Positive affect: A neglected group treatment outcome measure in assessing efficacy of psychosocial group interventions in individuals with heart failure

Positive affect has been neglected in evaluation of group treatment efficac y This pilot study for individuals with heart failure illustrates the contr ibution of positive affect to change processes. Assessment of positive affe ct pre- and post-group intervention can yield a better understanding of ind ividuals' adjustment to heart;failure, and provide additional information f or selection of specific treatments for each individual. In an era characte rized by standardized measures of outcome, inclusion of positive affect pro vides additional opportunity to document contributions in improving health related quality of life (psychosocial and physical functioning) of clients with heart failure.