A web-based positive-affect intervention to reduce stress and improve well-being in women living with HIV–feasibility and acceptability of a single-arm, pilot study

Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience high rates of depression but are underrepresented in mental health research. Positive emotions are associated with beneficial health outcomes in WLWH and should be a targeted component of psychological interventions in this population. Positive psychological interventions aim to increase positive emotions through the use of simple exercises, such as keeping a gratitude journal. We conducted a single-arm feasibility/acceptability study of a five-week, self-guided, web-based positive affect skills intervention in a sample of WLWH (N = 23) who also participate in a longitudinal observational study, the Women's Interagency HIV Study. The intervention was feasible as measured by home practice and post-intervention assessment completion, and acceptable as measured by exit interview feedback regarding recommendation of the program to friends or others living with HIV. On average, participants completed home practice for about 8 out of 9 skills. The mean response for recommendation of the program to a friend was 9.26/10 (SD = 1.63) and the mean response for recommendation of the program to others living with HIV was 9.68/10 (SD = 0.82). Participant feedback will be used to adapt and enhance the delivery of this intervention. Further studies are needed to assess efficacy and impact on psychological outcomes.