The effects of positive psychology interventions in Arab countries: A systematic review.
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Date
2022-07-20
Authors
Basurrah, Asma A.
Di Blasi, Zelda
Lambert, Louise
Murphy, Mike
Warren, Meg A.
Setti, Annalisa
Al-Haj Baddar, Mohammed
Shrestha, Topaz
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Published Version
Abstract
While there is evidence for the effects of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) in the Western world, we know little about their effects on Arab cultures. This review aimed to assess the effects of PPIs on well-being and mental health across Arab countries. Systematic searches of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies investigating PPIs in Arabia were conducted in six English and Arabic databases from the inception of positive psychology in 1998 to 28 February 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. The protocol was published in the BMJ Open. Forty-four studies from 10 Arab countries (n = 3598 participants) were included. Of these, 12 were RCTs and 32 were quasi-experimental. The studies mainly focused on adults (73%) and healthy populations (86%). PPIs included mindfulness, positive thinking, strengths, hope, optimism, self-compassion, positive traits, and multiple PPIs. Nearly all studies (91%) mentioned cultural adaptation; however, little detail was given. This is the first review in Arabia. PPIs appear to be effective for promoting well-being and reducing mental health issues. However, there were some risks of bias concerns. Future research should include younger and clinical populations, using larger samples and providing more details about adaptation.
Description
Keywords
Arab countries , Mental health , Positive psychology , Interventions , Systematic review , Well-being
Citation
Basurrah, A. A., Di Blasi, Z., Lambert, L., Murphy, M., Warren, M. A., Setti, A., Al-Haj Baddar, M., and Shrestha, T. (2022) ‘The effects of positive psychology interventions in Arab countries: A systematic review’, Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, (19 pp). doi: 10.1111/aphw.12391