The lifestyle concept is a topic of current interest that has generated different models and perspectives, both in the psychological and sociological fields. Psychological research has identified it in terms of internal factors such as values, attitudes and interests, whereas sociological approaches tend to stress external dimensions that are related to the context of behaviour.
The first approach identifies lifestyle as a style of personality, in which the unique psychic imprint that characterises each individual is characterised by a set of values and attitudes that converge into a pattern of behaviour justified by these. This view is supported by the work of Alfred Adler and Alfred Loewy, among others. It also appears in the work of Milton Rokeach, Arnold Mitchell and Lynn R Kahle, and is characterised by a synchronic interpretation that links mental and behavioural variables and the assumption that there are social trends for each lifestyle.
This perspective has been challenged by criticisms, in particular those that stress the relegation of external causes to a secondary position. Another line of research identifies lifestyle in terms of a series of behavioural patterns, namely, daily activities, ways of being and organising oneself, forms of leisure time and consumption habits. These are often connected to the concept of ‘healthy’ and imply a degree of self-control, with the notion that the individual is responsible for and protagonist of his or her own health.
In addition to this, some studies have emphasised the role of external factors in lifestyles. These include the theories of Georg Simmel and Pierre Bourdieu, both of which are based on social analysis. They suggest that a lifestyle is a result of a combination of static forces, such as the structure of the field and the identity of a social group, and dynamic forces, such as the processes of internalisation of these structures and their transformations within the culture and society, i.e. the development of a habitus.
Some authors have also used the term to describe a type of life style associated with wealth and success. This type of lifestyle is reflected in the lifestyle magazines and programmes that are produced and marketed, as well as in products such as luxury cars and jewellery. These products are marketed to people who wish to associate themselves with a luxurious lifestyle and often have a positive influence on the purchasing behaviour of these individuals.
Moreover, it is also known that certain life styles can have negative effects on our health. This is especially true when it comes to the way in which we eat, how much sleep we get and our use of medication. For example, those who live a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition, those who smoke are more likely to have a heart attack and those who take a variety of medications are at an increased risk for developing depression. There are a number of ways in which we can change our lifestyle to improve our health, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking, alcohol and caffeine.