Results of a Study to Increase Savoring the Moment: Differential Impact on Positive and Negative Outcomes

Abstract Positive psychology has been increasingly moving towards testing interven- tions to increase positive outcomes and decrease negative outcomes. One of these possible

interventions involves increasing savoring the moment. During savoring the moment, one

focuses on positive events while they occur to increase, intensify, or prolong positive

emotions in the present. This study tested a group savoring the moment intervention to

increase positive outcomes and decrease negative outcomes over 2 weeks. The sample

consisted of 193 undergraduate students who completed both sessions (94 intervention and

99 control condition). The intervention group experienced significant decreases in self-

reported depressive symptoms and negative affect when compared to the control group.

However, positive affect did not differ between the groups. Clinical and research impli-

cations are explored.