Positive Health Research and the Positive Psychological Well-being Index
Dr. Laura Kubzansky will lead a multi-part effort to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Initial research will use existing data to identify which elements of well-being and happiness may serve as health assets and contribute to maintaining health, with a focus on the outcome of favorable cardiovascular health. This work will include conducting analyses and preparing the results for publication and other forms of dissemination.
The team will also use experimental methods to establish whether enhancing psychological well-being or other aspects of positive psychological functioning can lead to healthier behavior, positive decision making, or buffering of the negative effects of stress. Broad dissemination of findings beyond peer-reviewed journals will be a key priority.
Positive psychological well-being index
An additional, longer-term goal of this project is the development and validation of a comprehensive positive psychological well-being index. Designed as a research and evaluation tool for public health researchers, clinicians, and others, this well-being index is intended to provide a means of measuring psychological well-being in a systematic and scientifically sound manner that goes beyond the more limited measures of happiness and similar tools available today.
The positive psychological well-being index will make it possible to screen and identify individuals and groups that may be highly distressed or have low levels of meaning and purpose in their lives, and therefore may be appropriately targeted for more active monitoring and intervention. The well-being index is also expected to provide a powerful research tool to promote understanding of both the social and environmental determinants of well-being, as well as how well-being may alter behavior and biology to influence health over the life course.