Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
J Community Psychol. 2022 Jan;50(1):302-328. doi: 10.1002/jcop.22566. Epub 2021 Apr 5.
Although several theories and studies have explored human strengths and mental well-being at the global level, these insights are rarely tested and translated into practice in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to describe the development of a 10-session multicomponent positive psychology intervention, the Inspired Life Program (ILP), designed to promote mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and negative affect in rural adults in Ghana. Guided by the Medical Research Council's framework for developing complex interventions, a seven-step iterative community-based participatory research approach was adopted to develop the ILP, based on constructs and principles of positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral model. The final intervention components included a 10-session, two-hourly, once-weekly manualized program designed to promote meaningful and purposeful living, self-acceptance, personal growth, goal-setting and problem-solving skills, and positive thinking through group discussion and activity sessions. We describe the program theory and implementation strategy of the final intervention, and reflect on the challenges and lessons learned from applying this framework in the study context. The development of strengths-based interventions and practicality of methods to promote positive mental health in rural adults are feasible, and have important policy implications for mental health and social care in sub-Saharan Africa.
虽然有几个理论和研究已经在全球范围内探讨了人类的优势和心理健康，但这些见解很少在撒哈拉以南非洲得到检验和转化为实践。本研究旨在描述一个 10 节多成分积极心理学干预措施——灵感生活计划（ILP）的开发过程，该计划旨在促进加纳农村成年人的心理健康，减少抑郁和消极情绪的症状。该计划以医学研究委员会开发复杂干预措施的框架为指导，采用基于积极心理学和认知行为模型的建构和原则的七步迭代社区参与式研究方法进行开发。最终的干预措施包括一个 10 节、每节两小时、每周一次的手册化方案，旨在通过小组讨论和活动课程促进有意义和有目的的生活、自我接纳、个人成长、目标设定和解决问题的技能以及积极的思考。我们描述了最终干预措施的方案理论和实施策略，并反思了在研究背景下应用该框架所面临的挑战和经验教训。基于优势的干预措施的开发以及促进农村成年人积极心理健康的方法的实用性是可行的，这对撒哈拉以南非洲的心理健康和社会关怀具有重要的政策意义。
