ABSTRACT

This article reports on a literature review of interventions specifically identified as emanating from a mental health promotion (as opposed to prevention) paradigm. A number of recurring debates within the field were identified, including: language and terminology; defining ‘mental health’; models of mental health promotion; the use of over-generalised concepts; values, beliefs and assumptions implicit in mental health promotion interventions; diversity in what gets called mental health promotion and who does mental health promotion. The paper concludes by highlighting key issues critical to the future development of mental health promotion: the implications of mental health promotion being at an embryonic stage of development; the need for greater reflexivity; the need for integration; issues concerning the professional identity and practice in the mental health promotion field.