Psychology of Well-Being and Happiness

Flourishing

• Flourishing is more than the absence of mental illness; it involves thriving, feeling fulfilled, and living a meaningful life.
• Flourishing involves a balance between positive emotions and well-being, including purpose, engagement, and positive relationships.

Happiness

• There are two types of happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic.
• Hedonic happiness is about pleasure and avoiding pain, focused on short-term gratification.
• Eudaimonic happiness focuses on meaning and purpose, living according to values and realizing potential, often linked to long-term well-being.

Well-Being

• Well-being encompasses various aspects of life that impact overall quality of life.
• Positive Psychology defines well-being through models like the PERMA Model, which comprises Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Model

• This model identifies six key components for fulfillment and psychological health:
  • Autonomy: Ability to make independent choices free from external pressures.
  • Personal Growth: Continuous development and improvement, embracing new experiences, and realizing potential.
  • Environmental Mastery: Effectively managing one's surroundings, handling daily life demands, and creating suitable environments.
  • Positive Relations with Others: Building and maintaining close, positive, and trusting relationships.
  • Purpose in Life: Having a sense of meaning, direction, and goals, providing motivation and resilience.
  • Self-Acceptance: Positive attitude towards oneself, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, promoting self-compassion.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

• SDT outlines three core psychological needs for optimal functioning, growth, and well-being:
  • Autonomy: The need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions, acting based on personal interests and values.
  • Competence: The need to feel capable and effective in navigating life's challenges, achieving goals, and excelling in one's endeavors.
  • Relatedness: The need to feel connected and valued by others, forming meaningful relationships and experiencing belonging.

PERMA Model

• PERMA defines five key components for well-being and human flourishing:
  • Positive Emotion: Experiencing joy, happiness, and satisfaction, enhancing well-being, creativity, and problem-solving.
  • Engagement: Being deeply involved and absorbed in activities, experiencing "flow" and aligning with strengths and interests.
  • Relationships: Building and maintaining strong and positive relationships for support, love, and a sense of belonging.
  • Meaning: Contributing to something greater than oneself, experiencing purpose and aligning actions with values.
  • Accomplishment: Achieving goals, setting challenges, and experiencing progress, boosting confidence and motivation.

The Six Virtues and Key Character Strengths

• Wisdom: Cognitive strengths like creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, and perspective.
• Courage: Emotional strengths like bravery, perseverance, honesty, and zest.
• Humanity: Interpersonal strengths like kindness, love, and social intelligence.
• Justice: Civic strengths that foster healthy community life.
• Temperance: Strengths that involve moderation and control, like forgiveness, humility, and prudence.
• Transcendence: Strengths that connect individuals to something larger than themselves, like appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, and spirituality.

Contribution of Needs to Motivation and Well-Being

• Autonomy: Increases intrinsic motivation as individuals feel self-directed and responsible for their actions.
• Competence: Boosts confidence and self-efficacy, leading to higher self-esteem and a positive outlook. It also enhances intrinsic motivation as individuals feel capable and effective in meeting challenges.
• Relatedness: Crucial for emotional well-being, providing emotional support, reducing stress, and enhancing happiness. It fosters a sense of belonging and social integration, vital for psychological health.

Explore the concepts of flourishing, happiness, and well-being in this engaging quiz. Learn about the differences between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, the PERMA Model, and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Model. Discover how these elements contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.