Overview

The APS hosts this activity with the Positive Psychology Interest Group (PPIG).

This webinar will equip psychologists with evidence-based knowledge and practical tools to define, measure, and promote mental wellbeing in clinical practice, emphasizing its distinction from psychological distress, and integrates findings from five recent studies on mental wellbeing. The webinar also fosters critical reflection on current practices and encourages adoption of a dual-continua approach to enhance client outcomes.

It covers:

• a synthesis of psychological interventions (e.g., mindfulness-based, CBT-based, and multi-component positive interventions) shown to enhance wellbeing,

• the dual-continua model, highlighting the distinct yet interrelated nature of mental wellbeing and illness,

• a new taxonomy of 19 positive mental health dimensions (e.g., Acceptance, Happiness, Vitality etc.), and

• standardized item banks for precise wellbeing measurement.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

This webinar will be recorded. Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• recognise the differences between mental wellbeing and psychological distress using the dual-continua model,

• apply validated item banks and a 19-dimension taxonomy, to accurately assess positive mental health in clinical practice,

• implement evidence-based interventions to enhance client wellbeing, and

• evaluate and refine their clinical practice by addressing conceptual and measurement challenges, to strengthen wellbeing-focused care.

Presenter(s)

Dr Matthew Iasiello and Dr Joep van Agteren

About the presenter(s)

Dr Matthew Iasiello completed his PhD at Flinders University in 2023 focused on the evidence and implications of the dual-continua model of mental health. This model suggests that mental wellbeing and mental illness reflect distinct, yet related, continua with significant implications on how we promote mental wellbeing and prevent, treat, and recover from mental illness. Dr Matthew Iasiello's research is focused on the most effective ways to measure and promote positive mental health. He has published leading reviews on psychological interventions, the relationship between mental wellbeing and mental illness, and measures/definitions of positive mental health. Matthew is currently focused on the delivery of a mental wellbeing program in people living with Multiple Myeloma or Smouldering Multiple Myeloma. This research study aims to bridge the gap in mental wellbeing supports available for people living with cancer.

Dr Joep van Agteren is the CEO of Be Well Co: Camp Quality’s social enterprise focused on the promotion of mental health and wellbeing in Australia. Joep specialises in translating scientific research on behaviour change and mental health into practical solutions that help people improve the way they feel and act. He oversees the development of Be Well Co’s solutions and the wider company strategy, while at the same time actively working with workplaces, NGO’s, and government around Australia to implement mental health and wellbeing solutions on the ground.