The Effects of Group Therapy with Positive Psychology on Psychological Well-being: A Scoping Review
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Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders represent major public health challenges worldwide, with traditional treatments primarily focusing on reducing negative symptoms rather than enhancing psychological well-being. Positive psychology emphasizes developing personal strengths and potential, offering an alternative approach to foster well-being alongside symptom reduction. This scoping review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence regarding the effects of positive psychology-based group therapy on psychological well-being among patients with depression and anxiety disorders. A systematic search was conducted following JBI guidelines across electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and ThaiJO from 2014 to 2024, using keywords "positive psychology," "group therapy," "depression," "anxiety," and "well-being" along with equivalent Thai terms. Articles were selected according to predetermined criteria and independently assessed for quality by two researchers using descriptive statistical analysis. From 148 articles initially identified, 11 met inclusion criteria comprising 9 randomized controlled trials with 36-375 participants including patients with depression, cancer, chronic pain, and healthcare workers. Therapeutic interventions ranged from 6-16 sessions delivered through group, individual, and manual-based formats, focusing on enhancing positive emotions, developing personal strengths, and practicing gratitude. Results demonstrated effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy, with moderate to large effect sizes (d = 0.43-2.71) and significant improvements in psychological well-being, with treatment effects sustained at 3-12 months follow-up periods. Positive psychology-based group therapy demonstrates effectiveness in enhancing psychological well-being and reducing psychiatric symptoms, supporting the development of complementary therapeutic programs within mental health systems and warranting further research within Thai cultural contexts and long-term outcome evaluation.
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บทความที่ปรากฏในวารสารนี้ เป็นความรับผิดชอบของผู้เขียน ซึ่งสมาคมนักวิจัยไม่จำเป็นต้องเห็นด้วยเสมอไป การนำเสนอผลงานวิจัยและบทความในวารสารนี้ไปเผยแพร่สามารถกระทำได้ โดยระบุแหล่งอ้างอิงจาก "วารสารสมาคมนักวิจัย"
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