A Literature Review for Practical Interventions to Improve Psychological Safety

Abstract

This study conducted a narrative review focusing on existing intervention methods aimed at improving psychological safety. The objective was to organize useful perspectives for enhancing psychological safety and to explore the development of future intervention methods. The narrative review revealed six key themes: 1) the degree of participation in intervention methods, 2) the necessity of a team approach, 3) the compatibility with the context of the intervention target, 4) the structuring and standardization of communication during interventions, 5) the significance of third-party interventions(companions, facilitators), and 6) awareness of psychological safety scores before (or at the beginning of) the intervention. For theme 1), it was found that intervention designs should ensure that the intended intervention stimuli are provided to the participants as planned, rather than allowing participation based on free will. Theme 2) indicated the need to incorporate designs that intervene with the entire team rather than just individuals. Theme 3) showed that the topics and content addressed in intervention methods should be designed to align with the situation and issues faced by the intervention targets. Theme 4) emphasized the necessity of clearly demonstrating the methods and procedures for communication during the intervention. Theme 5) highlighted the need for intervention designs that include third-party involvement. Theme 6) suggested that a mixed analysis approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses, is necessary to accurately capture the process of changes in intervention impacts and contexts. Developing intervention methods that consider these six key themes will likely lead to more effective approaches to enhancing psychological safety.