The Effects of an Online-Based Character Strengths Intervention on Happiness and Depression in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Using your signature strengths in a different way for one week has been found to enhance happiness and alleviate depression. However, this intervention has largely been tested with Western samples and is understudied in the Middle East context. The way to achieve happiness varies across cultures and values regarding the good life are socially constructed. In addition, there can be issues of non-adherence in experimental designs, where a daily reminder could be a positive support. This study aimed to: (1) explore character strengths in Saudi Arabia and examine their link to happiness/depression; and (2) evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of using signature strengths (SS), with or without a daily reminder. A total of (n= 377) from the general population in Saudi Arabia (77.5% females), aged between 18 and 68 (mean = 28.50, SD = 9.94) completed the Values-In-Action (VIA) survey and were then randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups (using SS and using SS with reminder) or the control group. Happiness and depression were measured at three time points: pre-intervention, after one week, and up to one month. The results showed: (1) the highest VIA strengths were honesty, kindness, fairness, appreciation of beauty, and judgment, while the lowest were, in ascending order, self-regulation, zest, humility; (2) strong positive correlations were found between happiness and hope, gratitude, zest and curiosity, while strong negative correlations were found between depression and zest and hope; (3) all participants, independent of the condition, reported being happier and less depressed (p < .005) after the intervention (1 week). The participants who received a reminder reported the highest level of happiness post-intervention, while the effect had disappeared by the follow-up. Such findings provide insights for further research on how this intervention should be tailored to different Middle Eastern cultures.