Enhancing College Students’ Optimism and Perseverance through Positive Psychology Group Intervention

The shift to college presents numerous academic, social, and emotional challenges that impact students’ psychological well-being. Optimism and perseverance, key components of positive psychology, play a crucial role in enhancing resilience and fostering academic and personal success. This study examined the effectiveness of a positive psychology group intervention in enhancing optimism, perseverance, and well-being among first-year college students. The intervention, based on the EPOCH model and Cognitive-Behavioral Theory, consisted of four structured modules designed to cultivate positive thinking patterns and persistence. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was employed, with 40 participants completing the intervention. Standardized psychological instruments, including the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), Grit Scale, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), were used to assess changes in optimism, perseverance, and well-being. Results demonstrated significant improvements in all three measures post-intervention, with large effect sizes: optimism (Cohen’s d = 1.5), perseverance (Cohen’s d = 1.3), and well-being (Cohen’s d = 1.6). These findings highlight the efficacy of positive psychology interventions in promoting mental resilience and academic persistence among college students. The study underscores the potential for structured psychoeducational programs to foster personal growth and well-being, offering valuable insights for educational institutions aiming to support student development.