A Delphi consensus study on the dimensions of positive mental health

M. Iasiello; J. van Agteren; K. Ali; E. Kolovos; P. J. Batterham; F. Goodman; A. Jarden; T. B. Kashdan; M. Kyrios; L. G. Oades; D. Weziak-Bialowolska; D. B. Fassnacht

doi:10.1038/s44220-026-00617-5

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A Delphi consensus study on the dimensions of positive mental health

Journal article

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A Delphi consensus study on the dimensions of positive mental health

M. Iasiello, J. van Agteren, K. Ali, E. Kolovos, P. J. Batterham, F. Goodman, A. Jarden, T. B. Kashdan, M. Kyrios, L. G. Oades, …

Nature Mental Health, Vol.4, pp.746-753

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-026-00617-5

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Towards a Taxonomy of Positive Mental Health: A Delphi Consensus Study

Abstract

psychology

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.

Details

Title: A Delphi consensus study on the dimensions of positive mental health
Authors: M. Iasiello (Corresponding Author) - The University of Adelaide
J. van Agteren - The University of Adelaide
K. Ali - University of the Sunshine Coast
E. Kolovos - Flinders University
P. J. Batterham - Australian National University
F. Goodman - George Washington University
A. Jarden - Edith Cowan University
T. B. Kashdan - George Mason University
M. Kyrios - Flinders University
L. G. Oades - The University of Melbourne
D. Weziak-Bialowolska - Kozminski University
D. B. Fassnacht - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Nature Mental Health, Vol.4, pp.746-753
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1038/s44220-026-00617-5
ISSN: 2731-6076
Data Availability: Access to the minimum dataset is available upon reasonable request. The data that support the findings of this study are not openly available due to reasons of anonymity but are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Grant note: The research team acknowledges the funding received by the Victorian of Health (Australia), which made this study possible (M.I. and J.v.A.).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991224888502621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychiatry

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