Effective Virtual Interventions to Enhance Psychological Capital: A mixed-methods systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUNDDeveloped from positive psychology, Psychological Capital (PsyCap) entails a collection of intrinsic traits which may be optimized for productive and sustainable outcomes in life. This systematic review explores potential virtual implementation of PsyCap interventions, especially given the digital transition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential usage in the future.METHODSUtilizing a mixed-methods systematic review, this convergent integrated synthesis involves database searches conducted in APA PsychINFO, Web of Science and PubMed with literature published between 1995 and 2020. This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with a registered PROSPERO protocol. With diverse study designs and accompanying grey literature, heterogeneity precluded statistical analysis for qualitative presentation of included studies. Study screening, extraction, and quality appraisal (using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) were performed by two authors independently and reconciled. Disagreements were resolved by a third author.RESULTSPresent literature has determined effective increase of PsyCap with the PCI Intervention Model. Strengths-based interventions assisted in identifying individual recognition in strengths to maximize potential and increase PsyCap. Other interventions have been found to support hope, self-efficacy, resilience, or optimism (HERO).CONCLUSIONOverall, interventions from included studies showed effective improvement in HERO elements and increased PsyCap in individuals in academia and the workplace. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and future application, PsyCap interventions may be further explored and modified for virtual implementation for young adults.