Well-being
Well-being is widely defined in scientific literature as a multidimensional psychological construct that reflects an individual’s overall quality of life and functioning across emotional, cognitive, and social domains. Within the framework of subjective well-being, Ed Diener conceptualizes well-being as a person’s cognitive and affective evaluation of their life, which includes life satisfaction and the balance between positive and negative emotions (Diener et al., 1984). From this perspective, well-being is primarily understood as an internal experience of happiness and life satisfaction.
In contrast, Carol Ryff’s model of psychological well-being offers a broader eudaimonic approach that goes beyond momentary happiness. It includes six key dimensions: self-acceptance, autonomy, positive relations with others, purpose in life, personal growth, and environmental mastery (Ryff, 1989). According to this view, well-being reflects optimal psychological functioning and the realization of human potential rather than only emotional comfort.
Contemporary scientific reviews describe well-being as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that integrates emotional experiences, cognitive evaluations, social functioning, and psychological resilience. It is not limited to the absence of distress but also includes the presence of positive functioning and meaningful engagement with life.
Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction With Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71–75. Retrieved from: https://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~ediener/Documents/Diener-Emmons-Larsen-Griffin_1985.pd
Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,57(6), 1069–1081 Retrieved from: https://library.scottbarrykaufman.com/uploads/2015/11/2-Happiness
Dolan, P., Peasgood, T., & White, M. (2008). Do we really know what makes us happy? Journal of Economic Psychology,29(1), p. 94–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2007.09.001.