Effectiveness of positive affect treatment on positive and negative affects and suicidality in individuals with major depressive disorder

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of education and psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Esfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of positive affect treatment on positive and negative affects and suicidality in individuals with major depressive disorder. The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental single-subject design with an A-B framework and a follow-up phase. The statistical population comprised all individuals with major depressive disorder who had sought private counseling and psychotherapy centers in Isfahan during the second and third seasons of 2025. Among them, three individuals were selected using purposive sampling. Positive affect treatment was delivered individually and face-to-face in 15 sessions of 50–60 minutes, twice a week. The research instruments included the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale. Data were analyzed using visual analysis methods, effect size indices, and percentages of overlap and non-overlap. The findings indicated that positive affect treatment had a significant effect in reducing negative affects, increasing positive affects, and reducing suicidality in individuals with major depressive disorder. These results suggest that positive affect treatment can potentially be used as an effective intervention to improve the psychological condition of individuals with major depressive disorder. Furthermore, these findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic and supportive programs for this group of individuals.

Keywords

Positive Psychology Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 September 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 22 September 2026
  • Accept Date: 26 September 2026

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