Table 6.

Positive psychology and social connectivity research priorities.

Questions/Priority area	Methodology considerations
Basic Science: Biological and physiological mechanisms of actions underlying specific positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and social connectivity	Basic science, Big Data, and in silico modeling Considerations: Consensus determined consistent definitions and measurements across multiple domains Active ingredients of positive psychology interventions and social connectivity
Clinical Science: Physiological, neurological, immunological, psychological, epigenetic and microbiome outcomes of key positive psychology interventions (e.g., positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment) when used as part of well-being maintenance and lifestyle medicine treatment in health care settings	Clinical trials, longitudinal and cohort studies, big data and modeling Considerations: Consensus and standardization of terminology for emotional states and psychological outcome measures Consistent distinction of cognitive self-appraisals and emotional states Cultural, age, and race differences in the health effects of high arousal vs. low arousal positive affect, and cultural nuances in benefits arising from different PPIs, e.g., gratitude practice and acts of kindness Health effects of teachable positive psychology-based skills, such as cultivating hope and optimism vs. natural, personality or genetic based predispositions in affect Effective strategies for identifying the best person-activity fit and optimal “dose” of positive psychology interventions Differences in health effects social isolation vs. loneliness and impact of expectations The short- and long-term health and well-being effects of social media engagement
Clinical Science: Emotional and mental health effects of each pillar of a healthy lifestyle, as part of lifestyle medicine	Types of studies: Clinical trials, longitudinal and cohort studies, big data and modeling Considerations: Bidirectional and reinforcing effect and mechanisms of action between healthy behaviors and positive emotions Effective social interventions for increasing health behaviors and improved physiologic outcomes
Population-Level Science: Nature of community and technological environments that promote and support the beneficial health effects of positive psychology-based activities and social connectivity	Types of studies: Considerations: Cohort studies, Big Data, modeling and AI Evaluation of effectiveness of public health interventions, environmental redesign, and technology-enhanced behavioral interventions Machine learning for better predictive analytics to personalize interventions.