The Subjective Nature of Well-Being in Positive Psychology

Well-being lies at the heart of positive psychology, yet defining it remains a challenge. A systematic review of literature from 1999 to 2024 reveals a profound insight: well-being cannot be confined to a single, absolute definition. Rather, it is deeply personal, shaped by each individual’s unique lived experiences.

For instance, Bolier et al. (2013) explored the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions, finding that their impact on subjective and psychological well-being varies significantly due to individual differences and contextual factors. This suggests that well-being—whether rooted in a sense of purpose or emotional vitality—differs from person to person, influenced by their circumstances, culture, or personal history.

Similarly, Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009) demonstrated that positive psychology interventions, such as gratitude journaling or mindfulness practices, enhance well-being by resonating with an individual’s personal experiences. The effectiveness of these interventions hinges on how they align with a person’s life, reinforcing that well-being is not a universal standard but a tailored experience.

This variability is particularly evident in specific populations. Massey et al. (2019) found that well-being interventions for individuals with diabetes produce diverse outcomes, reflecting the multifaceted nature of well-being in the context of chronic illness. Likewise, studies on coping with breast cancer (Kvillemo & Bränström, 2014) and adolescent well-being (Tejada-Gallardo et al., 2020) highlight how personal challenges and triumphs shape unique experiences of well-being.

These findings challenge the idea of a one-size-fits-all definition of well-being. Instead, they encourage us to embrace its fluidity, recognising that well-being is as unique as the individuals who experience it. In positive psychology, this perspective inspires interventions that honour personal narratives, fostering a deeper, more authentic sense of flourishing.

References

Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2013). Positive psychology interventions: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. BMC Public Health, 13(1), Article 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-119

Kvillemo, P., & Bränström, R. (2014). Coping with breast cancer: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 9(11), Article e112733. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0112733

Massey, C., Feig, E. H., Duque-Serrano, L., Wexler, D. J., Moskowitz, J. T., & Huffman, J. C. (2019). Well-being interventions for individuals with diabetes: A systematic review. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 147, 118–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2018.11.014

Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 467–487. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20593

Tejada-Gallardo, C., Blasco-Belled, A., Nadal, C. T., & Mora, C. A. (2020). Effects of school-based multicomponent positive psychology interventions on well-being and distress in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 49(10), 1943–1960. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01289-9

Additional Resources

  • Books:
    • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
    • Keyes, C. L. M. (2007). Mental health and well-being: The advantages of positive psychology. Oxford University Press.
  • Articles:
  • Blogs:
  • Podcasts:
    • The Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos: Episode on “The Science of Well-Being” (Available on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).
    • The Positive Psychology Podcast: Episode on “Subjective Well-Being” (Available on various platforms).
  • YouTube Videos:

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