Positiviteit ontgrendelen: Naar een beter begrip en effectieve behandeling van dampening van positieve gevoelens

Dampening refers to a response style that reduces the intensity and frequency of positive feelings. Via thoughts such as "This positive feeling won't last" or "My streak of luck is going to end soon", a notable group of individuals downplays their positive feelings. Systematically engaging in this response style prevents them from experiencing positive feelings and deprives them of the associated mental health benefits. Moreover, dampening increases the risk of various emotional disorders, as it is a proven transdiagnostic risk and maintenance factor. Although the involvement of dampening in emotional disorders is well established, an accurate and encompassing understanding of this seemingly counterintuitive response style and evidence-based strategies to target it are currently missing. The overarching aim of this dissertation is therefore to advance the understanding of dampening both as a theoretical contribution and as a way to inform the development of strategies to systematically target it. The general introduction highlights the pressing need for a better understanding of dampening and effective therapeutic strategies, to ultimately enhance diminished positive affect (PA) levels and improve mental well-being in a sustainable way. Specifically, this dissertation pursued three concurrently initiated approaches from different angles, which are presented across three parts. The first part describes two randomized controlled trials that examine related PA-interventions in terms of their effectiveness to reduce dampening, and to boost PA levels and mental well-being. In Chapter 1, Future Event Specificity Training is put to the test, and in Chapter 2, the effectiveness of Positive Events Training is examined in this regard. The second part consists of two empirical studies to improve methodological rigor and precision in the field of dampening research. Chapter 3 presents an item-level analysis of dampening, using machine learning and network analysis techniques, to investigate unique (predictive) relations between specific dampening features and individual depressive symptoms. Chapter 4 describes the psychometric evaluation and initial validation of the Leuven Exeter Dampening Scale, a new self-report scale to measure dampening in a more comprehensive way. The third part (Chapter 5) furthers the current theoretical understanding of dampening by analyzing it through the lens of the Goal-Directed framework. This analysis synthesizes multiple possible theoretical explanations for dampening in one unified framework, going beyond diagnostic boundaries. Additionally, it offers different possible therapeutic strategies to successfully target dampening in a concerted manner. Finally, the general discussion summarizes the key findings of the individual parts and provides concrete recommendations for future studies. It also outlines general study strengths and limitations, alongside general reflections for future research in the field of dampening research.