Digital Positive Affect Intervention Study

The present two-arm randomized controlled trial rigorously evaluates the efficacy of a six-week digitally-delivered positive affect intervention (PAI) compared to a self-monitoring active control among adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression. Participants (N=2400), recruited from the National University of Singapore and the broader community, are randomized to one of two arms: (1) the PAI, which provides weekly evidence-based therapeutic content via Qualtrics alongside daily ecological momentary prompts via mEMA Ilumivu platform to cultivate positive affect, or (2) an active control that engages participants in mood self-monitoring through a mental health mobile application. The intervention is designed to target positive emotion enhancement as a core mechanism for improving emotional well-being, reducing anxious and depressive symptoms, and bolstering resilience factors. Assessments are administered at baseline, mid-intervention (Week 3), post-intervention (Week 6), and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months, capturing a comprehensive suite of psychosocial outcomes including quality of life, sleep quality, and emotion regulation capacities. The study further investigates mediators and moderators to elucidate how and for whom the intervention confers benefit, providing granular insight into mechanisms of change. Subjects in the PAI arm also complete post-treatment assessments of satisfaction and cultural relevance to assess acceptability and contextual fit, an important consideration for digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). Both arms receive regular ecological momentary assessments three times daily to reinforce engagement and capture in-the-moment affective experiences. With its fully digital, scalable design, the trial not only tests clinical effectiveness but also addresses feasibility and user engagement, contributing meaningfully to the growing literature on positive emotion-focused digital interventions and their potential for integration into stepped-care mental health frameworks. This work is poised to advance understanding of digital therapeutic strategies that extend beyond symptom reduction to actively build psychological resilience and flourishing.