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Table 1 Positive psychology homework exercises from individual positive psychotherapy

From: What might affect acceptability of online positive psychology interventions for depression: a qualitative study on patient expectations’

Exercise

Brief description

Positive Introduction

Write short story at your ‘best’

Identifying strengths

Person completes Values in Action Inventory of strengths (VIA-IS). Their family/ friend completes shorter version

Strengths plan

Plan to use top strengths in daily life

Blessings journal

Record three good things per day

Writing memories

Write three bad memories and distress

Forgiveness letter

Write to someone that want to forgive but do not deliver letter

Gratitude letter

Write to someone never properly thanked and deliver letter

Personal satisficing plan

Plan to settle for good enough compared to trying to find the ‘best’ option

One door closes, one door opens

Write times when something important did not happen but other opportunities did

ACR

Practice being enthusiastic and supportive of others’ meaningful and important news

Family strengths tree

Each family member completes VIA-IS followed by group discussion

Savoring activity

Attempt to make pleasure last

Gift of time

Use strengths in the service of others