This study examined the effect of optimism intervention consisting of writing and mental imagery about best possible self (BPS) and implementation intention on depression, optimism, subjective well-being, self-efficacy in college students.

Sixty depressive college students were randomly assigned to BPS condition (n=21), BPS & implementation intention condition (n=20), and control condition (n=19). Depression, optimism, emotional well-being, cognitive well-being, self-efficacy were measured before and after each intervention. The pre-and post-survey data were analyzed through ANCOVA.

The results showed that compared to the control intervention, BPS intervention led to significantly larger decrease in depression and significantly larger increase in optimism, emotional well-being, cognitive well-being, and self-efficacy. Compared to the control intervention, BPS & implementation intention intervention led to significantly larger decrease in depression and significantly larger increase in optimism and emotional well-being.

These findings suggest that optimism intervention and implementation intention has therapeutic implication in depressed group. Finally, the clinical implications and limitation of the present study were discussed.