Paneugenesis: a regenerative systems hypothesis for advancing health promotion

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.