A narrative review of positive psychology–informed wellness environments in trauma-organised emotional and attentional dysregulation

Trauma-organised emotional and attentional dysregulation – often described within diagnoses such as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD) – is increasingly understood as a disturbance of emotion, attention, identity and relational safety rather than fixed personality pathology. Individuals may experience threat-biased attention, chronic shame and instability in positive affect, although with considerable variability across contexts. Spa and wellness environments, characterised by sensory richness and symbolic meanings of care, may function as potent but ethically complex regulatory contexts for some individuals. This narrative review aims to synthesise trauma-informed, compassion-focused and positive psychology literatures to examine how such environments may support nervous-system regulation. The framework presented is theoretical and hypothesis-generating. We propose three interacting processes: modulation of attentional salience, facilitation of transient positive affect, and activation of affiliative and safety-related systems, which may enable temporary shifts towards more integrated functioning. We also highlight risks of overgeneralising wellness interventions as substitutes for mental health care and emphasise professional boundaries, referral pathways and ethical practice. Wellness settings are best understood as complementary to, not replacements for, clinical care.