About Big 5 Norway - Five Healthy Actions (2)
Over recent years, researchers in Australia and Canada have developed and tested a new model for promoting better mental health, known as The Big 5 or Five Healthy Actions. During a two-year research programme in Norway (2026–2028), Professor Titov will contribute to the development and evaluation of new knowledge on the relationship between the five healthy actions and mental health. The project will examine whether these findings also apply in a Norwegian context. Five Healthy Actions consists of three research themes. Together, these will contribute to generating and evaluating new knowledge about the relationship between daily habits and mental health in Norway.
Research Theme 1: Increasing Understanding of Mental Health
This sub-project is a study in which we will recruit 1,000 participants aged 16 years and older. Participants will complete monthly questionnaires over a two-year period, allowing us to investigate how the Five Healthy Actions are associated with mental health.
In addition, we will examine how personality traits, life circumstances, and other relevant factors influence the relationship between the Five Healthy Actions and mental health.
Participant recruitment is expected to begin in early 2027.
Interested in taking part? More information will be available soon.
Research Theme 2: Effectiveness
The aim of this sub-project is to investigate whether simple and easily accessible interventions can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving quality of life. If these interventions prove effective, they could potentially be implemented on a large scale at a low cost.
Building on previous research, this study will examine how the Five Healthy Actions can support better mental health among healthcare professionals. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial in which participants will be randomly assigned either to the Five Healthy Actions course or to a wait-list control group.
Recruitment for the study is expected to begin in early 2027.
Research Theme 3: Public Engagement and Involvement
The aim of this sub-project is both to disseminate project findings and to gain a better understanding of what people themselves do to maintain and improve their mental health.
The project will involve dialogue with members of the public, healthcare professionals, and other relevant stakeholders in Norway and across Scandinavia.
Through surveys, webinars, and meetings, we aim to gather insights into:
- the strategies people use to take care of their mental health
- the challenges they face in everyday life
- what helps during periods of stress, adversity, or mental health difficulties
This knowledge will help ensure that the research remains relevant and useful to society.