A great deal of research has been conducted on the concept of lifestyle and its effects on health. However, this has been done without a clear definition of the term, resulting in different fields of knowledge having developed theories and research variables that are distant from one another.
In the field of psychology, lifestyle is often used as a synonym for way of life, which is also the way in which it is defined in the media. In this sense, it is a collection of behavioural and psychological characteristics that are associated with a person’s way of living. It can include a wide range of attitudes and beliefs, such as those on politics, religion, intimacy, health, and a range of other subjects.
The emergence of lifestyle as a phenomenon in our modern times is linked to a change in the relationship between the individual and their environment. This development is reflected in a greater emphasis on self-gratification and consumption, in addition to the growing importance of social interaction and identity. These factors have contributed to a wide variety of lifestyles, which can vary depending on the geographical area in which people live and the degree of access they have to natural and cultural environments.
It is a well-known fact that lifestyle has an impact on health and that it can be a significant risk factor for various disorders. It can be a major cause of obesity, for example.
This is because lifestyle choices can lead to poor nutrition, inadequate exercise and sleep, and excessive alcohol and tobacco use. Moreover, they can be associated with the development of psychopathological symptoms. It is therefore essential to analyse the determinants of lifestyle in order to develop effective interventions that will help people to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In recent years, several studies have been conducted on the influence of lifestyle on the individual’s health and wellbeing. These studies show that a healthy lifestyle is possible and that the most important determinants are diet, physical activity, and sleep.
The aim of this article is to reexamine the main models and theories on lifestyle in the psychological and sociological fields from an internal, external and temporal perspective in order to identify the most relevant components of the concept.
From a psychological point of view, lifestyle is the way in which the individual organises their personal and private spheres. This can be seen in the activities they choose to pursue, and their values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. It is these factors that determine how the individual satisfies their needs and desires.
For example, Georg Simmel analyses the ways in which individuals adopt lifestyles by analysing processes of individualisation, identification and differentiation, as well as those of recognition and acceptance. He argues that lifestyles have a dual function: to allow for the distinction of individuals from other social strata and to offer an opportunity for them to emulate those who are recognised as superior.
