Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Inconsistent conceptualisation of terms such as positive mental health, flourishing, and mental wellbeing across disciplines hinders reliable measurement, intervention design, and policy. This study sought expert consensus on a preliminary taxonomy of positive mental health dimensions to standardize conceptualization using the Delphi method. We surveyed experts (n=122) across 11 disciplines relevant to positive mental health via three iterative rounds. The first round invited experts to rate the suitability of 26 initial dimensions (identified in prior reviews) on relevance for a taxonomy, while subsequent rounds invited expert-suggested dimensions and rating of dimensions as drivers or outcomes of positive mental health. Nineteen dimensions achieved consensus (≥75% agreement) for inclusion in the preliminary taxonomy of positive mental health. Six dimensions exceeded 90% agreement, including Meaning and Purpose, Life Satisfaction, Self-Acceptance, Connection, Autonomy, and Happiness. This taxonomy promotes standardized conceptualisation and cross-disciplinary collaboration, addressing fragmentation to enhance interventions and policy.
Source: Nature Mental Health
Institutions: Adelaide University, The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australian National University, George Washington University, Edith Cowan University, George Mason University, The University of Melbourne, University of York, Kozminski University, Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7153008020