Positive Psychotherapy’s Impact on Depression and Character Strengths in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Objective: This study explores the efficacy of positive psychotherapy in reducing depression and enhancing character strengths in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods and Materials: This semi-experimental study with a control group and pre-test-post-test methodology was conducted in spring 2023 at Basra Teaching Hospital. The sample consisted of 50 AMI patients, randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Sampling was voluntary targeted among eligible AMI patients at the center. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ, Hills & Argyle, 2002) and the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS, McGrath, 2014) were used for assessment. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis in SPSS version 26. Findings: The covariance analysis, controlling for pre-test scores, revealed significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group. There was a 60.0% increase in character strengths (F=26.18, p<0.001), 51.6% enhancement in pleasure (F=8.08, p=0.005), 26.8% rise in engagement (F=60.98, p<0.001), 38.3% growth in perceived meaning (F=14.47, p=0.002), and a 33.4% reduction in depressive symptoms (F=0.12, p=0.005). Conclusion: Positive psychotherapy significantly benefits AMI patients by reducing depression and enhancing character strengths, pleasure, engagement, and meaning. These findings suggest that incorporating psychotherapy into AMI treatment plans can substantially improve mental health outcomes.