Alan Rozanski et al. JACC 2005;45:637-651 The mental health paradigm in which individuals who have a strong sense of purpose coupled with a sense of self-worth derive benefit in terms of a greater sense of vitality. The positive emotion associated with vitality provides energy needed to develop and maintain greater emotional competence and positive response mechanisms. In turn, the presence of emotional competence and positive response mechanisms provide a stabilizing force for maintaining a sense of vitality. Alan Rozanski et al. JACC 2005;45:637-651 American College of Cardiology Foundation