The effect of a psychoeducational program based on perma well-being model on reasons for living, suicide probability, and well-being

This study aimed to examine the effect of an online psychoeducational program based on PERMA well-being model, called PERMA-OWP, on reasons for living, suicide probability, and well-being. A quasi-experimental design with a 2x4 mixed ANOVA (split plot) was utilized, including pretest, posttest and follow-up measurements. The study group consists of 24 volunteer university students who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=12, 6 females and 6 males) or a control group (n=12, 6 females and 6 males). The participants were enrolled in various universities and departments in Turkey during 2020-2021 academic year. In the study, the control group did not receive any intervention, while the experimental group received 10-session PERMA-OWP program which was designed according to the findings of a previous pilot study. The ten sessions were conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 120 minutes. Scores of participants were measured prior to psychoeducational program, after the completion of the program, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up assessments. Focus group interview was held with the participants in the experimental group in order to reveal information about the efficacy of the program and activities. The data collection tools used in this sudy were Reasons for Living Inventory, Suicide Probability Scale, PERMA Well-Being Scale and Focus Group Interview Form. The research design employed a mixed method design, benefiting from both qualitative and quantitative research design. In this research, a 2x4 (experimental/ control groups X pretest/posttest/follow up measurements) mixed ANOVA (split plot) design was employed. Following this analysis, the Wilks' Lambda statistic was used to determine the significant differences between groups based on measurements. To identify the source of these significant differences, "Bonferroni adjusted multiple comparisons" test was conducted. In addition to these, the effect size was examined using the eta squared (η2) value. Quantitative data obtained from the focus group interview were analyzed through content analysis in order to reveal potential concepts and relationships. The findings indicated that "PERMA Well-Being Psychoeducational Program" significantly increased the total scores for Reasons for Living (except for religious objections and struggle subscales) and commitment to life, hope and social support subscales scores in the experimental group. These significant differences were seen to continue after 1 month and 3 months follow-up measurements between control and experimental group. Moreover, results showed that "PERMA Well-Being Psychoeducational Program" significantly decreased the total score of Suicide Probability (except for anger/impulsivity), subscales of social support/ self-perception, hopelessness/loneliness, and suicidal thoughts in the experimental group. These significant differences were seen to continue after 1 month and 3 months follow-up measurements between control and experimental group. Lastly, it was seen that "PERMA Well-Being Psychoeducational Program" significantly increased the total scores for PERMA well-being total scores, positive emotions, engagement, relationships, and achievement in the experimental group. These significant differences were seen to continue after 1 month and 3 months follow-up measurements between control and experimental group. As for qualitative results, all participants in experimental group stated that they found the program effective. According to content analysis, feeling good, having a new point of view, benefiting from chracter strenghts, knowing about well-being resources and having a hopeful attitute about the future were the reasons for the efficacy of the program. The present study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was found that the program provided support to the participants through meeting their needs by adapting to the new way of life, offering group support, fostering interpersonal relationships, and addressing their emotions during the pandemic. Although most participants did not provide specific suggestions for improving effectiveness of the program, some recommendations were made. These recommendations included taking breaks during the sessions, increasing the number of sessions, shortening the program duration, and keeping a journal of emotions. As the program is conducted online, several advantages were highlighted such as time-saving, accessibility, eco-friendliness, the ability to use screen sharing and breakout rooms, and a sense of safety. However, participants stated that being in different physical environments and having difficulties in understanding body language as challenges of online program. Lastly, it was concluded that participants' evaluation for online process are related to feeling a sense of in-person interaction, being efficient, breaking down prejudice against online works, and evaluting it positive in general. Key words: PERMA well-being, reasons for living, suicide, suicide probability, online work, well-being, chracter strenghts, COVID-19 pandemic