RESEARCH | CASE STUDIES| STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS

Apply the latest research to strengthen mental wellbeing and prevent stress-related disorders in your communities.

Chief Editor: Nadine Wilches, LCSW

A three-panel comic strip with two characters having a humorous conversation about their understanding of correlation and causation and how a statistics class influenced their thinking.

source: xkcd

Data-driven Prevention, Population Mental Health Nadine Wilches, LCSW Data-driven Prevention, Population Mental Health Nadine Wilches, LCSW

The 5-Elements of Systemic Wellbeing Framework: A Conceptual Model for Preventive Mental Health

Psychological approaches to mental health rely primarily on a medical model of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, which reacts to symptom presentation, affect, and behavior. This approach is limited in that it neither demonstrates a reduction in the rates of mental illness nor prevents future mental health problems in those previously treated. A significant 11-year gap exists between the onset of symptoms and intervention in the current model (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021). Furthermore, individuals with preventable physical illnesses are more likely to experience mental health problems, and evidence for treating multimorbidities is limited, compounding the issues of a single-disease response model (Barnett et al., 2012). A comprehensive thematic analysis of research on wellbeing for the application of preventive mental health practices could not be identified, signaling a critical gap. This paper introduces The 5-Elements of Systemic Wellbeing Framework, a conceptual model developed from a reflexive thematic analysis of over 2000 research studies and expert interviews. The analysis identified five core themes of wellbeing (Secure, Regulated, Valued, Decided, Related), each supported by evidence from 36 or more credible resources. Within each theme, twelve subfactors with the strongest evidence were organized into two subcategories: six internal (personal) and six external (environmental) factors. This structure provides a comprehensive, evidence-informed definition of wellbeing designed to serve as a launch point for the systemic prevention of mental health conditions and the promotion of wellbeing as a proactive solution. This is presented as a conceptual framework with limitations in that its application and outcomes are yet to be empirically examined on a large scale.

Read More
Population Mental Health, Data-driven Prevention Nadine Wilches, LCSW Population Mental Health, Data-driven Prevention Nadine Wilches, LCSW

The EQUIP Model: A Socioecological Framework for Applied Preventive Mental Health

The prevailing reactive, medical model of mental healthcare is insufficient to address the rising prevalence of mental illness and the significant social and economic costs associated with it. A paradigm shift toward proactive, systemic prevention is urgently needed. This paper introduces the EQUIP model (Examine, Quantify, Unite, Inquire, Plan), a socioecological framework for applied preventive mental health. Grounded in principles of public health, systems theory, and positive psychology, EQUIP provides a structured, iterative process for communities and organizations to move from reactive treatment to proactive wellbeing promotion. The model begins by examining social and structural vulnerabilities (Examine), followed by measuring population wellbeing using the evidence-based 5-Elements of Systemic Wellbeing Framework (Quantify). It then guides the formation of a diverse stakeholder task force (Unite), facilitates a deep, appreciative inquiry into local context and strengths (Inquire), and culminates in a scaffolded, participatory action plan (Plan). The EQUIP model offers a scalable, data-driven, and human-centered approach to architecting environments that buffer stress, build resilience, and foster the conditions for communities to thrive. The systems evaluation and change process is conducted within a fully automated software tool, the MindArchHealth Automation Pathway (MAP).

Read More

Examining the Mental and Behavioral Health Vulnerabilities of Child Cancer Survivors

Children are surviving pediatric cancer at remarkable rates due to advancements in modern medicine. However, the early cancer experience can have long-term negative effects on cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. In this review, we examine the vulnerabilities, science, impact, implications and alignment of the 5-Elements of Systemic Wellbeing Framework with A Moment of Magic’s Express Create Heal Programs.

Read More

College Students Vulnerability to Mental Health Problems: A Review of the Research

College students face a variety of mental health challenges. There are nine vulnerabilities in particular that increase the risk of developing mental health or behavioral disorders. These vulnerabilities include risky behavior, serious life events, household dysfunction, learning and development problems, abuse, economic disadvantage, chronic illness, poor access to support, and discrimination. By understanding these vulnerabilities, we can work to create a more supportive campus environment and help students thrive.

Read More

Get more value.

Please let us know what interests you most and we will add content that can support you best.