This systematic review article, titled “Biological, Psychological, And Social Factors Of Flourishing In Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review Of Research,” authored by Amherstia Pasca Rina, Endang R. Surjaningrum, and Triana Kesuma Dewi, was published in Health Psychology Research in December 2024. The primary objective of this research is to identify the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence flourishing in individuals with chronic health conditions.
The study addresses the critical challenge of chronic diseases, which are prolonged, complex conditions that are often difficult to cure. These diseases, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases, tend to impact the mental condition and well-being of patients, many of whom are of productive age (over 18 years). Individuals suffering from chronic diseases frequently experience vulnerabilities across physical, psychological, and social domains, such as pain, decreased physical activity, anxiety, depression, and changes in social relationships.
In response to these vulnerabilities, the concept of flourishing is highlighted as a necessary protective measure. Flourishing is defined as a sustainable and broad model of well-being that combines positive feelings and maximum self-functioning to achieve life balance. It is considered a relative achievement where all aspects of an individual’s life—socially, psychologically, physically, and materially—are in good condition, extending from the individual to their closest relationships, community, and wider society.
The research utilized a systematic review methodology, conducted in five stages based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. This involved identifying research questions using the PCC (Population, Context, Concept) framework, focusing on chronic disease patients, particularly autoimmune conditions, and exploring flourishing alongside similar terms like well-being and happiness. Relevant studies published from 2010 to 2024 were searched across six databases, including ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, Emerald, Taylor & Francis, Oxford Academics, and Google Scholar. Out of an initial 1,550 studies found, a final selection of 17 articles was analyzed.
The results of the review confirm that biological, psychological, and social factors each significantly influence flourishing in chronic health conditions. The findings support Engel’s biopsychosocial concept, emphasizing that a person’s health is influenced by biological, psychological, and social conditions. Biological factors include personal recovery methods like exercise, yoga, mindfulness, self-reported health status, and engaging in daily self-functioning activities. Psychological factors are categorized into protective factors (e.g., resilience, self-esteem, optimism, hope, autonomy, emotion regulation, energetic personality, self-efficacy) and risk factors (e.g., stress, depression, loneliness, emotional neglect). Social factors encompass external aspects such as social support from family, fellow patients, and paramedics, as well as socioeconomic status. The article concludes that individuals with chronic illnesses can achieve flourishing by making peace with their diagnosis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and fostering a positive future outlook, underscoring the holistic impact of these three interconnected factors on their lives.
Reference: Rina, A. P., Surjaningrum, E. R., & Dewi, T. K. (2024). Biological, Psychological, And Social Factors Of Flourishing In Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review Of Research. Health Psychology Research, 12, 2024. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.126453
