Five traits of healthy minds: An overview

Mental health is a multifaceted journey, and understanding the scientifically supported qualities exhibited by mentally healthy individuals provides valuable insights. Grounded in research, this article explores key traits associated with mental well-being, shedding light on evidence-backed qualities that contribute to a flourishing and balanced mindset. In the upcoming week, we will dissect each trait individually, offering science-based strategies, exercises, and tools for fostering and enhancing each aspect.

1. Resilience:

Resilience is the capacity people have to adapt quickly and successfully to adversities occurring during stressful periods, which may otherwise trigger mental illness. Research indicates that resilience is associated with positive mental health indicators, such as life satisfaction, subjective well-being, and positive emotions (Hu et al., 2015; Shrivastava & Desousa, 2016). It is also found to be protective against the development of mental disorders and a risk factor for several clinical conditions, including depression, anxiety, and negative emotions (Hu et al., 2015)

2. Emotional intelligence:

Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use one's own emotions, as well as the capacity to perceive, interpret, and respond empathetically to the emotions of others. Numerous studies highlight the importance of EI in mental health. Enhanced EI is linked to better overall psychological well-being (Schutte et al., 2002), and is a protective factor against mental health disorders (Kulkarni & Velhal, 2023). In particular, low EI makes a person especially vulnerable to anxiety, depression and stress (Augusto-Landa et al., 2022; Kulkarni & Velhal, 2023)

3. Healthy coping mechanisms:

Coping strategies are behavioural and cognitive efforts that help reduce the pressure of a stressful situation (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985). While some coping styles may be ineffective and may exacerbate mental health problems, others can be beneficial in improving psychological well-being. Multiple coping strategies such as positive attitude, mindfulness practice, and loving-kindness practices have been found to decrease stress and promote resilience and recovery (Polizzi & Perry, 2020; Rossi et al., 2022).

4. Gratitude:

Gratitude is defined as recognising the significance of a positive aspect in one's life or acknowledging a valuable contribution from someone else. Numerous studies, summarised by Lomas et al. (2014), highlight the diverse mental health advantages associated with gratitude. Key findings are that gratitude is closely tied to happiness and is protective against stress and depression, contributing to mental well-being, accomplishment, and resilience (Bono & Sender, 2018).

5. Optimism:

Optimism is a way of thinking and involves expecting positive results from life. Optimism is a subject of extensive research in positive psychology. Studies show that optimism may significantly influence mental and physical well-being (Conversano et al., 2010), and protect against anxiety and depression (Myhren et al., 2010). Similarly, high optimism is associated with lower stress levels and superior coping strategies; also protective against depression (Szalma, 2009).

By recognising and cultivating these evidence-backed traits, individuals can navigate their mental health journey with a solid foundation, fostering resilience, and promoting a positive and balanced mindset. We invite you to join us over the next week as we look into science-based strategies, exercises, and tools to help develop and promote each of these traits.

Augusto-Landa, J. M., García-Martínez, I., & León, S. P. (2022). Analysis of the effect of emotional intelligence and coping strategies on the anxiety, stress and depression levels of university students. Psychological Reports, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941221144603

Bono, G., & Sender, J. T. (2018). How gratitude connects humans to the best in themselves and in others, Research in Human Development, 15(3-4), 224-237. https://doi.org/10.1080/15427609.2018.1499350

Conversano, C., Rotondo, A., Lensi, E., Della Vista, O., Arpone, F., & Reda, M. A. (2010). Optimism and its impact on mental and physical well-being. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health: CP & EMH, 6, 25–29. https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017901006010025

Hu, T., Zhang, D., and Wang, J. (2015). A meta-analysis of the trait resilience and mental health. Personality and Individual Differences, 76, 18–27. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.11.039

Kulkarni, P. Y., & Velhal, G. (2023). Low emotional intelligence: A precursor of mental health derangements among adolescents. Cureus, 15(10), e46321. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46321

Lomas, T., Froh, J. J., Emmons, R. A., Mishra, A., & Bono, G. (2014). Gratitude interventions: A review and future agenda. In: A. Parks, & S. Schueller (Eds.), The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Positive Psychological Interventions (pp. 1–19). John Wiley & Sons.

Myhren, H., Ekeberg, Ø., Tøien, K., Karlsson, S., & Stokland, O. (2010). Posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms in patients during the first year post intensive care unit discharge. Critical Care, 14(R14). http://doi.org/10.1186/cc8870.

Polizzi, C., Lynn, S. J., & Perry, A. (2020). Stress and coping in the time of Covid-19: Pathways to resilience and recovery. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 17(2), 59–62. https://doi.org/10.36131/CN20200204

Rossi, C., De Salve, F., Agliati, M., & Oasi, O. (2022). Coping strategies and mental health: A web-based survey among the Italian population dealing with COVID-19. Research n Psychotherapy (Milano), 25(2), 609. https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2022.609

 Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., Simunek, M., McKenley, J., & Hollander, S. (2002). Characteristic emotional intelligence and emotional well-being. Cognition and Emotion, 16, 769–785. http://doi.org/10.1080/02699930143000482

Shrivastava, A., & Desousa, A. (2016). Resilience: A psychobiological construct for psychiatric disorders. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(1), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.174365

 Szalma, J. L. (2009).  Individual differences in performance, workload and stress in sustained attention: Optimism and pessimism. Personality and Individual Differences, 47, 444–451. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2009.04.019