Positive outcomes of psychosocial wellbeing among Nepalese populations: a qualitative systematic review

Objectives Psychosocial interventions must not only combat distress, but also promote wellbeing. With a target of Nepalese populations, this study aims to identify and describe positive outcomes of their psychosocial wellbeing that are apparent in the literature. This study implements a salutogenic, assets-based approach. Approaches: On June 1, 2023 and April 9, 2025, OVID, JSTOR, and Scopus were searched for qualitative studies with individual-level outcomes of Nepalese populations’ conceptualizations of psychosocial wellbeing. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Studies tool. A narrative thematic analysis was conducted. Findings: Fifty-one studies were included. Foci identified were idioms of psychosocial wellbeing, constructs of psychosocial wellbeing, and coping strategies. The most frequent idioms were man (‘heart-mind’), dimaag (‘brain-mind’), saato (‘soul or spirit’), ijjat (‘social status’), atma (‘soul’), atma santushti (‘satisfaction in the soul’), and haluka (‘lightness of heart-mind’). Constructs of psychosocial wellbeing included social support, ability to work, sustenance, education and employment, religion and spirituality, women’s empowerment, and physical health. Coping strategies were social support, helping others, behavioral strategies, cognitive strategies, problem-solving, help-seeking, and religion. Conclusions Nepalese populations’ phenomenologies of and language around psychosocial wellbeing can be incorporated into individual and larger-scale interventions.