Interventions Based On Positive Psychology for Suicide Prevention: A Systematic Review

Pons, Pablo ; Mira, Adriana ; Díaz-García, Amanda (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; García-Palacios, Azucena ; Baños, Rosa María

Resumen: Nearly one million people die by suicide each year. While interventions exist to prevent suicide, they often concentrate on addressing negative symptoms rather than fostering positive emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. It is important to direct attention towards protective factors that can substantially reduce the risk of suicide. Positive states such as gratitude, optimism, and hope have been identified as crucial elements linked to fewer suicidal attempts and ideations. The aim of this research is to evaluate available literature describing psychological suicide prevention interventions that emphasize the cultivation of positive emotions, behaviors, and cognitions, rather than exclusively addressing deficits, maladaptive patterns, or reducing pathological symptoms. Following the PRISMA guidelines, and collecting the bibliographical data from PubMed, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library, this review analyzes a total of 19 studies, according with structured eligibility criteria. The overall findings indicate that interventions based on Positive Psychology (PP) components are useful in suicide prevention work. Results reveal decreases in variables such as suicidal ideation or attempts, depression, hopelessness, and anxiety, alongside increases in optimism, self-esteem, and overall well-being. The promotion of gratitude, hope, the search for reasons to live and the promotion of personal strengths stand out as the main components of PP. While the current literature is not extensive, the publication dates of the studies suggest a potential growth in research in the coming years.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00993-2

Año: 2025

Publicado en: JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 27, 1 (2025)
ISSN: 1389-4978

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Person.Eval.Trat.Psicoló. (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)