An Internet-based intervention for depressive symptoms including positive psychology and behavioral activation components: A qualitative analysis of patients’ experiences

Una intervención a través de internet para la sintomatología depresiva que incluye componentes de psicología positiva y activación conductual: Un análisis cualitativo sobre la experiencia de los pacientes

Abstract

Objective: Effective treatments for depression do not reach all patients. Many therapeutic components reduce negative symptoms without enhancing positive aspects. Positive psychology (PP) addresses this gap and has shown efficacy in improving depressive symptoms. Qualitative studies provide insight into patients’ perceptions of psychological treatments. This study aimed to qualitatively analyze the experiences of 8 participants who completed an internet-based intervention (IBI) for mild to moderate depression. Method: After interviewing the participants, following the Consensual Qualitative Research methodology, there were analyzed domains, categories and nuclear ideas. Results: A total of 22 categories were identified across six domains: benefits related to the content of the program, like improving cognitive flexibility; benefits of the behavioral activation component, like increasing social engagement; benefits of the PP component, like savoring the present; advantages of the program being IBI; areas of the program that need improvement; and aspects of the online delivery that could be enhanced. Conclusions: Qualitative analysis provides valuable information about the experience of users.