Co-developing components of a positive psychology intervention for people with dementia

Jackman, Victoria

Abstract

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts:
Part One: Systematic Literature Review
The systematic literature review used a positive psychology framework to synthesise the character strength-based interventions that have been used to increase wellbeing among older adults and to analyse the effectiveness of these. The review included 21 studies of variable quality, as measured through the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD; Sirriyeh et al., 2011). The results were analysed using a narrative synthesis, with the interventions being clustered by the character strength focused on. Interventions were heterogenous but generally had a positive effect on wellbeing in clinical and non-clinical populations. It was suggested that group and multicomponent interventions may be most effective, although further research is needed. Of particular relevance is co-produced interventions for clinical groups, to ensure they are meaningful and acceptable.
Part Two: Empirical Paper
The aim of the empirical paper was to understand which character strengths are most important for people with dementia (PWD), and therefore which strengths-based interventions are most meaningful and acceptable to PWD. A participatory design, utilising Delphi methodology, was incorporated into an iterative three stage framework, centring on generating qualitative data from focus groups which were analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that love, kindness and humour were deemed the most important character strengths for living with dementia. Qualitative data from the focus groups can be captured in three superordinate themes: (1) lack opportunity not capacity; (2) key considerations of positive psychology interventions for PWD; and (3) potential benefits of positive psychology interventions. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Part Three comprises the Appendices.
Part three consists of the Appendices relating to the systematic literature review and the empirical paper, including a reflective statement and epistemological position to inform the context of the portfolio thesis.

Citation

Jackman, V. Co-developing components of a positive psychology intervention for people with dementia. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448480

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448480
• Additional Information: School of Psychology and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 28, 2023