ABSTRACT
This chapter starts with an exploration of the definitions of mental wellbeing, and whilst it is considered intangible, many attempts have been made to define, describe and measure it. Wellbeing per se is experienced in both an objective and subjective manner, each providing a different approach to measurement. Psychologists since the beginning of their evolution have seen wellbeing as an approach to scientifically understand people, how and why they think, feel, behave and interact in the way they do. This has more recently moved towards an exploration of the whole lifeworld experiences of people which is more than these psychological concepts.
The main theorists within psychology are briefly described along with what they bring to the discussion on wellbeing. It then moves on to consider the more specific wellbeing theories developed by psychologists including Deiner’s tripartite model of subjective wellbeing, Carol Ryffs’ six-factor model of psychological well-being and Corey Keyes’ flourishing. This leads onto what might be considered a more philosophical understanding.
A brief description follows of the philosophical understanding of wellbeing from Socrates and Plato, who understand wellbeing as a type of mystic rapture, into a discussion of whether wellbeing is based on happiness or doing the right thing. Following this we consider the need to consider place, context and society using anthropological and cultural literature. Within this cultural exploration the impact of religion, faith and beliefs is considered, and four boxes are provided offering a description of wellbeing from the four major religious groups, along with some first-person explanations of what wellbeing is to their specific religious group.
Scientists have provided evidence that higher levels of quality of interpersonal relationships lead to a greater sense of wellbeing. Philosophically, anthropologically and psychologically the key to understanding wellbeing is through the experience of joy mediated by the body, truth, beauty and/or the divine; this makes suffering in life experiences meaningful and worthwhile.
