The Multifaceted Dimensions of Well-Being

Well-being is not a singular concept but a rich mosaic, composed of diverse elements that reflect the complexity of human experience. A systematic review of positive psychology literature from 1999 to 2024 reveals that well-being’s multidimensional nature defies a universal definition, as it is profoundly shaped by individual lived experiences.

Boehm and Kubzansky (2012) distinguish between hedonic well-being, which focuses on pleasure and positive emotions, and eudaimonic well-being, which centres on meaning and purpose. These dimensions vary across individuals: for some, well-being may involve savouring moments of joy, while for others, it’s about pursuing a life of significance. This distinction highlights that well-being cannot be reduced to a single framework.

This complexity is particularly evident in specific contexts. Morton (2018) advocates for a strengths-based approach to well-being, integrating lifestyle medicine with positive psychology, which varies according to individual circumstances. Similarly, Fava et al. (2017) explore well-being therapy for depression, noting that personal evaluations of flourishing—such as resilience or meaningful relationships—shape therapeutic outcomes. These studies suggest that well-being is a dynamic interplay of personal factors.

In paediatric health settings, Flannery et al. (2017) found that well-being encompasses both physical and mental health dimensions, varying based on the unique challenges faced by young patients. Likewise, Pera (2018) notes that social media interactions influence well-being through individual experiences of self-confidence or envy, further illustrating its subjective nature.

The multifaceted dimensions of well-being challenge us to move beyond rigid definitions. In positive psychology, this insight drives the development of interventions that respect individual diversity, fostering well-being that resonates with each person’s unique narrative.

References

Boehm, J. K., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2012). The heart’s content: The association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological Bulletin, 138(4), 655–691. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027448

Fava, G. A., Cosci, F., Guidi, J., & Tomba, E. (2017). Well-being therapy in depression: New insights into the role of psychological well-being in the clinical process. Depression and Anxiety, 34(9), 801–808. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22629

Flannery, H., Glew, S., Brewster, A., & Christie, D. (2017). Measuring outcomes of psychological well-being within paediatric health settings. Healthcare, 6(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare6010001

Morton, D. (2018). Combining lifestyle medicine and positive psychology to improve mental health and emotional well-being. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(5), 370–374. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827618766482

Pera, A. (2018). Psychopathological processes involved in social comparison, depression, and envy on Facebook. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 22. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00022

Additional Resources

  • Books:
    • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press.
    • Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions. Crown.
  • Articles:
    • Waterman, A. S. (1993). Two conceptions of happiness: Contrasts of personal expressiveness (eudaimonia) and hedonic enjoyment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 64(4), 678–691. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.64.4.678
    • Keyes, C. L. M., Shmotkin, D., & Ryff, C. D. (2002). Optimizing well-being: The empirical encounter of two traditions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82(6), 1007–1022. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.82.6.1007
  • Blogs:
  • Podcasts:
    • The Psychology Podcast by Scott Barry Kaufman: Episode on “Eudaimonia and Well-Being” (Available on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).
    • Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris: Episode on “The Science of Well-Being” (Available on various platforms).
  • YouTube Videos:

Leave a Reply