(PS12-B49) What Do Clients Think About Amplifying Positivity? A Qualitative Analysis of Client Perceptions Following a Behavioral Positive Affect Intervention for Anxiety and Depression

The positive valence system (PVS) – characterized by positive emotions (e.g., joy, excitement), cognitions (e.g., optimism), and approach behaviors (e.g., social initiation) – is increasingly recognized as an important target in facilitating recovery from anxiety and depression. Amplification of Positivity (AMP) is a cognitive and behavioral intervention that targets the PVS through repeated and intentional activities (e.g., savoring positive events, expressing gratitude). AMP was shown to increase positive emotions, well-being, and social connectedness, while reducing negative affect and symptoms of treatment-seeking clients with anxiety and/or depression. However, less is known about the client’s perspective of which elements of AMP are helpful (or unhelpful) and why. To progress the development, implementation, and effectiveness of AMP and other positive valence focused cognitive and behavioral interventions, it is important to understand the treatment experience from those receiving it.

Ninety-minute semi-structured interviews were conducted with N=11 participants with anxiety and/or depression who previously completed AMP. Amongst the participants, six identified as female; two identified as Hispanic; and six identified as a race other than White. The AMP protocol included six individual treatment sessions focused on noticing and amplifying positive events, gratitude, performing acts of kindness, scheduling and participating in pleasurable, engaging, and meaningful activities, and creating positive interpersonal cycles.

The semi-structured interview, adapted from Elliott’s Change Interview, asked participants about changes they noticed in themselves due to treatment, the most helpful and unhelpful aspects of treatment, treatment challenges and barriers, suggested improvements, and perceptions about the focus on positivity and limited focus on symptoms of anxiety and depression. To date, five interviews were coded by two raters. Raters are developing themes regarding client perceptions of AMP using a Grounded Theory framework. For instance, emergent themes pertaining to client changes thus far include feeling more present, increased positive thoughts, and increased ability to reframe negative events and thoughts. Once the coding of all interviews is complete (anticipated April 2023), themes will be discussed in depth, including examples and quotations pulled directly from client responses. The poster will also include graphics depicting major themes across clients and the frequency of themes identified. Results from this qualitative analysis will lead to a greater understanding of positive valence focused interventions, bridging the gap between researcher and client perceptions of what works (or does not), and allowing for client-centered treatment improvements.