Routledge International Handbook of Positive Health Sciences

Book excerpt: This ground-breaking book combines research and practice in the rapidly growing field of Positive Psychology with the fastest-growing medical speciality of Lifestyle Medicine. Section 1 maps out the new field of positive health by exploring the scope, content and architecture of this rapidly emerging area of research. It explores research findings and applications derived from Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology that are critical for positive health. Section 2 delves into positive health research, covering topics such as using character strengths to improve health, maximising psychological wellbeing from head to toe, optimising gut health and understanding the relationships between mind and body. Section 3 offers guidance on applying the principles of positive health by describing new Positive Health Interventions (PHIs), introducing innovative positive health coaching models and exploring the contribution of positive psychology to health equity. The book is ideal for medical doctors, nurses and health professionals interested in helping their patients flourish psychologically and physically. It is an invaluable guide for social workers, positive psychologists, coaches and mental health professionals who want to explore the physiological dimensions of wellbeing.