This is a method for institutional or community change to promote mental health.  It is based on making positive assumptions about relationships, people, and groups, and it focuses on strengths rather than problem-solving.  Appreciative Inquiry sessions consist of a series of questions that allow participants to connect and discover positive factors within the group, which creates an avenue for change.

Appreciative Inquiry

There are many socioeconomic factors that contribute to physical and mental health, such as stable housing, employment, and freedom from discrimination (among other things).  Policies that promote these factors have been shown to improve community physical and mental health.  

Grand Valley State University

Positive psychology practices can be implemented beneficially in a number of spaces, such as worksites, schools, and healthcare settings.  It focuses on positive emotions and strengths rather than mentally ill health and its consequences, which can mitigate some of the stigma surrounding mental health.

Utility of Positive Psychology in Promoting Public Mental Health

Kobau, R., Seligman, M., Peterson, C., Diener, E., Zack, M. M., Chapman, D., & Thompson, W. (2011, August). Mental Health Promotion in Public Health: Perspectives and Strategies From Positive Psychology. American Journal of Public Health, 101(8), 1-9.

Mental Health Promotion in Public Health: Perspectives and Strategies
From Positive Psychology

These are feelings like happiness, contentment, or interest.  They can actually calm down autonomic arousal ("fight or flight" responses), signal safety, and prompt people to engage socially and with their physical environment.  

Positive Emotions

These are positive qualities like bravery, creativity, or optimism, and can increase resiliency if developed.  They can also guard against psychological illness and promote mental health.

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