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Data file linked to a manuscript that is submitted for publication. Preliminary abstract of the manuscript that is submitted for publication: Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a threat, not only to individuals’ physical health but also to one’s mental health. From the basis of Self-Determination Theory it is argued that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence promote psychological well-being during destabilizing times. Yet, the pandemic seriously hampered individuals’ opportunities to satisfy their needs. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an online program, LifeCraft, that promotes individuals’ proactive attempts to uplift their need-based experiences (i.e., need crafting), thereby investigating the role of program engagement and psychological vulnerability. Method. A four-waves experimental study among 365 Flemish adults (Mage=52.21; 63.01% female) was conducted, with 77 participants being part of an experimental condition and 288 participants being part of a control condition. Results. A first set of Latent Change Models provided limited evidence for the general effectiveness of the program, that is, only small immediate program effects for need crafting and well-being. Nevertheless, after taking into account the role of program engagement, findings showed that the program was more beneficial for participants who actively participated, with these participants reporting increased need crafting, need satisfaction and well-being and decreased need frustration immediately after the program. Importantly, these effects remained stable over one month. Furthermore, dependent, but not self-critical participants were found to benefit the most from the program. Conclusion. The findings provide initial evidence for the effectiveness of LifeCraft during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby showing that active participation is a prerequisite for the program to be effective. |
