Leap for Well-being and Recovery: Effects and Mechanisms of a Locus-of-Hope Enhancement Program for People with Substance Use Disorders

Experts call for the application of positive psychological interventions (PPIs) to bolster treatment for people with substance use disorders. However, there remains a gap in developing PPIs that promote positive dispositions important to people with substance problems from collectivist societies. In this study, we developed a PPI that can promote well-being and recovery by boosting the locus-of-hope of people with substance use disorders in a therapeutic community. Using a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up design, we tested the efficacy and mechanisms of the Locus-of-Hope Enhancement Program (LEAP) for Well-being and Recovery, a PPI that fosters cognitive hope. One hundred thirty-eight participants were randomly assigned to LEAP (n = 73) or a stress management control (n = 65). Outcomes were measured using the Locus-of-Hope Scale, Flourishing Scale, Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital, Dimensions of Change Instrument, and the Group Working Alliance Inventory. Results show that participants who received LEAP reported better internal locus-of-hope, external-peer locus-of-hope, community process experience, and group working alliance than the control group across time, but not on external-family locus-of-hope, external-spiritual locus-of-hope, psychological well-being, and recovery capital. LEAP indirectly boosted psychological well-being and recovery capital through community process experience and group working alliance post-treatment. LEAP’s indirect effect was sustained for recovery capital but not for psychological well-being at the 1-month follow-up. The current study provides initial evidence of the efficacy and mechanisms of a PPI for people with substance use disorders that promotes hope, leading to better well-being and recovery.