The effectiveness of positive mental health programs in adults: A systematic review

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted. So, electronic database including CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane‐Central were explored in January 2017 and in October 2017. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the best evidence for the effectiveness of programmes of positive mental health in adults. Mental health is regarded as an ideal functioning state of the human being, which emphasizes the relevance of promoting the person's qualities in the optimization of their potential. Mental health is not inert and definitive but a dynamic and variable state. Studies were reviewed and data extracted by two independent reviewers using Joanna Briggs Institute standardized critical appraisal and data extraction instruments. Six studies met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. However, a meta‐analysis could not be performed. The results suggest that positive mental health programmes improve adults’ mental condition, although there is neither evidence of content formalization nor of programme sessions criteria. The review findings indicate that interventions promoting positive mental health of young adults can be implemented effectively in community settings with various programmes and results.

Positive Mental Health in University Students and Its Relations with Psychological Vulnerability, Mental Health Literacy and Sociodemographic Characteristics: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

“…These data are in accordance with previous studies [15,16,18,19] that linked knowledge to the possibility of taking action to benefit one's health and the health of other persons, which in turn showed that mental health literacy has several components [10]. As stated in the definition of Positive Mental Health, this possibility of knowledge leads to action and enhances a person's capacity to optimize PMH factors that require more attention and/or maintain optimum levels of PMH [1].…”

“…In this way, pathological outbreaks can be avoided when people experience ineffective transitions or daily setbacks. Programmes that promote PMH can be found in the literature [1], and free smartphone apps that improve PMH levels already exist [19]. In addition, schools are privileged environments to equip students with strategies to promote positive mental health [25].…”

“…The PVS is a six-item scale. Each item is measured in a Likert five-point frequency scale (1)(2)(3)(4)(5), where a higher score corresponds to greater frequency (does not describe me at all = 1, to describes me very well = 5). Possible total scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater psychological vulnerability.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the notion that mental health is as important as physical health and that both are often empirically related. Therefore, countries worldwide should disclose factual data and information on mental health to politicians and the general public, allowing the implementation of measures that promote Positive Mental Health and contribute to lowering the rates of mental disorders and subsequent social burden [1].…”

A Mobile App–Based Intervention Program for Nonprofessional Caregivers to Promote Positive Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Since the caregiver’s role is an important element in ensuring the well-being of the person being cared for [ 11 ], intervention in this population group becomes a priority. There are intervention and/or support programs that have been positively evaluated [ 12 - 15 ], although most of them are based on in-person training. However, research has shown that many caregivers underutilize the supports available to them and instead try to handle everything by themselves [ 16 , 17 ].…”