Report from the <scp>WPA</scp> Section on Positive Psychiatry 2015‐2025

Since ancient times, philosophers and physicians have emphasized a holistic, well-being-centered approach to health, highlighting wisdom, resilience, social connections, optimism, moderation and self-control. Modern research confirms that these positive psychosocial traits support mental and physical health, even in persons with mental illnesses. Yet, modern medicine, including psychiatry, remains focused on diagnosing and treating disorders, often overlooking prevention. This diagnosis-driven and treatment-first model shifts the focus away from general well-being and illness prevention, and contributes to the growing shortage of mental health services1. Global behavioral epidemics of loneliness, social isolation, suicides, and drug abuse point to an urgent priority for developing strategies at both individual and societal levels to improve the well-being of the general population. It is noteworthy that, while over a thousand articles and several books have been published on positive psychology during recent decades, not a single paper or book could be found on PubMed with “positive psychiatry” in its title until 2013, when we published two such papers2, 3, and 2015, when we published the first book4. The WPA Section on Positive Psychiatry was established in 2015, and WPA congresses now regularly include several sessions on this topic, which are well attended and draw active participation from engaged audiences. Here we present evidence-based perspectives on positive psychiatry, along with highlights of exciting new initiatives led by members of our Section in Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Social determinants of health refer to social and environmental factors that impact individuals’ physical and mental health5. While the medical and psychiatric literature has focused on the negative health impact of adverse social factors, positive social factors are associated with greater mental health and well-being. These include wisdom, especially empathy and compassion, resilience, optimism, positive social connections, purpose in life, and spirituality1, 6. Specific genes are associated with positive traits such as resilience and optimism. Brain imaging studies have reported that higher levels of empathy, compassion, and emotional regulation are associated with activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, ventromedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, insula, ventral striatum, and amygdala. Resilient adults have greater hippocampal gray and white matter volumes, and stronger connectivity between the central executive network and limbic regions. Individuals with greater social support have lower levels of inflammatory markers. The gut microbiome mediates the bidirectional association between psychosocial characteristics and overall health1, 6. Our WPA Section has ongoing collaborations with several scientific organizations. An example is the World Federation of Psychotherapy, an affiliate of the WPA, which promotes psychotherapy, including positive psychotherapy. This Federation has led efforts to educate health care professionals in major forms of psychotherapy with positive impact on mental health across a number of Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Another scientific organization with which our WPA Section collaborates is the World Association of Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy, which has helped promote the value and pragmatics of positive psychotherapy worldwide, with postgraduate programs in 25 countries7. This organization highlights the importance of the Psychotherapy of Hope, rooted in the principles of the legacy of Persuasion and Healing. It promotes culturally adapted approaches to strengthen resilience and social support in local communities. It leads workshops and public awareness campaigns, working with primary care clinicians and local health workers to integrate wellness activities, such as group resilience training and mindfulness practices, into routine mental health care. Members of our Section are implementing several innovative programs in a range of geographic contexts. In Argentina, the Global Psy network for Spanish-speaking psychiatrists has created a collaborative platform spanning multiple countries. It organizes training and community programs that emphasize mental health promotion and emotional well-being, as well as suicide prevention through resilience-building. It has made steady progress in establishing the Chapter of Positive Psychiatry and Lifestyle Medicine within the Latin American Psychiatric Association, an official member of the WPA. In Mexico, the Mexican Consortium of Neuropsychopharmacology has been established, which prioritizes providing opportunities for professionals from low- and middle-income countries to meet in person with world experts, maintaining close social interactions and a sense of belonging, with program-embedded self-care activities such as yoga and mindfulness. It seeks to teach the attendees the state-of-the-art science while implementing key elements of healthy and productive health care communities8. In Kenya, “mental wellness clubs” have been created, in collaboration with schools and youth groups, teaching positive coping skills and offering peer support to youth facing adversity9. They partner with non-governmental and faith-based organizations to develop community support circles for women and families with economic hardship or trauma, employing gratitude practice and meaning-making. In Canada, the Fountain of Health Association has been established, a national non-profit organization that promotes brain health and well-being10. Over 2,000 clinicians have been trained to date on the use of structured paper and digital tools, including goal-setting worksheets and behavior-tracking forms, with over 800 clinicians now using them in practice. In the US, examples of effective community-based initiatives include intergenerational programs, age-friendly communities, and digital tools to support social connections and well-being. An exciting frontier is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with human wisdom. The goal is to develop “artificial wisdom” systems beyond super-intelligent algorithms to incorporate compassion, ethical reasoning, and emotional intelligence. Such AI tools could help clinicians personalize wellness interventions and teach patients evidence-based skills for resilience and emotional regulation. Looking ahead, the WPA Section on Positive Psychiatry will continue working with organizations worldwide – including the World Health Organization, national health ministries, universities and community groups – to integrate positive psychiatry principles into mainstream mental health care. In addition to live meetings at the WPA and other conferences, our members foster collaboration through webinars, virtual workshops, and training programs. We also support publications that advance the field and promote knowledge exchange among mental health professionals and stakeholders. We aim to connect diverse professionals to share best practices and emerging research. Our efforts include facilitating research involving neuroscientists, expert clinicians, public health leaders, economists, and others, supporting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. The WPA Section on Positive Psychiatry is advancing a global, comprehensive, strengths-based approach to mental health – one that promotes not only treatment, but also prevention, resilience, and human flourishing. Growing evidence supports the impact of positive psychosocial factors, their biological basis, and cross-cultural relevance. Our Section remains committed to promoting culturally sensitive, biopsychosocial approaches for people with and without mental illness, and to supporting interventions that foster wisdom, resilience, optimism, spirituality, meaning, and social connections worldwide.