Positive living with dialysis: The effect of a positive psychology intervention in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis often exhibit a low level of positive affect and poor mental health, which can adversely affect their physical health and well-being. This cluster-randomized controlled trial aimed to implement a 4-week PERMA-based positive psychology intervention tailored for patients undergoing hemodialysis and evaluate its efficacy on improving positive affect, negative affect, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic growth, and self-management. From September 2023 to January 2024, a total of 80 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. The control group received usual psychological nursing care along with health messages. The intervention group, in addition, received a 4-week positive psychology intervention that consisted of weekly 30-minute bedside interviews, supplemented by home exercises. Outcome variables were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. The results revealed that the 4-week PERMA-based positive psychology intervention significantly improved positive affect among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed better dietary management and more active participation in physical and psychosocial activities. However, no significant intervention effects were observed for negative affect, depressive symptoms, or post-traumatic growth. Further research is recommended to investigate the potential benefits of a longer intervention duration for patients experiencing clinical psychological symptoms.