Proyer RT, Gander F, Brauer K, Chick G. Can Playfulness be Stimulated? A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Online Playfulness Intervention Study on Effects on Trait Playfulness, Well-Being, and Depression.
Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2020;
13:129-151. [PMID:
32844597 DOI:
10.1111/aphw.12220]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
While there are numerous applications of play-based interventions, there is little research on playfulness-based interventions. We applied interventions that aim at stimulating playfulness and test effects on happiness and depressive symptoms.
METHOD
In a randomised placebo-controlled online intervention, N = 533 participants were assigned to one of three 1-week playfulness conditions (i.e. three playful things, using playfulness in a new way, and counting playfulness) or a placebo condition. Participants reported on global playfulness, facets of playfulness, well-being, and depression at pretest, posttest, and at follow-ups after 2, 4, and 12 weeks.
RESULTS
All interventions increased expressions in all facets of playfulness, had short-term effects on well-being, and ameliorated depression.
CONCLUSION
Overall, findings suggest that playfulness can be stimulated by short self-administered interventions.
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