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. 2018 Jan;10(1):18-29.
doi: 10.1177/1754073917697824. Epub 2017 Oct 20.

Psychological Well-being and Physical Health: Associations, Mechanisms, and Future Directions

Rosalba Hernandez  1 , Sarah M Bassett  2 , Seth W Boughton  1 , Stephanie A Schuette  2 , Eva W Shiu  2 , Judith T Moskowitz  2
Affiliations

Psychological Well-being and Physical Health: Associations, Mechanisms, and Future Directions

Rosalba Hernandez et al. Emot Rev. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

A paradigm shift in public health and medicine has broadened the field from a singular focus on the ill effects of negative states and psychopathology to an expanded view that examines protective psychological assets that may promote improved physical health and longevity. We summarize recent evidence of the link between psychological well-being (including positive affect, optimism, life meaning and purpose, and life satisfaction) and physical health, with particular attention to outcomes of mortality and chronic disease incidence and progression. Within this evolving discipline there remain controversies and lessons to be learned. We discuss measurement-related challenges, concerns about the quality of the evidence, and other shortcomings in the field, along with a brief discussion of hypothesized biobehavioral mechanisms involved. Finally, we suggest next steps to move the field forward.

Keywords: health behaviors; optimism; physical health; physical illness; positive emotion; psychological well-being.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest. Authors Hernandez, Bassett, Boughton, Schuette, Shiu, and Moskowitz have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Conception and Categorization of Psychological Well-being
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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