Evaluating effectiveness of the self-management of well-being intervention for benefit recipients

Background. Strengthening the agency of social assistance recipients facing vulnerability may be crucial for improving their well-being. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Self-Management of Well-being (SMW) group intervention among benefit recipients in the Netherlands.
Methods. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate self-management ability (SMA), well-being, loneliness, and stress in 87 intervention participants using validated questionnaire scales. Outcomes were measured pre-intervention (T0), immediately after the final session (T1, N=64) and three months later (T2, N=54). Repeated measures ANOVA with repeated contrasts, and sequential regression analyses tested intervention effects.
Results. Significant short-term improvements were found in SMA and well-being, alongside significant reductions in loneliness and stress. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that these intervention effects were maintained over time. Sequential regression analyses revealed that improvements in well-being, loneliness, and stress were partially explained by improved SMA.
Discussion. The SMW group intervention enhanced SMA and overall well-being while reducing loneliness and stress among benefit recipients, suggesting that it is a valuable tool for strengthening agency and well-being in this population.