Teaching Hope : A Study to the Effect of a Positive Psychology Based Intervention on Cambodian Students’ Hope

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of a positive psychology based intervention on the state of Hope in 20 CamEd students. The intervention was focused on analyzing character strengths through the VIA-IS 120, practicing gratitude and techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy to create positive thinking and positive self-talk. The ADHS was used to measure participants state of Hope prior and after the intervention. Results show no significant difference in experienced Hope after the intervention. Different explanations are discussed to why this intervention was unsuccessful in changing experienced hope. The collected data was also used to compare trait Hope, as measured with the VIA-IS Hope scale, with state Hope. A positive correlation was found which suggests both constructs behave in similar ways as argued in Snyder’s (1996) Hope theory. These findings show a need to further develop interventions which are targeted on hope to improve well-being and academic achievement in CamEd students.

Keywords: Hope; Positive Psychology; Character Strengths; Students; Cambodia