A relational savoring intervention predicts higher levels of adherence to COVID-19 health recommendations

ABSTRACT

Understanding factors that are related to engagement in health behaviors during a health emergency is critical. Positive psychology interventions have been shown to increase positive emotion toward others and the self;enhancing feelings of self-worth might, in turn, increase adherence to health behaviors. This may be particularly important for parents of young children who are reported as having significant levels of stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Herein, we investigated the long-term effects of a personal savoring control versus a relational savoring intervention on mothers' adherence to health recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers (N = 61) who participated in the intervention and had agreed to continue to be contacted for further participation reported their adherence to COVID-19-related health recommendations through an online survey after the onset of the pandemic. We also assessed basic demographics, perceived threat of the pandemic, and general anxiety. As expected, independent of a host of demographic variables, perceived threat, and anxiety, mothers who had participated in the relational savoring intervention also demonstrated higher levels of adherence to COVID-19-related health recommendations. Even years after the initial intervention, relational savoring practices seem to enhance the use of appropriate health behaviors during the pandemic. There are various explanations for this, and further investigation is needed to pinpoint how relational savoring affects mechanisms that underlie positive engagement with health recommendations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement Positive psychology interventions can influence adherence to recommendations. Promoting connection and community with close ones may be a strategy to promote engagement with health behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)