J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2022 Jan 9. doi: 10.1111/jpm.12818. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: HT has been widely used to promote mental health. However, heterogeneity and sample size issues of randomised-controlled trials made it challenging to illustrate effect sizes across the evidence.
AIM: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the effect of HT on mental health.
METHODS: We used the PRISMA framework. A keyword search of Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Cochrane was performed. The inclusion criteria were HT with RCTs and mental health assessments. A random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 1,056 records were searched, and 18 eligible studies extracted. The included RCTs had no statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. The meta-analysis showed that the HT experimental groups had a significant and positive impact on mental health compared to the control groups (effect size = 0.55).
DISCUSSION: HT should be considered for enhancing mental health. The included studies had no negative outcomes and the most common HT intervention was at least eight sessions. Therefore, HT should be considered to enhance mental health. However, the concealed allocation and blinding processes should be improved in future studies.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study recommends that HT should be integrated into healthcare settings to improve mental health.
PMID:35000249 | DOI:10.1111/jpm.12818
