Psychological Wellbeing - Ryff 1989

Ryff defines psychological well-being from optimal human functioning that produces more positive emotions and satisfaction.

Psychological wellbeing is built from a series of personal and social factors or dimensions and how well we are doing in each of the factors is an indicator of our psychological wellbeing.

Self Acceptance

= an individual’s acknowledgement of their personal strengths, weaknesses and past decisions and behaviours.

People who score high in self acceptance have a positive attitude about themselves, recognize and accept all the facets of their personality including strengths and weaknesses.

Environmental Mastery

= related to managing and manipulating the opportunities and demands of the surroundings to satisfy your capacities and needs.

People who score high in environmental mastery are aware of environmental factors and know how to choose and take advantage of opportunities.

Autonomy:

= involves individuals seeking personal evaluation not from other but from within themselves using their own standards.

People who score high in autonomy maintain personal independence and regulate their behaviour independent of external compulsions.

Personal Growth:

= involves continually developing and maturing yourself using past and present experiences.

People who score high in personal growth improve their self-knowledge, acknowledge their weaknesses and develop their emotional intelligence.

Positive Social Relations:

= involves how we relate to other and the importance of creating genuine relationships of quality, trust and closeness.

People who score high in positive relations are able to feel mutual affection, intimacy and empathy.

Life Purpose:

= involves feeling like your life has meaning in both the past, present and future and requires the individual to continually re-evaluate its intention and direction.

People who score high in life purpose are goal orientated and have dreams that they pursue.