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OBJECTIVE: Given the relevance of internalised stigma in people suffering from a mental disorder, in the present study, the possible mediating and moderating role of self-stigma in the relationship between personal recovery and symptomatology has been studied. METHOD: 265 participants with severe mental disorder completed the following instruments: ISMI (self-stigma), REE (personal recovery) and HoNOS, CGI, GAF and EuroQol (symptomatology). RESULTS: both the mediation and moderation analyses show significant results, which would indicate that internalised stigma has an effect on the relationship between personal recovery and symptomatology. Also, people with lower level of personal recovery and greater self-stigma have greater symptomatology than those who are in more advanced personal recovery processes and have a lower perception of internalised stigma. DISCUSSION: the findings of this study suggest that self-stigma has an effect, and the improvement at personal recovery and symptomatology is accentuated when people with a severe mental disorder have a better management of internalised stigma. Therefore, it may be interesting to include this variable in recovery interventions.
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PURPOSE: This study investigated the role of resilience and coping strategies on breast cancer patients' well-being using a structural equation model. To achieve this objective, a model previously developed by Mayordomo's group was partially replicated using a longitudinal study design in an oncological sample. METHODS: The study was a longitudinal observational survey. Patients with breast cancer were recruited (N = 166). Resilience was measured with the Mexican Resilience Measurement Scale, coping strategies with the Forms of Coping and Dimensions Scale and perception of the psychological well-being with a short-form of Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being at the start and end of adjuvant chemotherapy (T1 and T2 respectively). RESULTS: The results showed stability in the variables over time and revealed differences with respect to Mayordomo's model. The best predictor of well-being at T2 was well-being at T1. In addition, the model indicated that resilience had a direct impact on well-being through problem-focused coping. Indeed, resilience and problem-focused coping best explained well-being at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Both at the start and end of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, problem-focused coping positively predicted resilience, which in turn was a positive predictor of well-being. On the other hand, emotion-focused coping showed no association with resilience or well-being. As part of the multidisciplinary cancer team, oncology nurses have a key role to play in promoting resilience and problem-focused coping as an important goal of psychosocial interventions in breast cancer patients.
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Adaptação Psicológica , Neoplasias da Mama , Resiliência Psicológica , Humanos , Feminino , Neoplasias da Mama/psicologia , Neoplasias da Mama/terapia , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Longitudinais , Adulto , Idoso , Quimioterapia Adjuvante/psicologia , México , Qualidade de Vida , Inquéritos e Questionários , Capacidades de EnfrentamentoRESUMO
A methodological proposal of a scale for human perception assessment of acoustic environment (acoustic comfort) in urban public spaces is presented: Acoustic Comfort Assessment Scale (ACAS 12). This paper shows the process of constructing this scale and its psychometric properties and validation. The approach is based on the soundscape conceptualisation collected in ISO 12913-1:2014 (Acoustics-Soundscape: Definition and conceptual framework). The proposed scale is a 5-point semantic differential scale made up of twelve pairs of bipolar adjectives, grouped around five theoretical dimensions. It is based on previous versions of 2-point and 3-point scales. The ACAS-12 scale is the result of several empirical studies carried out by the authors on environmental and acoustic comfort assessment, beginning in 2011 in some cities of the Basque Country (Spain). Selected urban open places cover a wide variability of acoustic and non-acoustic characteristics, as well as the type of participants (real users) and activities carried out in these places. The original language of this scale is Spanish. The back-translation technique has been applied to create the English version. The results highlight the good psychometric properties of the ACAS 12 scale (Cronbach's alpha 0.91 and composite reliability 0.90) and indicate that the best factorial solution is that of a single factor composed of the 12 pairs of adjectives that would explain approximately 50% of the ACAS-12 variance (44% of extracted variance by Raykov's method or 56% by the MAP test). The absolute and incremental fit indices were above the minimum reference value of 0.90 and the residual-based indices showed values close to suitability (SRMR = 0.057; RMSEA = 0.042). This result supports the consideration of the ACAS-12 scale as a general measure of acoustic comfort.
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Acústica , Idioma , Humanos , Psicometria , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adjuvant chemotherapy used at each cancer site may affect quality of life (QoL) and emotional well-being (affect) of cancer patients differently; however, these differences between groups have not been studied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess differences in QoL and affect by cancer site at the start of outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy, whether QoL and affect change during this treatment, and whether adverse effects influence these variables. METHODS: A multicenter longitudinal descriptive study was conducted with 247 participants with breast, colon, or lung cancer at the beginning (T1) and end of treatment (T2). We used the SF-12 Health Survey, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and an "ad hoc" adverse effects questionnaire. RESULTS: At the start of chemotherapy, the lung group had poorer Physical Component Summary and poorer positive and negative affect ( P < .05) scores. In the end-of-treatment comparisons, breast and colon cancer patients' status had worsened, whereas lung cancer patients had tended to stabilize, although they remained the most vulnerable. Adverse effect severity was significant for Physical Component Summary ( r = -0.13, P = .035), with decreases in positive affect ( r = -0.17, ß = -.16) and increases in negative affect ( r = 0.15, ß = .14). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in QoL and emotional state differ between groups, implying a need for varying levels of follow-up and emotional support. Patients with lung cancer seem particularly vulnerable. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Cancer nurses could strengthen the assessment of patients undergoing chemotherapy using more sensitive instruments such as the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and considering differences by cancer site, to provide care tailored to individual patient needs and preferences.
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Neoplasias da Mama , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Humanos , Feminino , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Pacientes Ambulatoriais , Estudos Longitudinais , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Colo , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Quimioterapia Adjuvante/efeitos adversos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Introduction: Psychological interventions to cultivate mental health in older adults are scarce and tend to focus on and use a limited number of activities. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the effects of an intervention based on Keyes' concept of positive mental health. Methods: The intervention was conducted with 24 self-selected participants, while 34 were part of the control group. Positive mental health and distress outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. ANCOVA analysis and effect sizes were calculated. Results: Results showed that the intervention increased mental health (F= 18.22, p<0.001, η2= 0.334, d= 1.45, power 0.986) and decreased psychiatric symptomatology in the experimental group versus the control group (F= 7.07, p= 0.011, η2= 0.16, d= 0.87, power= 0.736), which showed no change. Discussion: Despite study limitations, the intervention effectively promoted older people's well-being. Future research, should evaluate the long-term effects of the intervention with varied older adult populations.
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Saúde Mental , Intervenção Psicossocial , Idoso , HumanosRESUMO
This article aims to adapt to Spanish the Relational Needs Satisfaction Scale (RNSS) and to test the factor structure with a clinical and a non-clinical sample. A total of 459 individuals completed the RNSS, a measure of life satisfaction and of psychological wellbeing. Results showed that the translation was adequate. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted followed by the test of three models that confirmed the five-factor structure and the second-order global factor proposed in the original study, and in adaptations to other languages. The advantages and disadvantages of these models are discussed. Correlations of the RNSS with life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing measures were in the expected direction, providing evidence of convergent validity. The Spanish version of the RNSS is a valid and reliable measure of the construct it was intended to measure, though some improvements in item wording could be incorporated and tested (for instance, item 18 should be positively worded as the rest of the items in order to avoid the effect of negative wording).
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Objective: The literature has shown the relevance of certain psychological variables in adjustment to cancer. However, there is a great variability, and these features could be modified through the disease process. The aim of this study is to provide an integrated and global perspective of the importance of variables such as coping, resilience, emotional control, social support, affect, and others in cancer patients through a longitudinal study, with the objective of exploring their associations and underlying interactions. Methods: The sample was composed of 71 people diagnosed with cancer who were attending psychological support at the Spanish Association Against Cancer (Biscay). We assessed the following variables in two periods of 6 months: perceived stress (PSS), emotional control (CECS), resilience (CD-RISC), coping strategies (CERQ), personality (NEOFFI), social support (MOSS), affect (PANAS), emotional distress (GHQ), quality of life (SF-12) and visual-analogic scales (EVA). Results: Results showed predictive effects of perceived stress on physical health perception (ß = -0.22; t = -3.26; p = 0.002). Mental health perception was influenced by almost all the psychological variables. Consciousness at baseline (ßCo = 0.15; p = 0.003), change in Extraversion (ßEx = 0.16; p = 0.001) and Resilience (ßRe = 0.15; p = 0.002) had significant effects on perceived mental health. Conclusion: This study provides a global health model that integrates and explores associations between psychological variables related to cancer disease. This information could be useful for guiding personalized psychotherapeutic interventions, with the aim of increasing adjustment to disease.
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The study compared the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with biofeedback or with emotional expression in individuals with fibromyalgia, and a waiting list control group. 88 women participated in a naturalistic study with random assignment. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SCL-90R, and a visual analog quality of life scale were used. Both intervention groups improved, but differed in physical and emotional control response. Using the reliable change index procedure, clinical improvement occurred in 18.8% of participants, and 4.8% achieved scores comparable with clinical recovery. Greater specificity on therapeutic objectives is warranted.
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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to perform a systematic review of all studies (both observational and experimental) wherein commercial video games were used in comprehensive rehabilitation (both physical and cognitive areas) after stroke. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and all observational and experimental studies that met at least six PEDro scale criteria were included. A total of 50 studies were included in the Meta-Analysis. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and the bias with JAMOVI. RESULTS: In observational studies, results favored intervention with video games in terms of functionality such as Fulg-Meyer Assessment scores [standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.45; 95% CI = -0.74 to -0.15; p = .94; I2 = 0%)] and when measured in the upper limbs using the Wolf Motor Function Test (SMD = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.74; p = .47; I2 = 0%). Other results showed heterogeneity. In the experimental group, most results tended to favor the experimental group and showed homogeneity, but they were not significant. Fail Safe N was calculated, and the results were not biased. CONCLUSIONS: Results tend to favor intervention with commercial video games, but the heterogeneity of the measuring instruments and small sample size do not allow for significant results to be obtained. Future research should provide the number of participants, mean, and standard deviation to facilitate future meta-analyses. Commercial video games appear to be a feasible tool in physical and cognitive stroke rehabilitation.
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Reabilitação do Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Jogos de Vídeo , Humanos , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/psicologia , Reabilitação do Acidente Vascular Cerebral/métodos , Extremidade SuperiorRESUMO
ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has constituted an unprecedented challenge to society and science and it has provided an unexpected opportunity to explore the effects of a positive intervention in times of adversity and confinement. The goal was to evaluate the effects of a theory driven group intervention to cultivate mental health and flourishing. Design: A pre post design with three groups (151 individuals) was conducted, including an experimental group that received the intervention during the pandemic, a pre-COVID intervention group, and a COVID control group. Main Outcome Measures: Based on Keyes' concept of positive mental health, measures of subjective, psychological and social well-being were obtained, as well as an indicator of psychological distress (GHQ12). Results: Intervention groups showed an increase in well-being and the COVID control group a decrease. Change scores revealed significant differences. Overall percentage of individuals at risk of ill health in baseline was 25.2%, but after the intervention, the COVID control group reached 64.1%. Conclusions: Despite the limitations, the present findings suggest that interventions to sustain and improve mental health in times of crisis and adversity can be an effective approach.
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COVID-19 , Grupos Controle , Humanos , Saúde Mental , Pandemias , Quarentena , SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
This study explored the relationship between emotional control, resilience, and mental health in cancer. Patients with cancer were recruited (n = 170). Courtauld Scale of Emotional Control, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire were selected. Assuming the absence of interaction among the variables, they were analyzed separately. Four groups resulted, finding statistically significant differences (F(4, 165) = 18.03; p < 0.001). High resilience and low emotional control seem to be protective attributes, and high emotional control has demonstrated to be a risk factor for mental health. Considering differences in cancer-related psychological variables could derive in personalized psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Neoplasias , Resiliência Psicológica , Emoções , Humanos , Saúde Mental , Neoplasias/psicologiaRESUMO
Abstract Introduction: The Lambert's Outcomes Questionnaire (OQ-45) is a 45-item self-administered instrument used to measure clinical outcomes in psychotherapy. It measures functioning through three areas: symptoms distress, interpersonal relations and social role. The objective of this paper is to assess the reliability and the validity of its Spanish version. Method: A sample of 639 subjects, non-clinical and clinical, completed the instrument. Results: The psychometric evidences of the questionnaire showed an adequate internal consistency (.97 and .91) and acceptable convergent validity with the BDI, STAI, PSS and SF-12. The Confirmatory Factor Analyses suggested a bifactor structure. The cut-off points have been established for the subscales and total score (54.5), considering the clinical criterion, which means, prioritizing slightly the sensibility over the specificity. The RCI was 3.80 and Minimum Change Score 17.56. Conclusion: The OQ-45 showed acceptable psychometric properties, providing support for using this version of the questionnaire to assess Spanish's functionality. Given these findings, this tool could help clinicians evaluate treatment efficacy and establish psychotherapy goals.
Resumen Introducción: El instrumento Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) desarrollado por Lambert, se trata de una escala auto-administrada de 45-ítems que se utiliza para medir los resultados clínicos en psicoterapia. Esta herramienta evalúa el funcionamiento por medio de tres áreas: síntomas de malestar, relaciones interpersonales y rol social. El objetivo de este artículo es evaluar la fiabilidad y la validez de la versión española. Método: Una muestra de 639 personas, clínica y no clínica, cumplimentaron dicho instrumento. Resultados: Las evidencias psicométricas del cuestionario mostraron una consistencia interna adecuada (.97 y .91) y una validez convergente aceptable con las siguientes escalas: BDI, STAI, PSS y SF-12. Los análisis factoriales confirmatorios han sugerido una estructura bifactorial. Los puntos de corte se han establecido para las subescalas y la puntuación total (54.5), teniendo en cuenta el criterio clínico, lo que significa que se ha priorizado ligeramente la sensibilidad sobre la especificidad. El RCI ha sido de 3.80 y la puntuación mínima de cambio de 17.56. Conclusión: El OQ-45 ha mostrado propiedades psicométricas aceptables, que apoyan el uso de esta versión para valorar la funcionalidad de los españoles y, como consecuencia, podría ayudar a los clínicos a evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento y establecer objetivos en psicoterapia.
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Despite the considerable amount of research evidence on the significant role of subjective happiness on mental health, there is no psychometric study of the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) in psychiatric samples. This study was aimed at exploring the psychometric properties of the SHS in a Spanish sample of patients with depressive disorders. Participants were 174 patients with a depressive disorder (70% diagnosed as major depressive disorder) who completed the SHS, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR16), and the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS). Depressive symptoms were also assessed by means of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) Scale. Dimensionality, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change of the SHS were examined. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the original one-factor structure of the scale. The SHS exhibited good-to-excellent results for internal consistency (α = 0.83) and for convergent [EQ-5D VAS (r = 0.71)] and divergent [QIDS-SR16 (r = -0.72), HDRS17 (r = -0.60) and CGI-S (r = -0.61)] construct validity. The ability of the SHS to differentiate between depression severity levels as well as its responsiveness to clinical change were both highly satisfactory (p < 0.001 in both cases). The SHS retained the soundness of psychometric properties showed in non-clinical samples in a sample of patients with depressive disorders, which supports its use as a reliable and valid outcome measure in the treatment of such disorders.
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Transtorno Depressivo Maior , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/diagnóstico , Felicidade , Humanos , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Psicometria , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
This study aimed to identify groups at risk based on reported and desired Body Mass Index (BMI) and their relationships with weight satisfaction, food intake and perceived health, and to analyze gender differences. A pre-experimental observational study was conducted. 3380 individuals (mean age 20.16; 64.4% females) participated in a survey in the context of a healthy university project. Participants anonymously completed the SF-12, reported height, weight, desired weight, satisfaction and quality of intake. Reported BMI (BMI-r) and Desired BMI (BMI-d) were calculated following WHO standards. Combining BMI-r and BMI-d four groups emerged: Favorable Concordance, FC (67.40% normal weight wanting to maintain it), Unfavorable Concordance, UC (9.19% non-normal weight wanting such unhealthy condition), Favorable Discrepancy, FD (13.92% unhealthy weight wanting to move in a healthy direction), and Unfavorable Discrepancy, UD (9.49% normal or non-normal weight desiring an unhealthy condition). FD individuals showed lower levels of self-perceived physical health, poorer perception of the quality of their intake, and less satisfaction with weight. Both UD and UC groups are at risk, showing the UD group the lowest scores in mental health and healthy food intake. Higher proportions of females were found in the UD group, and wanting to lose weight. These findings suggest that health treatment, prevention and promotion programs can benefit from a taxonomy that identifies not only people at risk but the direction and adjustment (i.e. healthy vs non healthy) of their intention to change. Programs could be targeted at different groups, with specific goals and interventions, and avoid the 'one-fits-all' to foster a healthy weight in the young adult university population.
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Imagem Corporal , Satisfação Pessoal , Adulto , Índice de Massa Corporal , Peso Corporal , Feminino , Nível de Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Universidades , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a common cerebral circulatory disorder that has several sequelae that affect the daily life of patients as well as their quality of life and the lives of people close to them. Video games are being used in the rehabilitation process to address these sequelae and their benefits are shown on physical activity and in the cognition area. However, their effects on daily life activities and quality of life are not known. This study was aimed to test the effect of the Nintendo Wii Sports Resort on mobility and health-related quality of life among patients who have suffered a moderate stroke. METHODS: A prepost design study was conducted with 30 moderately impaired stroke patients aged 65 ± 15. The study lasted eight weeks. 15 participated in the intervention group and the others belong to the control group. They were assessed in mobility (Timed Get Up and Go Test-TUG) and health-related quality of life (SF-36 Health Questionnaire). Parametric test and effect sizes were used to analyze the change in outcomes and to compare groups. RESULTS: There were no differences at baseline between the groups. After the intervention, the intervention group had experienced a greater change according to the size of the effect on the variables concerning TUG (d = 1.32), physical function (d = 1.32), social function (d = 0.71), and Physical Component Summary (d = 0.75). On the other hand, the control group had a significant change in mental health according to effect size; however, this effect is not statistically relevant (d = 0.88; CI 95% = -3.74 to 5.50). CONCLUSIONS: The results on mobility and health-related quality of life indicate an improvement in both groups. However, according to the effect sizes and its confidence of interval, the intervention group achieved better results than the control group. Although more studies are needed in this area, the results are encouraging for improving mobility and health-related quality of life after stroke.
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Reabilitação do Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Jogos de Vídeo , Exercício Físico , Humanos , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Personal recovery has become an increasingly important approach in the care of people with severe mental disorders and consequently in the orientation of mental health services. The objective of this study was to assess the personal recovery process in people using mental health services, and to clarify the role of variables such as symptomatology, self-stigma, sociodemographic and treatment. METHODS: Standardised measures of personal recovery process, clinical recovery, and internalized stigma were completed by a sample of 312 participants in a Severe Mental Disorder program. RESULTS: Users valued most the recovery elements of: improving general health and wellness; having professionals who care; hope; and sense of meaning in life. Significant discrepancies between perceived experience and relative importance assigned to each of the components of the REE were observed. Regression modeling (χ2 = 6.72, p = .394; GFI = .99, SRMR = .03) identified how positive discrepancies were associated with a higher presence of recovery markers (ß = .12, p = .05), which in turn were negatively related to the derived symptomatology index (ß = -.33, p < .001). Furthermore, the relationship between clinical and personal recovery was mediated by internalized stigma. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in psychiatric services should be focused on recovery aspects that have the greatest discrepancy between importance and experience, in particular social roles, basic needs and hope. Personal and clinical recovery are correlated, but the relationship between them is mediated by internalized stigma, indicating the need for clinical interventions to target self-stigma.
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Transtornos Mentais , Serviços de Saúde Mental , Humanos , Transtornos Mentais/terapia , Percepção , Autoimagem , Estigma SocialRESUMO
Considering the importance of psychological variables on health-related processes, this study investigated the role of resilience and coping strategies in relation to health. The aim of this research was to explore the underlying association between these aspects for the better understanding of the effect of psychosocial variables on mental health in cancer. This information could lead to the design of adapted psychological interventions in cancer. Participants with different diagnosis of cancer were recruited (N = 170). They came from the Spanish Association Against Cancer of Biscay. Resilience was measured with the 10 items Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, coping with the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and mental health was measured as a global indicator through the SF-12 and the GHQ-12. A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to test the effects between the constructs. Results showed that resilience and coping were significantly associated. Results reflected an absence of significant correlation between adaptive and disadaptive coping strategies. Resilience was the factor that most correlated with health outcomes (ß = -.45, p < .001). However, disadaptive coping strategies did not correlate with resilience or mental health indicators. Findings in this study underscore the positive contribution of high levels of resilience and an adaptive coping on participants´ level of health. Disadaptive coping strategies did not reflect any positive relation with resilience or health indicators. Thus, promoting resilience and adaptive coping could be a significant goal for psychosocial and educational interventions in people with cancer.
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Neoplasias/psicologia , Adaptação Psicológica/fisiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Saúde Mental/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Resiliência Psicológica , Adulto JovemRESUMO
This study analyzes whether the relationship between serious leisure and recreation specialization differs for federated sportspeople with and without physical disabilities. Sportspeople with and without physical disabilities in the Basque Country (Spain) (n = 370) completed a questionnaire assessing the component dimensions of two constructs, "serious leisure" and "recreation specialization". The Serious Leisure Inventory and Measure (SLIM) and the Recreation Specialization Index (RSI) were used in the analysis. Results showed an association between these concepts in competitive sports in both samples. However, the magnitudes of association between the total of both concepts were higher in the group with physical disabilities. Regarding perceptions about their sports practice, the group without physical disabilities showed higher levels of specialization but there were no substantial differences between their levels of serious leisure participation. In conclusion, seriousness and specialization were found to be key issues for sportspeople's practice of leisure, regardless of their physical condition.
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The past two decades have witnessed a proliferation of positive psychological interventions for clinical and non-clinical populations, and recent research, including meta-analyses, is providing evidence of its effectiveness. Most interventions have focused on increasing life satisfaction, positive affect, and psychological well-being. Manualized, multi-component interventions based on a comprehensive theory are scarce. Keyes' concept of mental health and flourishing (subjective, psychological, and social well-being) is an overarching theoretical framework to guide the design of a multi-component psychological intervention to cultivate well-being and personal development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design a theory-driven positive intervention and to pilot test the intervention. The manual presents an 8-week group program that includes homework activities. A sample of 56 young adults completed the intervention. Participants were assessed at base line, after termination, and at a 6-month follow-up session. Standardized instruments were used to assess the dimensions of mental health proposed by Keyes. Pre- and post-test measures of subjective, psychological, and social well-being showed significant differences, as did the total mental health scores. At 6-month follow-up, differences remained in subjective and psychological well-being and in positive mental health, with smaller effect sizes. Limitations of these preliminary findings as well as future lines of research and improvements in this manualized intervention are proposed in the light of current research on positive interventions.
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Abstract The past two decades have witnessed a proliferation of positive psychological interventions for clinical and nonclinical populations, and recent research, including meta-analyses, is providing evidence of its effectiveness. Most interventions have focused on increasing life satisfaction, positive affect, and psychological well-being. Manualized, multi-component interventions based on a comprehensive theory are scarce. Keyes' concept of mental health and flourishing (subjective, psychological, and social well-being) is an overarching theoretical framework to guide the design of a multi-component psychological intervention to cultivate well-being and personal development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design a theory-driven positive intervention and to pilot test the intervention. The manual presents an 8-week group program that includes homework activities. A sample of 56 young adults completed the intervention. Participants were assessed at base line, after termination, and at a 6-month follow-up session. Standardized instruments were used to assess the dimensions of mental health proposed by Keyes. Pre- and post-test measures of subjective, psychological, and social well-being showed significant differences, as did the total mental health scores. At 6-month follow-up, differences remained in subjective and psychological well-being and in positive mental health, with smaller effect sizes. Limitations of these preliminary findings as well as future lines of research and improvements in this manualized intervention are proposed in the light of current research on positive interventions.