Positive intervention to improve mental health in a clinical sample: GROW program, a pilot study

Intervention in clinical population

Abstract

Previous research suggests that targeting well-being alongside traditional treatments may offer significant benefits for individuals with mental illnesses. However, clinical settings have historically focused on reducing negative affect rather than promoting positive emotions and optimal psychological functioning as the dual-factor model of mental health suggests. This pilot study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the GROW program, a positive intervention, in enhancing emotional, psychological, and social well-being while reducing distress symptoms. Participants drawn from the rehabilitation community service in Lleida, Spain, were enrolled in the GROW program (n = 58). Their positive mental health and psychological distress were assessed before and after treatment using the Wilcoxon test. The results indicated significant improvements in various dimensions of well-being (life satisfaction, self-acceptance, positive relationships, and social integration) alongside a reduction in psychological distress, particularly in terms of stress. This study lends support to the applicability of the dual-factor model in evaluating program effectiveness. It highlights the valuable role of positive interventions in enhancing mental health among clinical populations, emphasizing the importance of balancing efforts to alleviate distress with strategies that foster well-being and positive functioning.