The effects of an intervention to improve mental health during the COVID-19 quarantine: comparison with a COVID control group, and a pre-COVID intervention group

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 interv...

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Published in:Psychology & health 2022-02, Vol.37 (2), p.178-193
Main Authors: Gorbeña, Susana, Gómez, Ignacio, Govillard, Leila, Sarrionandia, Sare, Macía, Patricia, Penas, Patricia, Iraurgi, Ioseba
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
control group
Control Groups
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Humans
Intervention
Mental Health
Pandemics
Positive intervention
positive mental health
Quarantine
SARS-CoV-2
Well being
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0887-0446
1476-8321
DOI:10.1080/08870446.2021.1936520