Positive mood induction to promote well-being and health: A systematic review from real settings to virtual reality

Increasing well-being and health in healthy and clinical subjects is a topic of considerable importance in both research and clinical settings. The investigation of the potential of positive emotions in securing beneficial effects on these aspects has long been a matter for exploration. The effectiveness of positive mood induction procedures has been considered among the various techniques used to promote well-being and health. Studies using various methodologies to elicit positive emotions were analyzed in this systematic review, to evaluate the effect of increasing positive affect on the well-being and health of healthy and clinical individuals. Two databases (Web of Science and Pubmed) were analyzed, and 32 articles were considered eligible based on the inclusion criteria. Positive mood induction procedures resulted effective in eliciting the predetermined emotions, as confirmed by subjective and in some cases even physiological measures. The results, except for two items, demonstrated beneficial effects in promoting well-being and health in both healthy subjects and, especially, clinical patients. In addition, techniques involving the use of Virtual Reality (VR) were found to be more effective. By allowing environments created under controlled laboratory conditions with high levels of presence and interactivity, virtual reality environments provide an immersive experience that amplifies both ecology and duration of induced emotions. Based on these findings, future research should focus on the possibility of integrating positive mood induction as an intervention strategy in clinical settings and for the promotion of general well-being.