Positive psychiatry/psychology for older adults: a new and important movement but robust methodology is essential

Abstract

Positive psychiatry and the related positive psychology are offering a much needed alternative framework through which to view the psychology of old age (Jeste et al., 2015). Traditional models of old age tend to approach the subject from a negative view point where themes of dependency and decline can be common (Cumming and Henry, 1961). In contrast, positive psychiatry and psychology refer to the scientific study of strengths and capabilities that contribute to well-being (Seligman, 1998). Some of these can be thought of as character strengths and evidence suggests that concepts such as hope, humour, integrity, and gratitude are universal, with examples documented in at least 54 nations across the world (Park et al., 2006). Researchers aligned to these theoretical models seek to explore complex approaches to measuring and improving mental health, recognizing that well-being is often a dynamic interplay between positive and negative psychological processes and outcomes (Lomas and Ivtzan, 2016).

The Benefit Finding Questionnaire (BFQ): Scale Development, Validation, and Its Psychometric Properties Among People with Mental Illness

“…While psychiatry has traditionally focused on psychopathology and treating mental illnesses to alleviate symptoms and prevent relapse, positive psychiatry has come to the forefront over recent years [ 1 , 2 ]. Positive psychiatry, aligned with its precedent, positive psychology, seeks to expand the scope of psychiatry to include broader aspects of mental health and well-being with core concepts such as personal recovery, resilience, optimism, and hope [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. In this context, the potential for positive psychological changes following a negative event, such as chronic illness, has gained substantial attention [ 4 ].…”

La gérontopsychiatrie à l’Hôpital en santé mentale Albert-Prévost : favoriser la résilience des patients âgés grâce à la psychiatrie positive

“…Quelques études ont également démontré les bénéfices d'interventions de psychologie positive spécifiquement dans la population âgée (Friedman et coll., 2017 ;Greenawalt et coll., 2019 ;Ho et coll., 2014 ;Proyer et coll., 2014 ;Ramírez et coll., 2014). Les résultats de ces travaux sont intéressants et prometteurs, mais comme il s'agit d'un domaine de recherche relativement récent, il faudra davantage d'études avec une méthodologie robuste (Stoner, 2019)…”

Improving images of aging

“…Both disciplines may stimulate each other in empirical research projects and methodological techniques to unbundle the complex questions which focus on positive and effective conditions yielding well-being and satisfaction in later life. All three commentaries (Rapoport, 2019; Reynolds, 2019; Stoner, 2019) of the respective original papers in this issue remind us of the requirement of this future research to develop and establish appropriate conceptual models as well as to define robust methodological study designs. If this research yields reliable results, it will, hopefully, enhance our knowledge about which supporting strategies are appropriate for older and mentally ill individuals in their respective countries and with their respective cultural traditions and customs.…”

“…Three original papers, coming from Canada (Gough et al , 2018), Spain (Dumitrache et al , 2018), and the United States (Laird et al , 2018) contribute to this topic, each of them clarified by a commentary (Rapoport, 2019; Reynolds, 2019; Stoner, 2019).…”

“…The Canadian paper attracts the reader´s attention with results from a knowledge transfer intervention which improved knowledge of evidence-based mental health, its application in everyday living, and knowledge about epigenetic factors in longevity (Gough et al , 2018). In her commentary, Stoner (2019) points out the importance of knowledge transfer interventions and their impact in psychoeducating research participants. Her emphasis on rigorous methodological approaches in such studies remains an essential task of future investigations.…”