title: Promoting mental wellbeing: developing a theoretically and empirically sound complex intervention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper describes the development of a complex intervention to promote mental wellbeing using the revised framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions produced by the UK Medical Research Council (UKMRC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Application of the first two phases of the framework is described--development and feasibility and piloting. The theoretical case and evidence base were examined analytically to explicate the theoretical and empirical foundations of the intervention. These findings informed the design of a 12-week mental wellbeing promotion programme providing early intervention for people showing signs of mental health difficulties. The programme is based on the theoretical constructs of self-efficacy, self-esteem, purpose in life, resilience and social support and comprises 10 steps. A mixed methods approach was used to conduct a feasibility study with community and voluntary sector service users and in primary care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant increase in mental wellbeing was observed following participation in the intervention. Qualitative data corroborated this finding and suggested that the intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to participants, facilitators and health professionals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The revised UKMRC framework can be successfully applied to the development of public health interventions.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Millar
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donnelly
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: mental health; public health