Taking a Strengths-Based Approach to Mental Health in Rural Communities: What Is the Evidence for Harnessing Strengths?

This is a secondary analysis of a systematic review, not a trial, so it can describe links but not show that a strength caused better mental health. Most included studies were low-level evidence: 19 were level IV and nine were level III-3. Only 28 of the 61 studies were analytical or interventional enough to be included, and descriptive studies were excluded. Screening was mostly done by one reviewer, with two additional reviewers assisting final full-text screening. The review covered only Australia, Canada and the United States, so results may not transfer to other rural settings. Studies that introduced interventions from outside rural communities were excluded, so this review does not address external programs.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The work was funded by Westpac Scholars Trust.

Do not read the links between community groups, nature, spirituality or social connection and better mental health as evidence that referring patients to them improves outcomes. The review found no study with enough evidence to show a causal relationship.