PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
▪ Psychological well-being refers to a person's overall mental state and the
presence of positive psychological characteristics and functioning.
◼ It encompasses various aspects of an individual's emotional, cognitive, and social
well-being, reflecting a sense of satisfaction with life, positive affect,
self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, autonomy, and positive
relationships with others.
SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING
◼ Psychological well-being has two important facets.
◼ The first of these refers to the extent to which people experience positive
emotions and feelings of happiness. Sometimes this aspect of psychological
well-being is referred to as subjective well-being (Diener, 2000).
TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
◼ The term “Hedonic” well-being is normally used to refer to the subjective feelings of
happiness.
◼ It comprises two components, an affective component (high positive affect and
low negative affect) and a cognitive component (satisfaction with life) .
◼ It is proposed that an individual experiences happiness when positive affect and satisfaction
with life are both high.
◼ The less well-known term, “Eudaimonic” wellbeing is used to refer to the purposeful
aspect of PWB.
◼ The psychologist Carol Ryff has developed a very clear model that breaks down Eudaimonic
well-being into six key types of psychological well-being.
HEDONIC AND EUDAIMONIC WELL-BEING
◼ Hedonic well-being is associated with the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
◼ It emphasizes the role of positive experiences and emotions in contributing to an individual's overall
happiness and life satisfaction.
Components:
◼ Pleasure: The pursuit and experience of positive emotions, enjoyment, and satisfaction.
◼ Aversion to Pain: Minimizing or avoiding negative experiences, discomfort, and pain.
◼ It centers on the subjective experience of positive emotions and the overall enjoyment of life.
◼ This concept is rooted in the idea that people seek to maximize positive experiences
while minimizing negative ones to enhance their overall happiness and life satisfaction.
EXAMPLES
Personal Development:
Goal Setting:
◼ Hedonic: Setting short-term goals related to enjoyable experiences, such as travel or hobbies.
◼ Eudaimonic: Setting long-term goals aligned with personal values and a sense of purpose, such as career
aspirations or contributing to a cause.
◼ Self-Care Practices:
◼ Hedonic: Incorporating pleasurable activities like spa days, relaxation, and entertainment for immediate joy.
◼ Eudaimonic: Focusing on self-care practices that contribute to long-term personal growth, resilience, and overall
well-being.
HISTORICAL ROOTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Ancient Philosophical Roots
◼ Ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle, explored the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as
"flourishing" or "living a fulfilling life."
◼ Eudaimonia was considered the ultimate goal of human life and involved the pursuit of virtue,
knowledge, and personal development.
Middle Ages and Renaissance:
◼ During the Middle Ages, discussions about mental well-being often had religious connotations.
◼ The concept of a healthy mind was linked to spiritual and moral values.
◼ The Renaissance period saw a revival of interest in humanism, with an increased focus on
individual experience and the importance of personal happiness.
Enlightenment Era:
◼ The Enlightenment brought about a shift towards secular and rational perspectives. Thinkers
like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau discussed the significance of individual happiness
and mental well-being in the context of social contract theory.
19th Century and Early Psychology:
◼ The emergence of psychology as a formal discipline in the 19th century led to the exploration
of mental processes and the understanding of mental health.
◼ Early psychologists like William James and Sigmund Freud contributed to the field, examining
aspects of consciousness, emotion, and the unconscious mind.
Early 20th Century:
◼ Psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, associated with humanistic psychology,
emphasized the importance of self-actualization, personal growth, and subjective
well-being.
◼ The field of psychiatry also saw advancements, with efforts to classify and diagnose mental
disorders.
◼ This period marked the beginning of a more systematic approach to understanding and
addressing mental health.
Mid to Late 20th Century:
◼ The mid-20th century witnessed the development of various therapeutic approaches, including
behaviorism, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and positive psychology.
◼ Positive psychology, introduced by Martin Seligman and others in the late 20th century, shifted
the focus from pathology to the study of positive emotions, strengths, and factors
contributing to human flourishing.
Contemporary Perspectives:
◼ In the 21st century, there is a growing emphasis on holistic well-being, encompassing physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.
◼ Mindfulness practices, resilience training, and positive mental health interventions have
gained popularity.
◼ The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health organizations recognize the
importance of mental health and well-being as essential components of overall health.
RECENT INITIATIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN INDIA
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
The National Mental Health Programme is a government initiative aimed at providing mental
health services, treatment, and support across the country. It focuses on the integration of
mental health care into primary health care services and community-based interventions.
Telemedicine and Online Counseling Services:
With the increasing use of technology, there has been a rise in telemedicine and online counseling
services in India.Various platforms and organizations offer mental health support through virtual
consultations, therapy sessions, and helplines.
Mind Matters by NIMHANS:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), based in Bengaluru, launched the
e-Mind Matters initiative. It aims to provide online mental health support, resources, and
information to the public.The platform offers webinars, online courses, and materials on mental
health.
Manodarpan:
Launched by the Ministry of Education, Manodarpan is an initiative to provide psychological support and
counseling to students, teachers, and families. It includes a helpline and online resources to address mental
health concerns in the educational community.
Roshni Helpline
◼ Roshni is a helpline offering emotional support and suicide prevention services. It operates
round the clock and is accessible to people across India. The helpline aims to provide a confidential
space for individuals to discuss their emotional concerns.
Corporate Mental Health Programs:
Many organizations in India are recognizing the importance of employee well-being and have implemented
mental health programs in the workplace. These programs may include counseling services, stress
management workshops, and awareness campaigns.
