Pioneering paths to positive mental health: an in-depth scoping review of multicomponent positive psychology group interventions for youth

Interventions supporting youth mental health are crucial and multicomponent positive psychology interventions (MPPIs) show promise by targeting several promotive factors at a population-level. This scoping review provides synthesized recommendations based on existing knowledge and programs (n = 56) to bolster evidence-based practice. Findings revealed the most common MPPI components: cultivating strengths (65.38%), relationships (59.62%), and positive emotions (53.85%). Many studies measured outcomes pre- and/or post-intervention (both 92.00%), but follow-up assessments at or beyond one month were comparatively rare (38.00%). Further analysis explored participant information (age, gender, ethnicity, sample size), intervention delivery (sessions number/length, delivery location, activities, facilitator type), and additional aspects of evaluation (outcomes, control group, qualitative component). Notably, many sources provided insufficient data for key variables of interest (missing data for at least one variable in category ranged from 42.86% to 75.93%). Findings informed guidelines for PPI reporting and further offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.