IOP1601_MO001_3_2016_E

IOP1601/001
Well-being and health refer to the actual physical health of individuals as well as the mental,
psychological or emotional health of individuals under the impact of societal factors. As psychologists we
are concerned with developing the wellness of individuals, the goal being the facilitation of optimal health.
Optimal health can be defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This implies that our task is not done when we have “treated”
individuals and they have successfully worked through their problems. We need to continue our work
and assist individuals to reach the highest possible level of functioning.
You have already studied a number of psychological perspectives, including psychodynamics,
behaviourism, humanism, etc. Health or well-being is presented from a positive psychological
perspective in this chapter, which includes salutogenesis and psychofortology.
Chapter 19: Conceptualisation of health and well-being
Instructions: What are we talking about when we refer to "well-being" and "health'?
According to Danna and Griffin (1999), “well-being” and “health” refer to the actual physical health of
individuals, as well as to the mental, psychological or emotional health of individuals, as affected by
societal factors. They do not simply imply the absence of disease but rather imply optimal health, a state
of complete physical, mental and social well-being within all spheres of life.
Subjective well-being
As a starting point, psychological wellness can be studied with reference to different elements which can
be classified into two broad categories: emotional well-being or positive psychological and social
functioning.
The role of positive emotions in subjective well-being
Research has confirmed the role of positive emotions in the experience of subjective psychological wellbeing.
Frederickson describes positive emotion as a brief positive reaction to some event that is
personally meaningful. Positive emotions include emotions such as feelings of well-being, happiness,
joy, interest, contentment and love. The Broad-and-Build Theory
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