Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

DOI

10.3389/fpubh.2026.1823318

Publication Title

Frontiers in Public Health

Volume

14

Pages

1823318

Abstract

Despite major advances in health promotion science, dominant approaches remain largely prevention-and risk-reduction-oriented. The prevailing orientation creates a substantial opportunity to advance generative, system-design strategies that intentionally produce well-being rather than merely prevent disease. This article proposes paneugenesis as a regenerative systems framework and a testable theoretical model for the intentional creation of net-positive outcomes, thereby extending health promotion beyond its traditional pathogenic emphasis. Paneugenesis integrates systems science, salutogenesis, behavioral science, complexity theory, and quality management principles into a unified four-function process: operationalizing idealized outcomes, identifying key precursors, optimizing processes, and continually plotting progress through feedback mechanisms. The central hypothesis is that health promotion systems explicitly designed to generate net-positive “+3 outcomes” (simultaneous benefits for [1] individuals, [2] others, and the [3] environment), as operationalized through paneugenesis principles, will demonstrate greater long-term improvements in validated well-being and health behavior measures compared to systems designed primarily around risk reduction. This framework draws on converging empirical evidence from behavioral and systems sciences and aligns with validated measurement tools, including the Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS), which operationalizes regenerative engagement across multiple life domains. We describe the theoretical foundations, explain how paneugenesis is expected to work, present testable propositions, and discuss implications for research, measurement, policy, and system design. As a hypothesis and theory contribution, this article advances regeneration as a scientifically grounded and empirically testable evolution in health promotion science.

Rights

© 2026 Becker, Hoglund, Chaney, Lee, Stellefson and Davis.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Data Availability

Article states: "The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author."

Original Publication Citation

Becker, C. M., Hoglund, L., Chaney, B., Lee, J. G. L., Stellefson, M., & Davis, A. (2026). Paneugenesis: A regenerative systems hypothesis for advancing health promotion. Frontiers in Public Health, 14, Article 1823318. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1823318

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