Framing wellbeing : effects of taking meaningful photographs on life satisfaction, affect and presence of meaning in life

Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) targeting increased awareness of sources of meaning in life can enhance wellbeing. While such PPIs have largely utilised written reflections on meaning, a small body of research suggests potential benefits of photography-based reflection. However, meaningful photography studies have significant limitations, all featuring additional intervention components (e.g., meaningful writing alongside photography) and lacking effective controls, leaving the relative contributions of each activity component unknown. Additionally, meaningful photography studies have not considered person-activity (PA) fit (the degree of suitability between an individual and a PPI). In this study, 185 first-year psychology students were randomised to groups completing daily photography (meaningful/non-meaningful) and writing (meaningful/non-meaningful) activities for seven days. Pre-post data was collected for meaning in life, satisfaction with life and positive and negative affect. Linear mixed models with follow-up Bayesian independent?samples t-tests indicated limited benefits of meaningful photography beyond either non?meaningful or meaningful writing, suggesting mechanisms specific to verbal reflection may be essential for cultivating meaning and associated wellbeing benefits. However, conclusions are limited as this study also found limited benefits to wellbeing from meaningful writing, potentially due to low intervention dosage. Model R² values suggested that the vast majority of variance in outcomes was accounted for by differences between individuals. Correlational analyses indicated no significant relationship between PA fit for meaningful activities and change in wellbeing, possibly as a result of limited effects of the intervention overall. Further research is recommended utilising increased intervention dosage; qualitative methods may reveal important mechanisms of action.