Application of PERMA Model-Based Intervention on Well-being Among Job Seekers: A Mixed Method Approach

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to implement an intervention based on the PERMA model and to find out its effectiveness. Job seekers commonly experience hopelessness, loneliness, financial stress, lack of self-confidence, and uncertainty about the future, which can lead to depression and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of enhancing their well-being for better mental health and functioning. An experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used for this study. The PERMA Profiler was administered to 50 job seekers, and those who scored low (n=13) were included in the study. The experimental group went under 20-day intervention. The study implemented mixed methods, both quantitative and qualitative phases. The posttest and pretest scores of the well-being was compared by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. For the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was used after a semi-structured interview. The results revealed a significant increase in overall well-being and dimensions, including positive emotions, meaning, and accomplishments. Moreover, the thematic analysis revealed that the intervention was effective and can be implemented by career counselors and in different organizations to enhance well-being.