While there are a number of meta-analyses examining positive psychological interventions (PPIs) for adults, one has not been conducted involving interventions for children and adolescents. Given the unique needs and developmental considerations of children and adolescents, having a clear sense of what interventions work for who and under what conditions is necessary. Additionally, the scope of what has been considered a PPI has been limited to interventions that intend to promote positive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009). This excludes a number of existing studies that examined programs, interventions, and techniques that include some element of positive psychology and hold the potential to help people thrive.

The current meta-analysis built upon a recent review of child and adolescent PPIs (Owens & Waters, 2020), including its framework for what is considered a PPI. Owens & Waters (2020) expanded the definition of what is considered a PPI by intentionally focusing on a more balanced approach. Eight possible categories were developed based upon whether or not the intervention focused on positive, remedial, or both positive and remedial processes/content and whether the intervention aimed to evade or address challenges/deficits/disorders or elicited positive outcomes.  

The data being extracted for this large scale meta-analysis includes: the population (e.g., children, adolescents), intervention (e.g., PPI category as defined by Owens & Waters’ categorization, intervention format), and study characteristics (e.g., duration, quality of research design). In addition to the sample, unique to this study is the variety and number of outcomes evaluated beyond well-being (e.g., mindfulness, mental health, behavior, regulation, interpersonal domains) and the categorization of the type of PPI conducted using Owens & Waters’ 3x3 matrix. Main findings, practical implications, limitations, and future directions will be discussed.