The concept of lifestyle has been the object of research and discussion in many fields, but there is no consensus on its definition. The concept is multidimensional and therefore can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context in which it is considered. The aim of this article is to shed light on the main models and theories that have been used to analyse this construct in both the psychological and sociological fields, reexamining them along three dimensions: internal, external, and temporal. The main components that characterise lifestyle are identified, and a proposal is made for a new definition of the term.
Initially, the interpretation of lifestyle was based on the idea that it was a style of personality and an expression of individuality. It was believed that the framework of guiding values and principles that individuals develop in their first years of life end up determining how they behave throughout their lives. This approach was formulated by Alfred Adler and later developed in the work of Milton Rokeach, Arnold Mitchell, and Lynn R. Kahle.
Theories that favour an external interpretation of lifestyle focus on the relationship between personal choices and social structure. It is believed that these choices are the result of a complex interaction between both static and dynamic forces at a sociocultural level, which give rise to a variety of behaviours. These theories are mainly of sociological origin and can be differentiated by their main focus: the social positioning for the models of Georg Simmel, Weber, and Bourdieu, or the emphasis on practice and behaviour for the model of Giddens and Veal.
The third category of interpretations is a combination of the two previous ones. This model sees lifestyle as a way of living, which is the sum of the activities and attitudes that are performed every day. It is a result of the influence of both the personal and the collective context in which a person lives, and it is influenced by various factors such as the geographical environment, proximity to natural or cultural resources, and the degree of urbanisation.
Although there are many differences between the different models and theories that have been used to explain the concept of lifestyle, a certain degree of convergence can be found. However, the principal limitation to these approaches is that they do not take into account the social, cultural, historical, and economic context in which a person lives. These factors play an important role in shaping a person’s lifestyle, which can be very diverse and varied. This lifestyle can include a particular diet, leisure activities, and even the beliefs that he or she subscribes to. The way a person lives is, therefore, a key factor in a person’s health and wellbeing. Hence, it is necessary to study the lifestyle of individuals in order to identify potential risks and promote healthy practices that can be beneficial for their physical and mental health. This is especially true for vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly.