Positive Transition to University: Evaluating an App-Based Positive Psychology Intervention with UK First Year Undergraduate Students.

Abstract Starting university is a key life transition, and a potential source of psychological distress in first year university students. Those who manage the university transition effectively report high levels of optimism, hope, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and self-regulation. This study evaluated the effect of an app-based positive psychology intervention (PPI) delivered to undergraduates within the first semester of university. 92 first year university students were randomly allocated to an app-based PPI (n = 46) or an active control journaling condition (n = 46) for six weeks. The PPI condition reported significant increases in life satisfaction after three and six weeks of the intervention; plus, significant increases in positive affect and self-efficacy, and decreases in negative affect after six weeks. The findings and limitations of the study are examined with reference to the concept of mental fitness. App-based PPIs are presented as a scalable cost-effective approach to supporting student transition to university.摘要：大学入学是一项关键的人生过渡阶段，同时也是一年级大学生产生心理困扰的潜在诱因。能够顺利适应大学过渡的个体，往往展现出较高水平的乐观主义、希望感、自我效能感、情绪智力与自我调节能力。本研究评估了一项基于应用程序的积极心理学干预（positive psychology intervention, PPI）针对大学第一学期本科生的干预效果。92名大一学生被随机分配至基于应用程序的PPI组（n=46）或主动对照日记组（n=46），干预周期共计六周。结果显示，PPI组在干预开展三周及六周后，生活满意度均出现显著提升；干预六周后，该组的积极情感与自我效能感显著上升，消极情感则显著下降。本研究参照心理适配（mental fitness）这一概念，对研究发现与局限性进行了探讨，并提出基于应用程序的PPI可作为一种可规模化、成本效益优良的途径，助力学生完成大学入学过渡。