Work

Perceptions of Psychologists in Spanish Public Health Centers Regarding the Well-Being of Patients With Anxiety Complaints

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Persistent anxiety impairs quality of life and calls for approaches beyond symptom reduction. The Positive Mental Health framework expands this perspective by emphasizing subjective, psychological, and social dimensions of well-being. This research aimed to examine how psychologists working in Spanish public health services perceive the well-being of patients with anxiety, focusing specifically on clinicians' interpretations rather than patients' self-reports. This qualitative, exploratory study used semi-structured interviews to investigate these perceptions, gathering accounts from psychologists employed in public health centers across Spain. Twelve professionals, mostly from the Valencian Community, participated in semi-structured interviews conducted predominantly in an asynchronous online format. Data were analyzed using thematic-categorical content analysis and subsequently organized into two analytical axes comprising eleven categories. The first axis, general perspectives, encompassed: characteristics of patients and society; risk factors; types and symptoms of anxiety; and professional practice. The second axis, well-being, comprised the categories Presence of Subjective Well-Being (SWB), Absence of SWB, Presence of Social Well-Being (SoWB), Absence of SoWB, Presence of Psychological Well-Being (PWB), and Absence of PWB. While difficulties across well-being domains were prevalent, some accounts showed signs of flourishing. Beyond symptom-focused care, participants described strategies to foster positive functioning. The findings highlight the need for clinical practices that combine empathic listening with active promotion of well-being, acknowledging social influences. Flourishing may emerge even in distress when supported by connection, purpose, and public commitment to mental health.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.100188

Authors: Geane Uliana Miranda, Valeschka Martins Guerra, Maria Cristina Menandro, Rosa Baños

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Universitat de València

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico