Monday, September 7, 2026
SubscribeAdmin

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

The Research Desk

The science of flourishing.

Peer-reviewed research on wellbeing, resilience, and what helps people thrive — read straight from PubMed, translated into plain language, and turned into something you can actually use.

The finding1 of 5

Kursk residents' life quality is moderately impacted by healthcare system satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Problemy sotsial'noi gigieny, zdravookhraneniia i istorii meditsiny

[THE SUBJECTIVE ESTIMATES OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN POPULATION OF PROVINCIAL REGION THROUGH THE PRISM OF SATISFACTION OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM].

  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the quality of healthcare systems influences the subjective quality of life for residents in the city of Kursk, Russia. The researchers conducted a survey to understand how people's perceptions of their well-being and life quality are linked to their satisfaction with healthcare services. The findings indicate that inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure and personnel negatively impact residents' quality of life.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Climate change anxiety is linked to more severe PMS symptoms in young women.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Investigating the association between climate change anxiety and premenstrual syndrome severity among young women: a cross-sectional study.

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness

This study explores an intriguing intersection between environmental concerns and women's health by examining how anxiety about climate change might relate to the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women. Conducted among 1,035 young women in Türkiye, the research found a notable link between higher levels of climate change anxiety and increased severity of PMS symptoms. The study suggests that the stress induced by worrying about climate change can exacerbate premenstrual symptoms, highlighting a modern psychosomatic stressor.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 3

Digital and hybrid psychological interventions reduced depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted routine mental health care, leaving many pregnant women to face increased psychological distress without adequate support. This systematic review evaluates various psychological interventions aimed at improving mental health and resilience among pregnant women during this challenging time. Interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and psychoeducation were adapted for digital and hybrid formats to maintain accessibility during the pandemic.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Scientists at the University of Canberra found that adolescent mental health is mostly positive, but complete mental health has declined, especially among females.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine

Storm and Stress 2.0? A Dual-Factor, Person-Centered Analysis of Adolescent Well-being Across Two Year 7 Cohorts and Gender.

  • Resilience
  • Positive emotion

This study investigates the mental health and well-being of adolescents using a dual-factor approach that considers both positive and negative aspects. By analyzing two cohorts of Australian year 7 students, the research identifies distinct mental health profiles and tracks changes over five years. The study reveals that while a majority of adolescents exhibit positive mental health, there is a concerning decline in those with complete mental health, especially among females.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Childhood emotional maltreatment is linked to trauma-related outcomes like PTSD and complex PTSD, with emotional abuse showing a slightly stronger connection than emotional neglect.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
European journal of psychotraumatology

Childhood emotional maltreatment and trauma-related outcomes: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis.

  • Resilience
  • Growth

This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the impact of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) on trauma-related outcomes, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). The study distinguishes between emotional abuse and emotional neglect to understand their respective influences on these conditions. Analyzing data from 62 studies, the research finds a significant association between CEM and trauma-related symptoms, with emotional abuse showing a slightly stronger link to PTSD/CPTSD than emotional neglect.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez found adaptive emotion regulation and character strengths boost wellbeing in Chilean public-school students.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Frontiers in psychology

Wellbeing and mental health in Chilean public-school students: emotion regulation and character strengths.

  • Optimism
  • Growth

This study investigates how emotion regulation and character strengths contribute to the wellbeing of Chilean public-school students. Researchers assessed over 3,500 students aged 8-18 using well-being and character strengths scales. They found that students who used adaptive emotion regulation strategies and possessed certain character strengths reported higher levels of happiness, optimism, and perseverance.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Quality of life improves over time for people with HIV in cure-related studies, even during treatment interruptions.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
HIV research & clinical practice

Health-related quality of life trajectories during analytical treatment interruptions in HIV cure-related studies and the influence of depression, anxiety, and resilience.

  • Resilience
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people living with HIV changes during treatment interruptions in HIV cure-related trials. It specifically looks at how depression, anxiety, and resilience at the start of the study can influence these changes. The research found that, overall, participants' quality of life improved over time, even when undergoing challenging treatment protocols.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Università Cattolica found that podcasts improve self-compassion, and combining them with group sessions reduces stress and perfectionism in students.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)

Gentle Mind-A Podcast on Self-Compassion and Character Strengths to Enhance Well-Being in University Students: A Controlled Feasibility Study.

  • Mindfulness
  • Growth

This study explores how digital interventions, specifically podcasts, can promote mental well-being among university students by enhancing self-compassion and character strengths. Researchers tested two approaches: a podcast-only intervention and a blended approach that combined podcasts with online group sessions. Both methods were compared to a control group to assess their effectiveness in improving self-compassion, reducing stress, and addressing perfectionism.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Medical students who see themselves as having higher social status among peers report better physical and mental health.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Annals of medicine

Subjective social status and health of Saudi medical students: a cross-sectional study on the role of peer comparisons.

  • Relationships
  • Growth

This research explores how medical students' perceptions of their social status among peers relate to their health and well-being. Conducted at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, the study surveyed 390 undergraduate medical students, assessing their subjective social status using a ladder-like scale. The findings reveal that students who perceive themselves as having a higher social standing compared to their peers report better physical and mental health, as well as greater psychological well-being and life satisfaction.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Professional identity formation is crucial for family medicine residents to boost resilience and job satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Annals of medicine

Professional identity formation of family medicine residents in Singapore: a qualitative study to identify influencing factors.

  • Growth
  • Relationships

This study delves into how family medicine residents in Singapore develop their professional identity, a crucial factor in combating burnout and ensuring job satisfaction. The research highlights the importance of integrating professional identity formation (PIF) into residency programs, particularly those that are predominantly hospital-based. By conducting in-depth interviews with residents and family physicians, the study identifies key psychological senses that underpin PIF: competence, connectedness, appreciation, and career trajectory.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University found that heavy screen users have higher life satisfaction despite more somatic and psychological symptoms.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of affective disorders

Not just time: Multidimensional patterns of screen use and adolescent well-being in nine countries and regions.

  • Engagement
  • Relationships

This study explores the complex relationship between different patterns of screen use and well-being among adolescents across nine countries. By analyzing data from over 57,000 fifteen-year-olds, the researchers identified four distinct groups based on their screen use habits: Low users, Moderate users, Heavy users, and High-social but low-functional users. The findings suggest that while heavy screen users experience more somatic and psychological symptoms, they also report higher life satisfaction, highlighting the nuanced impact of screen use on adolescent well-being.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Adaptation in liver transplant recipients is a dynamic process focused on social belonging and managing vulnerabilities.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

Adaptation before and one year after liver transplantation: a longitudinal grounded theory study.

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

This study delves into the emotional and social journey of liver transplant recipients, focusing on how they adapt before and after the surgery. Through interviews with twelve adults, researchers examined how these individuals navigated the profound changes and challenges associated with liver transplantation. The study revealed that adaptation is a dynamic process, beginning with efforts to maintain social belonging and continuity in life before the transplant and evolving into reconstructing stability and managing vulnerability afterward.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Processing Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) helps PTSD clients connect with positive emotions and improves self-reflection.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
European journal of psychotraumatology

Client and therapist experiences with the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) in a randomized controlled trial: insights for protocol refinement.

  • Positive emotion
  • Resilience

The study explores the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT), a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access positive autobiographical memories. This method aims to alleviate PTSD symptoms by focusing on positive experiences. The research compares PPMT to Supportive Counseling in a randomized controlled trial involving 70 participants, revealing insights into client and therapist experiences and suggesting areas for improvement.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Interacting with nature can restore attention and reduce stress, supporting human wellbeing.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
The Lancet. Planetary health

Mechanisms underpinning flourishing at the interface of humans and other natural entities: an umbrella review.

  • Meaning
  • Relationships

This study explores how humans and nature can flourish together, a concept known as ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing). The researchers conducted an umbrella review, which is a review of existing systematic reviews, to identify mechanisms that support this intertwined flourishing. They found that psychological benefits, such as attention restoration and stress reduction, were the most consistently supported mechanisms. However, evidence for other pathways, like social cohesion and physical activity, was mixed. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research to better understand how humans and nature can mutually benefit each other.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 3

E-co-flourishing integrates human and ecological wellbeing, addressing current ecological and social crises.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
The Lancet. Planetary health

Ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing): a framework to guide innovation and research.

  • Meaning
  • Mindfulness

This paper introduces a novel framework called ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing), which aims to integrate human wellbeing with the health of natural ecosystems. The authors argue that current models of progress are inadequate for addressing the intertwined ecological and social crises we face today. By promoting a holistic approach, the e-co-flourishing framework seeks to advance wellbeing not just for individuals, but also for the broader ecological systems they are part of.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

War in Ukraine impacts children's mental health, highlighting anxiety, depression, PTSD, but also resilience factors like social support and posttraumatic growth.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
European journal of psychotraumatology

Understanding mental health needs in Ukraine: protocol for a longitudinal survey of mental health in children and caregivers during the war in Ukraine.

  • Resilience
  • Relationships

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has placed immense psychological stress on its population, particularly children and adolescents. Recognizing the gap in understanding the mental health of young Ukrainians, the UNITY initiative is conducting a comprehensive study to assess the mental health needs of children aged 8 to 16 and their caregivers. This longitudinal study aims to gather data from 3,000 children across various regions of Ukraine, ensuring a representative sample that considers different levels of exposure to the conflict.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Cancer survivors use interpersonal strengths to aid in recovery and find meaning after their illness.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society

Beyond pain: A phenomenological narrative of interpersonal character strengths in coping with the cancer experience.

  • Growth
  • Relationships

This study delves into how cancer survivors use interpersonal character strengths to navigate their recovery and find meaning after their illness. Through interviews with 12 survivors, researchers identified key strengths that aid in psychological recovery and social reintegration. The study highlights how these strengths allow survivors to see their cancer journey as a chance for personal growth and deeper connections with others.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Positive psychology interventions improve emotional and psychological health in adults with spinal cord injuries.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation

Positive Psychology Interventions for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

  • Positive emotion
  • Accomplishment

This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the impact of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) on the health and wellbeing of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study synthesized evidence from eight eligible studies that implemented PPIs based on Seligman's PERMA model, which focuses on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. The findings highlight that PPIs can significantly improve emotional and psychological health outcomes, such as self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and anxiety, although the long-term effects remain uncertain.

Read the science →

Looking for the good-news feed instead? Visit the front page →