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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.

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Linnaeus University found that happiness, not awe, boosts positive diversity attitudes and reduces social dominance orientation.

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International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie

Happiness, Not Awe, Makes People More Diversity-Oriented.

  • Positive emotion
  • Relationships

This study investigates whether the emotions of awe and happiness can influence people's attitudes towards diversity. Researchers conducted a large-scale experiment with over 3,000 participants who were shown film clips designed to induce feelings of awe, happiness, or neutrality. The study aimed to see how these emotions affected diversity attitudes, diversity fatigue, and social dominance orientation (SDO), a trait associated with negative views on diversity.

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The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Linnaeus University found that playing padel in a forest setting boosts joy, calmness, and social interactions for seniors.

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International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

The forest as a health-promoting place-the meaning for seniors of playing padel in the forest: a qualitative study.

  • Meaning
  • Relationships

This study investigates how playing padel in a forest setting affects the wellbeing of seniors aged 65 and older. Through interviews with eight participants, the research uncovers how this activity fosters joy, calmness, and social interaction, contributing to enhanced wellbeing. The study highlights the unique benefits of combining physical activity with nature, revealing a deep connection between the environment and personal values that promote health.

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The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Beijing Forestry University found that nature photography with reflection boosts well-being, especially for those with less nature access.

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Applied psychology. Health and well-being

Nature-based meaning-focused photography intervention enhances subjective well-being: A three-arm randomized controlled study.

  • Meaning
  • Engagement

This study explored how engaging with nature through photography, combined with reflective writing, can enhance subjective well-being. Over seven days, college students participated in an online intervention where they either took nature photos and wrote reflections or just took photos. Compared to a control group, those who both photographed and wrote about nature reported increases in meaning in life, subjective well-being, and life satisfaction.

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The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Malmö University found that Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) enhances children's physical capability and social community.

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International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

A door opener to physical capability and social community: children's and parents' experiences of physical activity on prescription by the Swedish school health service.

  • Engagement
  • Relationships

This study explores how children and their parents perceive Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) within Swedish school health services. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on medical outcomes, this research uses a salutogenic framework to understand the health resources and sociocultural integration fostered by PAP. Through interviews with both children and parents, the study reveals that PAP acts as a 'door opener' to physical capability and social community on their own terms.

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The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Kermanshah University found that better sleep quality and higher physical activity levels are linked to higher well-being.

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Preventive medicine reports

Sleep quality and physical activity profiles associated with quality of life, self-rated health, and happiness: A cross-sectional population study in Western Iran.

  • Engagement
  • Accomplishment

This study investigates how different patterns of sleep quality and physical activity are linked to well-being outcomes such as quality of life, self-rated health, and happiness. Conducted in Western Iran, the research surveyed 1187 residents, using cluster analysis to identify distinct groups based on their sleep and activity behaviors. The findings reveal meaningful associations between these lifestyle factors and well-being indicators, suggesting that certain combinations of good sleep and physical activity can enhance life satisfaction.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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The finding1 of 3

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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The finding1 of 4

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

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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.

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