Does the Diversity of Savoring Strategies Increase Happiness? An Experimental Study of Design-Mediated Well-Being

Abstract

When we look forward to enjoyable events or share positive experiences with others we can prolong and amplify our positive emotions. These and other savoring strategies can increase our well-being. Yet, it remains unclear whether practicing a variety of savoring strategies adds its own happiness-boosting effect. In this 1 x 3 randomized controlled study, N = 71 participants received either an 8-day, original, interactive poster to facilitate high- or low savoring diversity, or they journaled in the control condition. Multiple linear regression models give varied results for emotional and cognitive well-being outcomes while qualitative data provide insights into the intervention's effectiveness at promoting positive experiences. Results suggest that assigning savoring diversity may have only a modest effect on well-being at the dosage used for this intervention. The study’s evidence-based approach to intervention design may provide useful insights for practitioners of positive design and related disciplines.