Towards a Medicine with a Human Face: Contributions of Positive Psychology. A systematic literature review

Deborah Cabrera Rodríguez, Marlon Carbonell González, Rosali Santiago Roibal, Maytee Olivera Vega and Lisbel Garzón Cutiño
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Deborah Cabrera Rodríguez: University of Medical Sciences of Havana. "Miguel Enríquez" Faculty of Medical Sciences. Havana, Cuba
Marlon Carbonell González: Intensive Care Unit, Miguel Enríquez Faculty of Medical Sciences Havana, Cuba. 3 All Behavior Community Inc., Florida, United States
Rosali Santiago Roibal: All Behavior Community Inc., Florida, United States
Maytee Olivera Vega: Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical Surgical Hospital. Neurology Service. Havana, Cuba
Lisbel Garzón Cutiño: Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical Surgical Hospital. Neurology Service. Havana, Cuba

International Journal of Neurology, 2025, vol. 59, 153

Abstract: Introduction: Positive psychology represents a scientific approach that studies the foundations of human well-being and happiness, systematically examining the processes underlying individuals' positive qualities. This discipline emerges as an essential complement to the traditional paradigm focused on psychopathology.Objective: To analyze the theoretical foundations of positive psychology and critically evaluate its applications in the medical field, considering its implications for both healthcare professionals' well-being and patient care optimization.Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Dialnet databases. The analysis prioritized recent meta-analyses and controlled clinical trials to ensure evidence-based conclusions.Results: Evidence demonstrates that positive psychology-based interventions substantially improve healthcare professionals' well-being and significantly reduce burnout syndrome. In patient care, these approaches associate with better coping mechanisms, increased treatment adherence, and enhanced health-related quality of life. The review identifies practical implementation frameworks such as the PERMA model and documents successful applications in medical education and healthcare organizational contexts. Studies confirm that developing resources like resilience, emotional intelligence, and realistic optimism translates into greater capacity to handle the emotional demands of healthcare work.Conclusions: Positive psychology represents a valuable and necessary complement to traditional approaches in healthcare. Its systematic integration into health systems shows potential to humanize patient care, support professional well-being, and promote a comprehensive health model that addresses both disease treatment and well-being promotion.

Keywords: positive psychology; well-being; resilience; healthcare professionals; patient care; burnout (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cwh:ijneur:v:59:y:2025:id:153

DOI: 10.62486/ijn2025153

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