A Delphi consensus study on the dimensions of positive mental health
Author Identifier (ORCID)
A. Jarden: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4293-7032
Abstract
Inconsistent conceptualization of terms such as positive mental health, flourishing and mental well-being across disciplines hinders reliable measurement, intervention design and policy. Here we sought expert consensus on a preliminary taxonomy of positive mental health dimensions to standardize conceptualization using the Delphi method. We surveyed experts (n = 122) across 11 disciplines relevant to positive mental health via 3 iterative rounds. The first round invited experts to rate the suitability of 26 initial dimensions (identified in prior reviews) on relevance for a taxonomy, while subsequent rounds invited expert-suggested dimensions and rating of dimensions as drivers or outcomes of positive mental health. Nineteen dimensions achieved consensus (≥75% agreement) for inclusion in the preliminary taxonomy of positive mental health. Six dimensions exceeded 90% agreement, including ‘meaning and purpose’, ‘life satisfaction’, ‘self-acceptance’, ‘connection’, ‘autonomy’ and ‘happiness’. This taxonomy promotes standardized conceptualization and cross-disciplinary collaboration, addressing fragmentation to enhance interventions and policy.
Keywords
Positive mental health, Delphi method, taxonomy, well-being, measurement, psychology
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Nature Mental Health
Publisher
Nature
School
School of Education
Funders
Victorian of Health
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Iasiello, M., Van Agteren, J., Ali, K., Kolovos, E., Batterham, P. J., Goodman, F., Jarden, A., Kashdan, T. B., Kyrios, M., Oades, L. G., Weziak-Bialowolska, D., & Fassnacht, D. B. (2026). A Delphi consensus study on the dimensions of positive mental health. Nature Mental Health, 4, 746–753. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-026-00617-5