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September 2021

WEMWBS Mental Wellbeing: Evaluation Deep-Dive

A rapid review of the evaluation literature that uses the WEMWBS scales

WEMWBS mental wellbeing: Evaluation deep-dive
In partnership with

As a Centre, we promote the use of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales (WEMWBS) as a global measure of mental wellbeing.

Since their development in 2007, the scales have proved valuable to wellbeing research and provide a critical starting point for building the evidence base on mental wellbeing.

The measure is now included in large-scale population surveys across three British countries, providing benchmarks and growing opportunities to inform policy at the local and national levels.

We follow the ONS recommendation to use WEMWBS in surveys when wellbeing is the variable of interest and:

  • The detail required is greater than that provided by the harmonised Personal Wellbeing (ONS4) measure.
  • When a single figure wellbeing score output is desired. 

Rapid review

Between September 2021 and February 2022, we worked with Kohlrabi Consulting Ltd. to conduct a rapid review of the evaluation literature that uses the WEMWBS scales. The rapid review sought to answer the following questions: 

  1. What evaluation research has been carried out to assess the effectiveness of programmes and pilots on mental wellbeing?
  2. What is the strength of evidence of the evaluation research?
  3. What are the key findings from the evaluation research?

Find the report and briefing in the ‘In this project’ section below.


Want to collaborate with us?

If you’re funding interventions or conducting evaluations on mental wellbeing get in touch at evaluation@whatworkswellbeing.org

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In this project

Rapid Review
Rapid Review of Wellbeing Evaluation Research Using the WEMWBS Scales
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Briefing
What works to improve mental wellbeing in the UK: insights from WEMWBS
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Blog - Margherita Musella
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales (WEMWBS): Call for Evidence
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Discussion paper - Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown
Insights and reflections on the Warwick-Edinburgh mental wellbeing scales (WEMWBS)
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Practice example - April 2022
Using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales in person-led practice
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Practice example - May 2023
Wellbeing measurement in practice: Power2’s experience of using WEMWBs to evaluate impact
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Practice example - Jan 2018
Measuring wellbeing for people in prisons and young offender institutions
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Blog - April 2022
Measuring mental wellbeing through difficult life transitions: a look at the WEMWBS scales in practi
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Blog - October 2021
The individual, place, and wellbeing – a network analysis
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