMA Theory. Results: Findings showed significant increases in well-being and four of its factors, namely, positive emotions, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment factors of well-being at the 1-month follow-up in addition to overall well-being. Conclusion: Results of the study yielded preliminary empirical support for the PERMA Theory of Well-being and revealed that utilizing signature strengths is an effective means to improve different elements of well-being by helping individuals function at their best and live fulfilling lives.