What are the improvements in trait conscientiousness?

From the Guidelines

To improve trait conscientiousness, I recommend implementing positive psychology interventions, such as imagining and writing about a better future, recalling positive life events, identifying and using personal strengths, and planning and performing acts of kindness, as these have been associated with significant, small effects on well-being and depression 1.

Key Components of the Recommendation

• Positive psychology interventions can be straightforward to deliver and are often feasible and well-accepted by patients 1
• These interventions can improve indicators of psychological well-being, such as optimism, and have been found to have sustained effects 1
• In patients with cardiovascular disease or cardiac risk factors, positive psychology interventions have led to improvements in psychological well-being and functional performance 1
• The interventions can also have beneficial effects on biological markers, including inflammation and heart rate variability 1

Implementation and Rationale

• Start by identifying and using personal strengths, and planning and performing acts of kindness 1
• Use well-being activities, such as imagining and writing about a better future, and recalling positive life events 1
• Practice mindfulness meditation for 10-15 minutes daily to enhance focus and self-regulation [based on general medicine knowledge]
• Gradually build habits through implementation intentions and accountability systems, such as working with a coach or using habit-tracking apps [based on general medicine knowledge]
• Regular self-reflection through journaling about progress and challenges will strengthen self-awareness [based on general medicine knowledge]

Evidence-Based Rationale

• A meta-analysis of 6,139 participants in 39 randomized trials found that positive psychological interventions were associated with significant, small effects on well-being and depression 1
• Positive psychology interventions in at-risk populations have led to improvement in psychological well-being and often, but not always, improvements in medication adherence or other self-care behaviors 1
• The interventions have also been found to have beneficial effects on biological markers, including inflammation and heart rate variability 1

From the Research

Improvements in Trait Conscientiousness

The improvements in trait conscientiousness can be achieved through various interventions, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral, metacognitive, and cognitive remediation interventions, which have the potential to influence conscientiousness 2
• The Sociogenomic Trait Intervention Model (STIM), which provides a framework for how to foster conscientiousness 3
• Behavioral interventions, such as the app-facilitated behavioral intervention, which has shown preliminary support in improving employment outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis 4
• Theory-driven interventions, such as Behavioral Activation (BA), which can be used to target the trait of conscientiousness using a bottom-up approach 5

Key Components of Interventions

The key components of interventions aimed at improving conscientiousness include:

• Sample selection, intervention components, and sources of support and motivation 2
• Identifying potential moderators of the effectiveness of intervention 3
• Using a framework that integrates multiple perspectives, such as the STIM 3
• Targeting core behaviors that underlie personality traits, with the goal of engendering new, healthier patterns of behavior 5

Outcomes of Interventions

The outcomes of interventions aimed at improving conscientiousness can include:

• Improved employment outcomes, as seen in the study on individuals with multiple sclerosis 4
• Increased positive work outcomes, as reported by participants in the treatment group 4
• Other positive life changes, such as improved health and well-being, as described by study participants 4