Can Online Positive Psychology Interventions based on the PERMA model increase Happiness? : A systematic review and meta-analysis

The systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of Online Positive Psychology Interventions (OPPIs) based on the PERMA model in increasing happiness among adults. A comprehensive search of the databases PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus, identified 15 randomized controlled trials involving 7,020 participants. The interventions showed a small but statistically significant positive effect on happiness (g = 0.149, p < .0001) with low heterogeneity (I² = 17.0%). Analysis on follow up data indicated sustained significant effects at 1 month (g = 0.154) and 3 months (g = 0.258), though the 6-month effect was not statistically significant (g = 0.249, p = .073). The review concluded that OPPIs can enhance happiness in the short term, though long-term effects may be inconsistent. Limitations included a focus on Western populations and inclusion of a rather well-educated sample, limiting generalizability. Despite these limitations, OPPIs appear to be a scalable and accessible tool for improving happiness, with future research needed to explore their long-term effectiveness and broader applicability.