Paradigm shift: Why a focus on health is important

Traditionally, medicine and the social and behavioral sciences have studied health by focusing on pathology The purpose of this issue of the Journal is to go beyond such a vulnerability model and focus on thriving. We suggest that thriving represents something more than a return to equilibrium following a challenge. This issue describes a "value-added" model, whereby an individual or community may go beyond survival and recovery from a stressor or illness to thrive. We suggest that this change of focus from illness to health represents a paradigm shift. This article gives an overview of the various ideas featured in this issue, which elaborate empirical and theoretical work on the concept of thriving. Ultimately we believe that the scientific study of thriving can enhance our understanding of health and provide important opportunities for prevention and intervention.