Pathways to well-being in Germany: a systematic review of positive psychosocial factors

Introduction: Well-being is increasingly conceptualized as the product of interacting psychological, social, and contextual resources rather than isolated individual traits. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence on positive psychosocial factors associated with well-being in Germany. Materials and methods: Following systematic review procedures, 33 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified and analyzed. The reviewed studies predominantly relied on large-scale, population-based datasets and examined a range of psychological, social, and contextual resources in relation to life satisfaction, positive affect, and subjective well-being. Results: Across studies, psychological resources—including optimism, self-esteem, perceived control, flexible goal adjustment, and adaptive emotion regulation—were consistently associated with higher well-being. Longitudinal evidence suggested that these resources may buffer the negative effects of health decline, socioeconomic disadvantage, and stressful life events. Social and relational resources were equally central: social participation, group identification, relationship quality, emotional support, value similarity, and positive neighborhood norms were linked to better well-being outcomes. In later life, such resources were associated not only with higher well-being but also with slower functional decline and reduced mortality risk. However, findings regarding self-efficacy, mindfulness, and certain forms of instrumental support were mixed or context dependent. Conclusions: Overall, well-being in Germany appears to emerge from dynamic interactions between psychological capacities, social relationships, and contextual conditions. These findings support resource-oriented approaches to mental health and highlight the need for more longitudinal and experimental research to clarify causal mechanisms and inform preventive public mental health strategies.