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Psychological Wellbeing: A systematic Literature Review

Article in International Journal of Advanced Research in Science Communication and Technology · February 2023
DOI: 10.48175/IJARSCT-8345

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)

Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2023

Impact Factor: 7.301

Psychological Wellbeing: Asystematic Literature

Review
Dr. M. Dhanabhakyam1 and Sarath M2
Professor, Department of Commerce1
Research Fellow, Department of Commerce2
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
sarathm948@[Link]

Abstract: Psychological well-being is a multifaceted and multi-dimensional construct that encompasses an

individual's overall happiness, satisfaction with life, and mental and emotional health. It includes key
components such as positive emotions, autonomy, positive relationships, low levels of negative emotions,
purpose in life, life satisfaction, and personal growth. The definitions of psychological well-being have been
debated among researchers, with the World Health Organization defining it as a state of mind where an
individual is able to develop their potential, work productively, and cope with normal stresses of life.
Psychological well-being is considered crucial for comprehensive health and happiness and has been
linked to improved mental health, better physical health, and longer life expectancy. This study attempts to
gain theoretical knowledge about psychological wellbeing and knowledge of the various studies conducted
in the area of psychological wellbeing.

Keywords: Psychological Wellbeing, Definitions and Dimensions Psychological Wellbeing, Components

And Measures of Psychological Wellbeing.

I. INTRODUCTION
Psychological well-being refers to an person's subjective experience of affirmative psychological states, such as
pleasure, life fulfilment, and a sense of purpose. It is a holistic theory that encompasses different traits of anperson's
mental and emotional health, including positive relationships, personal growth and development, positive self-esteem
and self-acceptance, and a feeling of being in charge of one's life.
Simply said, psychological well-being is about feeling good about oneself and one's life, having satisfying relationships
and a sense of purpose, and feeling capable of managing life's challenges. It is a multi-faceted construct that goes
beyond just the absence of mental ailment and encompasses a person's overall sense of happiness, contentment, and
fulfilment in life. Psychological wellbeing is a crucial aspect of a person's overall health and happiness. It refers to a
state of mind where an individual experiences positive emotions, positive psychological functioning, and a feeling of
meaning and purpose in life.
The definition of psychological wellbeing is an area of debate among researchers. However, the World Health
Organization (WHO) defines psychological wellbeing as "a state of mind in which an individual is able to develop their
potential, work productively, and creatively, and is able to cope with the normal stresses of life" (WHO, 2021). This
definition highlights the multidimensional nature of psychological wellbeing, with the presence of affirmative
emotions, psychological functioning, and a sense of purpose and significance in life.

1.1 Definitions and Dimensions of Psychological Well-being

To define psychological well-being in a clear and straightforward manner is one of the major issues facing this field of
study. Ryff (1989) identified six characteristics of psychological well-being: self-acceptance, autonomy, environmental
mastery, personal progress, and pleasant connections. These characteristics are a person's sense of self-determination,
control over their surroundings, capacity for personal development, ability to form satisfying relationships, and sense of
purpose in life.

Copyright to IJARSCT DOI: 10.48175/IJARSCT-8345 603

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)

Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2023

Impact Factor: 7.301
Diener et al. (2010) defined psychological well-being as a subjective evaluation of one's life that is categorized by
affirmative emotions, engagement, and meaning. This definition encompasses a broad range of positive experiences,
including happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfilment.
Similar to this, Seligman (2002) put out the idea of "positive psychology," which sees psychological well-being as a
confluence of fulfilment and enjoyment. This definition acknowledges that happiness is characterised by positive
emotions, pleasure, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life rather than just the absence of unpleasant feelings or
events.

1.2 Components of Psychological Wellbeing

A person's overall life satisfaction, pleasant feelings, and low levels of negative emotions are all included in the broad
and multidimensional concept of psychological well-being (Diener, Suh, Lucas, & Smith, 1999). Numerous essential
elements of psychological well-being are well acknowledged in the literature.
1. Life Satisfaction: An individual's overall assessment of their life and their emotions of joy and fulfilment are
referred to as life satisfaction (Diener et al., 1985). It is regarded as being essential to well-being since it is
intimately correlated with one's sense of meaning and purpose in life (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).
2. Positive Emotions: Affirmative emotions such as joy, excitement, and contentment are an important
component of well-being because they promote a sense of happiness and fulfilment (Diener et al., 1997).
Positive emotions also help to counteract negative emotions and stress, leading to improved overall well-being
(Park & Peterson, 2006).
3. Low Levels of Negative Emotions: A person's wellbeing can be greatly impacted by negative emotions
including anxiety, despair, and rage (Ryan & Deci, 2001). Therefore, maintaining low levels of negative
emotions is crucial for psychological well-being since it enables people to sustain pleasant feelings and
prevents adverse effects on mental health (Keyes & Lopez, 2002).
4. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the ability to make decisions and act in a self-determined way (Ryff, 1989).
Individuals who know-how high levels of autonomy are able to pursue their own goals and interests, which
can lead to improved well-being (Waterman, 1993).
5. Positive Relationships: Positive interpersonal connections with loved ones, friends, and romantic interests are
crucial for psychological health (Frederick & Loewenstein, 1999). These connections give people emotional
support, a sense of community, and support for happiness and wellbeing (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).
6. Purpose in Life: An essential component of wellbeing is having a feeling of purpose in life, or a reason to
live, as it gives people a sense of direction and meaning (Argyle, 1999). People are more likely to feel content
and happy if they have a clear sense of purpose (Sheldon & King, 2001).
7. Personal Growth: Personal growth states to anperson's on-going process of development and self-
improvement (Ryff, 1989). This can involve learning new skills, exploring new interests, and developing new
relationships (Lucas et al., 1996). Personal growth is an important aspect of well-being because it helps
individuals to maintain a sense of growth and throughout their lives, fulfilment(Diener et al., 1999).
In summary, life satisfaction, pleasant emotions, low levels of negative emotions, autonomy, positive connections, a
sense of purpose in life, and personal growth are all important aspects of psychological well-being (Diener et al., 1999).
These elements are connected and work together to advance general fulfilment, happiness, and well-being (Seligman &
Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).

1.3 Measures of Psychological Well-being

There are several measures of psychological well-being, each with its own strengths and limitations. The most
commonly used measures include the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (RPWBS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale
(SWLS), and the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale (DSLS).
The RPWBS (Ryff, 1989) is a 42-item questionnaire that measures six dimensions of psychological well-being:
autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The
scale has been found to be reliable and valid, and has been widely used in research on psychological well-being.

Copyright to IJARSCT DOI: 10.48175/IJARSCT-8345 604

[Link]
 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)

Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2023

Impact Factor: 7.301
The SWLS (Diener et al., 1985) is a 5-item questionnaire that measures global life satisfaction. The scale has been
found to be reliable and valid, and is often used as a quick and simple measure of psychological well-being.
The DSLS (Diener et al., 2010) is a 5-item questionnaire that measures satisfaction with life. Like the SWLS, the DSLS
has been found to be reliable and valid, and is often used as a quick and simple measure of psychological well-being.

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING

Psychological well-being is a broad and multifaceted construct that refers to an individual's overall experience of
positive emotions, satisfaction with life, and sense of purpose. The study of psychological well-being has been an active
area of research in psychology for several decades, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the factors that
contribute to its development and maintenance.
One of the earliest and most influential models of psychological well-being was proposed by Seligman and
Csikszentmihalyi (2000), who defined it as the result of two dimensions: positive emotion and engagement in
meaningful activities. According to this model, individuals who experience frequent positive emotions and are actively
engaged in activities that are meaningful to them are likely to have higher levels of psychological well-being.
Other researchers have expanded on this model by including additional dimensions of psychological well-being, such as
positive relationships (Diener et al., 2010), personal growth (Linley & Joseph, 2004), and a sense of purpose (Ryff,
1989). These dimensions are considered to be critical to the development and maintenance of psychological well-being
and are often taken into account in studies on this topic.
Studies have found that both individual and environmental factors can impact psychological well-being. For example,
research has shown that personality traits, such as openness and conscientiousness, are associated with higher levels of
well-being (Costa & McCrae, 1980). Additionally, environmental factors, such as access to green space and social
support, have been found to have a positive impact on well-being (Oishi & Diener, 2001).
A growing body of research has explored the effects of mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation and yoga, on
psychological well-being. These studies have demonstrated that these practices can have positive effects on mood,
stress levels, and overall well-being (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Cognitive-behavioural therapies, such as cognitive-
behavioural therapy (CBT), have also been found to be effective in promoting well-being, particularly for individuals
with depression and anxiety (Cuijpers et al., 2013).
Research has also shown that physical activity is positively associated with psychological well-being (Babyak et al.,
2000). Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of self-esteem and
confidence (Lancaster & Strath, 2013). Exercise has also been found to be a effective in the treatment of depression,
with studies demonstrating its efficacy comparable to that of medication and psychotherapy (Babyak et al., 2000).
In summary, the literature on psychological well-being is extensive and growing. It is clear that psychological well-
being is a complex construct that is influenced by a variety of individual and environmental factors, and that
intervention such as mindfulness-based practices, cognitive-behavioural therapies, and physical activity can have
positive effects on well-being. Nevertheless, much more research is needed to gain a full understanding of the nature of
psychological well-being and the most effective strategies for promoting it.

III. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSIONS

Psychological well-being is a crucial aspect of an individual's overall health and happiness. It refers to the subjective
experience of positive psychological states such as happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. The concept of
psychological well-being is multi-faceted and encompasses different aspects of an individual's mental and emotional
health, including positive relationships, personal growth and development, positive self-esteem, and a sense of control
over one's life. Despite the challenges in arriving at a clear and concise definition of psychological well-being,
researchers have proposed various definitions that highlight the multidimensional nature of the construct.
The components of psychological well-being include life satisfaction, positive emotions, low levels of negative
emotions, autonomy, positive relationships, purpose in life, and personal growth. These components are interdependent
and can impact each other, leading to improved overall well-being. Maintaining high levels of psychological well-being
is essential for leading a fulfilling life and promoting overall health and happiness. Individuals who experience high

Copyright to IJARSCT DOI: 10.48175/IJARSCT-8345 605

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)

Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2023

Impact Factor: 7.301
levels of psychological well-being are more likely to experience positive emotions, engage in meaningful activities, and
maintain satisfying relationships.
In conclusion, psychological well-being is an important aspect of mental and emotional health that requires on-going
attention and care. Individuals can promote their psychological well-being by engaging in activities that promote
personal growth, maintain positive relationships, and provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Additionally,
individuals can seek support from mental health professionals if they experience difficulties with their psychological
well-being. By taking a holistic approach to promoting mental and emotional health, individuals can enhance their
overall well-being and lead a fulfilling life.

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Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2023

Impact Factor: 7.301
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