Baños RM, Etchemendy E, Mira A, Riva G, Gaggioli A, Botella C. (2017). Online positive interventions to promote well-being and resilience in the adolescent population: A narrative review. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 8(10). doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00010
Researchers did a literature review to evaluate the scientific literature investigating internet-based positive psychological interventions for resilience and wellbeing in adolescents. Seven interventions evaluated in nine studies were identified in the literature search. Five of the interventions were only evaluated in one randomized controlled trial (RCT). One of the interventions was evaluated in an RCT and a feasibility study. The last intervention was evaluated in an RCT and a study developing and evaluating an updated version of the intervention. In addition to addressing general mental health, wellbeing, and resilience, the interventions addressed a variety of outcomes (e.g. anxiety, depression, health risk behaviors, relationships with parents, substance use). Results from seven of the studies were generally promising showing improvements in target outcomes, significant differences from a control group, or high levels of engagement. Researchers concluded that internet-based positive psychological interventions are a promising method of promoting wellbeing and resilience in adolescents, but further research about the mechanisms of impact of these interventions is needed.