Factors associated with the maintenance of positive health behavior

Various factors associated with positive health behavior—an index based on eight measures of health response such as seat belt use, smoking, exercise and risk-taking—were examined. Women had more positive scores than men, reflecting a higher level of drinking and risk-taking among men, and a lower level of preventive medical behavior. Other predictors include education and a conventional behavioral orientation. Positive health behavior is associated with both psychological well-being and subjective health status. The patterns of associations found support the hypothesis that positive health behavior is part of a complex life-style that may reflect the ability to anticipate problems, mobilize to meet them, and cope actively.