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Integrating positive psychology into health-related quality of life research

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Abstract

Purpose

Positive psychology is an increasingly influential force in theory and research within psychology and many related fields, including behavioral medicine, sociology, and public health. This article aims to review the ways in which positive psychology and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) research currently interface and to suggest fruitful future directions.

Methods

This article reviews the basic elements of positive psychology and provides an overview of conceptual and empirical links between positive psychology and HRQOL. The role of one central aspect of positive psychology (meaning) within HRQOL is highlighted, and unresolved issues (e.g., lack of definitional clarity) are discussed.

Results

Some research on HRQOL has taken a positive psychology perspective, demonstrating the usefulness of taking a positive psychology approach. However, many areas await integration.

Conclusions

Once conceptual and methodological issues are resolved, positive psychology may profitably inform many aspects of HRQOL research and, perhaps, clinical interventions to promote HRQOL as well.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Box 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA

    Crystal L. Park

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Correspondence to Crystal L. Park.

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Park, C.L. Integrating positive psychology into health-related quality of life research. Qual Life Res 24, 1645–1651 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0889-z

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