Sustainable positive mental health. Enhancing positive mental health through sustainable thinking and behavior

Abstract

Theoretical background: Given our finite environmental resources, scientists are urging a less materialistic approach to economic activity and human well-being in order to achieve greater sustainability. However, there are numerous psychological barriers that impede the development of the most important ingredients of this approach: sustainable thinking and behavior. Aim: We explore those motivations for sustainable behavior that avoid, at least partially, psychological barriers and thus may effectively complement already existing motivations. Methods: A narrative review of findings focusing on sustainability and human behavior. In this paper we explore the causes of barriers identified by the literature, using an approach based on evolutionary psychology and game theory. Then, within a game theory framework, we compare the effects of sustainable and unsustainable behavior on positive mental health and subjective well-being. Results: In contrast to common perceptions, sustainable thinking and behavior result only in a small reduction in subjective wellbeing associated with materialistic goods. However, they greatly increase positive mental health and subjective well-being associated with this. We labeled this state as sustainable positive mental health. This concept encompasses the motivations of sustainable behavior in addition to those of the positive mental health generated by it. These motivations can affect change already in the short term and also accord with personal interests; they appear independently of others' behavior and can be readily comprehended by rational thinking. Conclusions: Psychology has a crucial role in developing sustainability, as well as in improving mental health. Viewing and treating the two together seems to be the most promising approach to achieve both aims: this is expressed by the concept of sustainable positive mental health. The possibility of improving subjective well-being may facilitate the joint development of the two areas.