The Effectiveness of Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) for Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs).

Abstract

This study conducted a validation of the piloted Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) program, which was empirically designed based on the character strengths and virtues (CSV) of the Person Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) and aims to improve their life satisfaction, mental wellbeing, and overall psychological functioning. Forty male residents of the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center were randomly assigned in treatment or control group using a between-subject experimental pretest-posttest design. Results showed significant improvement in PWUDs' mental wellbeing (<i>M</i> = -0.63, SD = 0.25; <i>t</i>(20) = -2.5, <i>P</i> < .02921), overall psychological functioning (<i>M</i> = -1.25, SD = 0.22; <i>t</i>(20) = -5.71, <i>P</i> < .00013) but not in their life satisfaction (<i>M</i> = -1.55, SD = 0.4; <i>t</i>(20) = -1.55, <i>P</i> > .15033); this could be attributed to their habituated lifestyle brought by their prolonged stay in the center due to the series of nationwide restrictions. However, the vibrant documented accounts of the PWUDs about the perceived impact of the PPI program showed a very high rating coupled with substantial data supporting impactful effects on their overall personhood that are essential to their drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Putting the data altogether, it is validated that the PPI program was practical, effective, and functionally responsive to the drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation of the PWUDs. Pertinent conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were provided accordingly.