The overarching aim of this thesis is to evaluate the effects of a low-dosage digital wellbeing promotive intervention: Five Ways to Wellbeing for All (5waysA). The intervention is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework, which emphasizes the importance of five specific action domains: connect, take notice, keep learning, be active and give. This thesis explores how the 5waysA can enhance wellbeing and reduce illbeing (i.e., anxiety and depressive symptoms) in the general population. Illbeing and low levels of wellbeing impose tremendous pressure on societies worldwide. There is an urgent need for scalable wellbeing promotive and mental ill-health preventive interventions to address this burden. Digital interventions represent a promising avenue with capacity to reach many people at low cost, but there is limited knowledge about their causal impact on wellbeing. This thesis aims to advance knowledge in this research area. Through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and multiple statistical methods, we evaluate the effect of the 5waysA. We examine both short-term effects of the intervention, mechanisms of change, for whom this intervention works and potential long-term change in wellbeing 12 months after enrolment.
Several conclusions can be drawn from the studies comprising this thesis. First, 5waysA enhances wellbeing and reduces illbeing within the 10-weeks intervention period. Participants in the intervention group report significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction, flourishing, and positive emotions, as well as significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to the control group. Notably, participants with the highest levels of initial illbeing experience the greatest improvements. Furthermore, higher engagement with the Five Ways activities is associated with stronger positive effects on wellbeing and reduction in symptoms of illbeing. Our research also indicates that the intervention appeared to exert its effects primarily through the direct enhancement of positive emotions. Further, the gains in wellbeing are maintained at an elevated level one year after enrolment.
The results from this thesis are discussed in relation to relevant theoretical perspectives and previous findings. Despite the limitations of the current research, the studies included in this doctoral thesis provide support for the effect of the 5waysA. This digital wellbeing promotive tool holds considerable promise for practical application and may be particularly valuable to local stakeholders.