Strengths-based research consistently shows positive group-level associations between strength use and well-being. However, whether these associations hold uniformly within individuals remains untested. This study examined whether daily strength and well-being links are ergodic, meaning the pattern observed at the group level characterizes each individual's daily experience. Two hundred and thirty-five Pakistani undergraduates (Mage = 20.72, SD = 1.70; 77 women, 157 men, one missing) completed up to 21 daily diaries (M = 17) and pre–post assessments. Individual-level autoregressive integrated moving average models with exogenous predictors (i-ARIMAX) were estimated for each participant and then meta-analyzed. At the group level, experience sampling may have functioned as a light-touch intervention: participants increased their daily enactment of strengths and, on average, reported reductions in negative affect from the pre-test to the post-test. Group-level analyses also suggested that greater daily strength use predicted higher positive outcomes such as vitality, meaning, and life satisfaction, with smaller and often nonsignificant effects on negative affect. However, individual-level analyses revealed a different picture: the size and even the direction of daily strength–distress links varied substantially across participants. Clustering analysis showed that only a subset of students (responders) translated increased strength use into reduced distress, whereas others (nonresponders) did not. i-ARIMAX slopes distinguished these groups, suggesting that daily dynamics may help identify who is most likely to benefit. These findings illustrate how group averages can mask unique individual experiences, underscoring the potential value of person-centered approaches that tailor strengths-based interventions.
The major purpose of this project was to further evaluate the psychometric properties of the Self-as-Context Scale (SACS) and its 10 items by conducting an item response theory (IRT) analysis. Prior to doing so we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with an aggregate college student sample (N = 1842) that confirmed an acceptable fit for a bidimensional model after dropping an item from the transcending subscale. The General Response Model we chose for the IRT analysis indicated strong discriminating power for both sets of remaining subscale items in their ability to adequately differentiate varying levels of their respective dimensional constructs. An evaluation of difficulty parameters suggested both sets of items covered an adequate span of latent traits, but that each might be improved, albeit in differing ways. For centering items, this would entail the elimination of the neutral response option from the Likert-type scale used in rating them, while increasing the difficulty level of transcending items through some rewording could be considered. Implications as well as limitations of the findings and ways of addressing them in the service of further evaluating and improving the quality of SACS as an assessment tool in clinical research and practice are discussed.
Similar to other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa, workers in Uganda have limited access to evidence-based workplace mental health promotion programs. This pilot trial assesses the feasibility, acceptability, and cultural suitability of implementing and evaluating training derived from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) among Ugandan healthcare staff. A sample of 16 staff (primarily nurses and midwives) employed at a hospital in Kampala participated in four group sessions of training using the ACT Matrix, and completed pre- and post-intervention measures. The program's acceptability was assessed via the multidimensional Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. In addition, a subgroup of 7 participants provided qualitative data during a focus group immediately after completing the training. Despite reported challenges surrounding the timing of sessions, the ACT Matrix was rated as an acceptable, culturally relevant, and satisfying training approach in this context. Qualitative reports further suggested that participating staff experienced benefits across different life areas. Participants revealed no issues with English language psychometric instruments commonly used to evaluate ACT interventions, including prominent markers of perceived stress, well-being, and psychological flexibility/inflexibility. Positively framed measures of well-being and psychological flexibility exhibited promising signs of short-term change sensitivity in response to the ACT Matrix. Taken together, these quantitative and qualitative data signal that it is feasible and appropriate to progress to a next stage of intervention research, aimed at examining the effectiveness of workplace ACT Matrix training with similar groups of healthcare staff in Uganda.
Gay men are frequently exposed to discrimination and rejection, experiences that may contribute to intimacy avoidance and interpersonal distress. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a contextual behavioral intervention that shapes clinically relevant interpersonal behaviors within therapy. This preliminary, exploratory study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of six to nine weekly FAP sessions focused on intimacy-related behaviors and minority stress among three self-identified Latinx gay men. A randomized combined concurrent/nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design was used. All participants completed the intervention, and two completed follow-up and social validity assessments. Intimacy-seeking behaviors in session increased across participants, whereas changes in intimacy-avoidant behaviors were less consistent. Out-ofsession intimacy showed greater stability for two out of the three participants. Two participants also showed clinically reliable improvements in interpersonal functioning and lower overall minority stress indicators; however, one participant showed deterioration in community connectedness at follow-up. Social validity data from the two respondents suggested high perceived value of the intervention, along with concerns about session length and emotional openness. Overall, findings support the feasibility and acceptability of FAP and suggest possible clinical benefits. Given the small sample size, heterogeneous outcomes, short baselines, and limited follow-up, results should be interpreted cautiously and evaluated in larger, more diverse studies.
