Positive psychology and health behavior change in lifestyle medicine: A narrative review

Abstract

The fields of positive psychology, health behavior change, and lifestyle medicine have evolved significantly over the past two decades, fostering a growing synergy within health care. Positive psychology, rooted in the philosophy of ancient Greeks, emphasizes flourishing, resilience, and well-being, while lifestyle medicine, involving the pillars of health—diet, exercise, sleep, social support, mind–body connection and substance avoidance—focuses on patient-prioritized action for better health. This paper reviews and explores the intersections of these fields, highlighting positive psychological interventions (PPIs) such as gratitude, savoring, and meaning-making as pathways to enhance health outcomes. Empirical evidence underscores the potential of PPIs, mediated through lifestyle medicine approaches, to influence physical and mental health. Yet challenges in research methodology, systemic barriers, and individual reluctance remain. By integrating robust psychological constructs with positive psychology and lifestyle medicine strategies, this review advocates for a unified approach that urges a system transition from sickness to flourishing, emphasizing both personal and systemic pathways to well-being.