A Positive Psychology Intervention in a Hindu Community: The Pilot Study of the Hero Lab Curriculum

India has high rates of mental health issues among its youth and low-income communities experience a disproportionate amount of depression and suicide. Positive psychology, the act of promoting well-being, could be used as a tool to promote wellness and help improve the mental health of youth living in slum areas of India. A pilot positively psychology program, The Hero Lab, was conducted in a migratory slum in Worli, Mumbai, with trained Hindu community leaders implementing the interventions toward at-risk Hindu youth. The curriculum's impact showed statistical improvement (p < 0.001) in happiness (General Happiness Scale from 11.24 +/- 1.56 to 19.08 +/- 3.32), grit (Grit Survey from 2.23 +/- 0.34 to 3.24 +/- 0.67), empathy (Toronto Empathy Questionnaire from 24.92 +/- 3.27 to 41.96 +/- 8.41), and gratitude (Gratitude Survey from 16.88 +/- 3.47 to 27.98 +/- 6.59). While a pilot study, the Hero Lab curriculum demonstrates that positive psychology interventions may be an important tool in improving mental health in at-risk children.