Promoting positive mental health: theoretical frameworks for practice

This paper reviews current conceptual frameworks for mental health promotion practice, covering both models of promoting positive mental health and those addressing the prevention of mental disorders. The theoretical perspectives underpinning these frameworks are considered and key constructs and approaches are identified The risk reduction and competence enhancement approaches to promoting mental health are compared in terms of supporting research and sample programmes. The theoretical implications of current findings concerning the effectiveness of prevention and mental health promotion programmes are critically examined Based on the evidence, a compelling case is made for focusing on programmes that enhance protective factors with the explicit goal of developing positive mental health and well-being rather than prevention or risk reduction. The current frameworks are modified in order to represent a competence enhancement perspective which locates the promotion of positive mental health within the broader spectrum of mental health intervention activities.