Factors associated with continued participation in independent group activities after completing a positive psychology-based depression prevention program

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors associated with continued attendance in independent group activities following completion of a positive psychology-based depression prevention program, called “Happy Classroom”. The program, called “Happy Classroom,” has been run for many years in two Japanese municipalities located in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, after completion, graduates are encouraged to independently run and participate in group activities. Focus group interviews were conducted with regularly attending members of three such groups, which had been active for different lengths after finishing the classes. Several aspects of the activities were associated with continued participation: friendly uninhibited relationships with other attendees, reliable leaders, venue accessibility, democratic management style, support from related organizations, and expanded sense of community. These factors indicate that when considering their involvement with such independent group activities, governments and related institutions should recognize the value of cultivating friendly and uninhibited relationships among group members, while closely safeguarding their self-directed nature. To ensure group members continue to attend activities in the long term, it also seems crucial to develop activities intended to heighten attendees’ awareness of and connection with their community．