ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the positive psychological intervention on the mental health of undergraduate nursing students.

MethodsSixty-six nursing students from grade one to grade three in Bengbu Medical College were screened, and randomly divided into the intervention group(n=32) and control group(n=34).The intervention group was treated with positive psychological intervention for 6 weeks, while the control group was treated with routine psychological activities.The nursing students were investigated using the SDS, SAS, satisfaction with life scale and index of well-being at baseline, after 6 weeks, 1 month and 6 months of intervention.

ResultsThe differences of the life satisfaction score, happiness index, depression and anxiety scores between two groups at T0 time-point were not statistically significant(P>0.05).At T1, T2 and T3 time-points, the scores of satisfaction with life in intervention group were higher than that in control group(P < 0.05).The scores of the index of well-being, depression and anxiety in intervention group were lower than those in control group(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).The differences of the scores of satisfaction with life index of well-being and depression in intervention group among all time-points were not statistically significant(P < 0.01), and the scores of satisfaction with life, index of well-being and depression in intervention group at T1, T2 and T3 were higher than those at T0(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe positive psychological intervention can improve the life satisfaction and well-being, relieve depression, anxiety and negative emotions, and improve the mental health of nursing students.