Background
Individuals’ migrating to different countries for job opportunities is a common practice. Studies show that while this enhances expatriate worker's economic condition; sometimes it adversely impacts their mental health. In literature, there are several factors such as acculturation, social isolation among others that might lead to the diminishing psychological wellbeing of expatriate workers. Considerable research has been done to identify these factors, yet we observe a dearth of literature that focuses on designing interventions to enhance expatriate worker's wellbeing.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
We designing a positive psychology intervention based on the PERMA model of wellbeing that includes: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
141 expatriate employees working in UAE were randomly assigned to intervention (n=70) and control (n=71) groups. Participants were pre and post-tested on the measures of emotional, social, psychological wellbeing; their levels of stress and anxiety; and the five components of PERMA.
Design
Participants in the intervention group underwent a half-day PERMA workshop and practiced weekly tools for next five weeks. The significance of different PERMA components was discussed and various exercises were presented in the intervention.
Results
Analyses revealed that at the end of the PERMA wellbeing program: positive emotions, relationships, meaning, achievement, emotional wellbeing, and psychological wellbeing were significantly higher in the intervention group. Scores on the measures of engagement and social wellbeing were not significantly different. The intervention group reported significantly lower levels of negative emotions, stress, and anxiety.
Scientific Contribution
The study contributes to the theory of wellbeing using the PERMA model in a non-western context, especially for expatriate employees working in UAE.
Keywords: Positive psychology intervention, Wellbeing, Expatriate workers, UAE