INTERVENTIONS BOOSTING OPTIMAL MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ADULTS

Abstract

Optimal mental health is defined as a state where an individual feels good, functions well, copes with stressors, and contributes to the world. It is significant to individuals because it determines how individuals face adversity and make informed decisions. It also allows individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. Yet, it is estimated that only 20% of adults have optimal mental health and 1 in 5 adults experience mental health conditions. These data indicate the significance of using interventions to boost optimal mental health among adults. Evidence has indicated that identifying interventions that promote mental health and prevent mental health conditions might be significant in boosting mental health. The literature reveals that flourishing is a promoter of good mental health because it cultivates positive characteristics that decrease the risk for mental conditions; and compassion fatigue is a challenging factor to mental health because it impairs individuals’ ability to deal with stressors. Therefore, the focus of this dissertation was to identify interventions that alleviate compassion fatigue symptoms and improve flourishing among adults. We conducted two meta-analyses to identify interventions that promote flourishing among adults. We coded data from prior studies including source, method, intervention, and participant characteristics. We analyzed data using the random-effects model and used Hedge’s g to estimate effect size. We examined publication bias and heterogeneity. We conducted a moderator analysis to examine the effects of moderator variables. In addition, to explore interventions that alleviate compassion fatigue, we conducted an integrative review using Whittemore and Knafl method and analyzed data using thematic analysis. Our results from three manuscripts revealed that physical activity and mindfulness interventions are two distinct approaches that offer pathways to flourishing and can alleviate compassion fatigue among adults, but they operate through distinct mechanisms and approaches. Through the moderator analysis, we identified some moderator variables that influenced the effect sizes including, the type of intervention and a priori power calculations. Overall, physical activity and mindfulness practices, while different, can complement each other in a holistic approach to enhancing overall mental health, which can be explored through future research.