As another new year begins, many of us will be looking for a way to boost how we feel, but is it better to hit the gym or mediate in nature? Now, new research from Swansea experts has provided the largest comparison of well-being-focused interventions ever carried out in adults.
The team reviewed 183 randomized controlled trials, representing almost 23,000 participants, and evaluated 12 categories of interventions ranging from psychological, physical, mind-body and nature-based approaches to learn more. Their research was the first interdisciplinary comparison between psychological, physical, mind-body and environmental interventions.
The study, just published Nature Human Behaviorgives a comprehensive view of how different industries contribute to prosperity. Focusing on general samples of adults rather than clinical groups, it provides evidence relevant to the development of public health, education, workplace wellness, and community programs.
The main findings of the researchers were:
- Most interventions improved well-being compared to inactive control groups.
- The strongest effects were found for combined exercise + psychological interventions (for example, awe walks or meditation combined with walking).
- Mind-body interventions have consistently shown moderate, reliable effects.
- Exercise alone produced similar benefits to many psychological interventions. and,
- Positive psychology interventions—both single-component and multicomponent—have also been effective.
First author Dr Lowri Wilkie, from the School of Psychology, said: “Our analysis shows that there is no single pathway to improving well-being. Mindfulness, compassion-based approaches, yoga, exercise and positive psychology interventions showed modest benefits compared to control groups, and combining physical activity with psychological interventions appeared particularly promising.
“Using network meta-analysis, we were able to compare very different interventions from different disciplines in one context, giving policymakers and practitioners a much clearer picture of the range of effective options available to build well-being in the general population.”
Because the interventions were tested in general populations, the evidence is directly relevant to strategies for population well-being, including efforts to build resilience and support mental health before problems escalate. The results of the study complement Swansea’s GENIAL framework, which emphasizes well-being as grounded in connection to self, others and nature.
Senior author Professor Andrew Kemp added: “What this study makes clear is that well-being can be supported through multiple evidence-based pathways. Psychological interventions, exercise and mind-body practices all have good results, meaning that services and policy makers have real flexibility to design programs to suit different settings and preferences.
“For us, this work also marks an important milestone in a long-standing partnership between Swansea University and Swansea Bay University Health Board, and highlights how rigorous, multidisciplinary research can inform population-level approaches to mental health and wellbeing.”
Co-author Dr Zoe Fisher, consultant clinical psychologist at SBUHB, said: “For practitioners and services, these findings are extremely useful. The study shows that a range of interventions can reliably improve wellbeing, meaning we can tailor support to the needs and preferences of different communities.
“Having evidence of this range and quality strengthens the foundations for developing accessible, flexible wellness programs across Swansea Bay and beyond.”
