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