Abstract
BackgroundIn positive psychology optimal wellbeing is considered a broad, multi-dimensional construct encompassing both feelings and functioning. Yet, this notion of wellbeing has not been translated into public health. The purpose of this study is to integrate public health and positive psychology to determine associations between lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing in a diverse sample of New Zealand adults.MethodsA web-based survey design was employed to collect data. Participants reported on their wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours including nutrition, exercise, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Optimal wellbeing was calculated using a multi-dimensional scale designed to mirror the internationally recognised diagnostic criteria for mental disorders. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate associations between 10 lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing.ResultsOf the total sample (n = 9514), 24 % met the criteria for optimal wellbeing. Compared to reference groups, the association with optimal wellbeing was greater for those who reported exercising ≥7 times/week (odds ratio: 1.61, 95 % confidence interval: 1.22–2.13, p < 0.01) and sitting “almost none of the time” (1.87, 1.01–3.29, p < 0.01). Optimal wellbeing was lower for those reporting restless sleep “almost all of the time” (0.24, 95 % CI: 0.17–0.32 p < 0.01) and consuming sugary drinks 5–6 times/week (0.73, 95 % CI: 0.53–0.95, p < 0.05).ConclusionsPublic health and positive psychology were integrated to provide support for a relationship between lifestyle behaviours and a multi-dimensional measure of optimal wellbeing. It is likely this relationship between lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing is bidirectional giving rise to the debate that holistic approaches are needed to promote positive health.
Highlights
In positive psychology optimal wellbeing is considered a broad, multi-dimensional construct encompassing both feelings and functioning
The purpose of this study is to integrate measures from public health and positive psychology to determine (1) the proportion of a large, demographically diverse sample of New Zealand adults meeting the criteria for optimal wellbeing and (2) associations between lifestyle behaviours and optimal wellbeing
The second aim of the study was to integrate measures from public health and positive psychology to determine lifestyle behaviours associated with a multi-dimensional measure of optimal wellbeing
Summary
In positive psychology optimal wellbeing is considered a broad, multi-dimensional construct encompassing both feelings and functioning. This notion of wellbeing has not been translated into public health. In 1946 the World Health Organization defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” [1]. From this definition the notion of positive health, where health is considered beyond the absence of disease, emerged [2,3,4].
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