Part 1. PositivePsych.Wk2Lecture

Introduction to Well-Being

• Core question: What is well-being?

• Focus is on understanding and measuring well-being in positive psychology.

• Exploration of definitions, theories, models, and measurement methods.

Guiding Questions

• Level of Analysis: Individual experiences vs. broader groups/societies.

• Domain: Physical, mental, social dimensions contributing to well-being.

• Subjective vs. Objective: Assessing personal feelings vs. measurable external factors.

• Positive vs. Negative Factors: Is well-being merely the presence of positive attributes?

• Distinct Concepts: Exploration of how well-being differs from happiness and health.

Concepts of Well-Being

• Diverse concepts in the field: psychological, physical, cultural, psychosocial.

• Related terms include: mental health, flourishing, life satisfaction, happiness.

• Emphasis on complexity and difficulty reaching consensus on definitions.

Subjective Well-Being (SWB)

• Coined by Ed Diener, referred to as "Dr. Happiness."

• Components of SWB:

  • Life satisfaction

  • Positive affect

  • Negative affect

• SWB Equation: Subjective well-being = Life satisfaction + Positive affect - Negative affect.

• Self-reported assessments allow individuals to evaluate their own well-being.

Measuring SWB

• Challenges in measurement; various tools and methods exist.

• Common tools include: Life Satisfaction Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.

• High SWB linked to societal conditions, social relationships, and healthy functioning.

• Validity of self-reports confirmed by correlations with non-self-report measures.

The Dynamics of SWB

• Reflective judgment and emotional responses based on personal experiences.

• Higher SWB correlates with lower stress, rumination, resilience, and hardiness.

• Evolving field with ongoing debates on measurement and structure of SWB.

Eudaimonic Well-Being

• Contrast with SWB; rooted in Aristotle's Eudaimonia (flourishing).

• Focusing on true potential, virtue, purpose, and meaning rather than just pleasure.

• Central theory: well-being involves being good and doing good; personal growth and meaningful pursuits.

Ryff's Model of Psychological Well-Being

• Developed by Carol Ryff, emphasizes flourishing beyond mere mental health absence.

• Six Dimensions of Psychological Well-Being:

  • Self-acceptance

  • Positive relations with others

  • Autonomy

  • Environmental mastery

  • Purpose in life

  • Personal growth

• Highlights active engagement in life, personal development, and social functioning.

Combined Models of Well-Being

• Discussion of overt models like the Mental Health Continuum, Happiness and Meaning Orientations model, Gallup Well-Being Global Survey.

• Integrative approaches that encompass hedonic and eudaimonic evidence.

• Example models: Seligman's Authentic Happiness model and PERMA model.

• Recognition of well-being's multi-dimensional nature.

Theories Related to Well-Being in Positive Psychology

• Various theories to be explored:

  • Broaden-and-Build Theory

  • Flow Theory

  • Hope Theory

  • Self-Determination Theory

  • Strengths Theory

• Each theory plays a role in enhancing understanding and fostering well-being.

Recap of Key Points

• Well-being defined through complex, multi-dimensional lenses.

• Hedonic (pleasure-focused) vs. Eudaimonic (fulfillment-focused) approaches.

• SWB emphasizes life satisfaction and emotional states; Ryff's model outlines broader psychological dimensions.

• Acknowledgment of combined models demonstrates richness in understanding well-being.

Reflection Invitation

• Consider how discussed frameworks influence your assessment of well-being.

• Personal resonance with any model or theory, or challenges to your views.

• Upcoming session will address predictors of well-being.