Positive psychology and the internet: a mental health opportunity

This paper reviews two relatively young fields of research – positive psychology and internet interventions – and discusses the potential of online positive psychology interventions (OPPIs) as an effective and sustainable health promotion tool within a comprehensive approach to mental health care. The paper starts with a review of positive psychology, in particular well-being theory and contemporary research, and then followed by an overview of the advantages (e.g., accessibility and sustainability) and disadvantages (e.g., digital divide) of delivering mental health interventions via the internet. Finally, the results of a literature review combining the two fields of research are presented. Five randomised controlled trials were identified testing the efficacy of OPPIs as a means of enhancing well-being, with three studies demonstrating increased well-being compared to a control group. In the three studies that had populations with mild to moderate depression symptoms at baseline, there was significant symptom reduction, suggesting that well-being interventions, while primarily targeted at improving wellness, may also have an illness treatment and prevention function. While this review is limited by the small number of studies currently available, researchers, practitioners and consumers are asked to consider the opportunities and benefits of delivering well-being interventions online.