Contributions of eudaimonic well-being to mental health practice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this article is to examine synergies between a eudaimonic model of psychological well-being (Ryff, 1989) and mental health practice. The model grew out of clinical, developmental, existential and humanistic perspectives that emphasized psychological strengths and capacities, in contrast to the focus on emotional distress and dysfunction in clinical psychology. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual foundations of the eudaimonic approach are described, along with the six components positive functioning that are used to measure well-being. These qualities may be important in facilitating the recovery experiences, which are of interest in Mental Health and Social Inclusion. Findings Four categories of empirical evidence about eudaimonia are reviewed: how it changes with aging, how it matters for health, what are its biological and neurological underpinnings and whether it can be promoted. Major contemporary forces against eudaimonia are also considered, including ever-widening inequality, the enduring pandemic and world-wide strife. In contrast, encounters with the arts and nature are put forth as forces for eudaimonia. The relevance of these ideas for mental health research and practice is considered. Practical implications Enormous suffering defines our contemporary world. Such realities call for greater attention to factors that undermine as well as nurture the realization of human potential, the core of eudaimonic well-being. Originality/value Mental health is often defined as the absence of mental illness. The novelty of the eudaimonic approach is to define mental health as the presence of well-being, assessed with different components of positive functioning.

A conceptual model of family well‐being: Bridging constructs, fields, and practice applications

“…Efforts to define flourishing at the family level are ongoing. The foundation of flourishing is often traced back to Aristotle's views of eudaimonic well-being (see Ryff, 2018Ryff, , 2023 for reviews), and, as Ryff explains, psychologists have been trying to apply Aristotelian ethics to understand the roots of a meaningful life since at least the 1930s. Aristotle believed the highest of all human goods was happiness, but his conception of happiness was not grounded in ontological individualism, or a hedonic view of human nature.…”

“…Finally, an exploration of the history and conception of flourishing requires attention to the multiple dimensions of flourishing. These include psychological domains (e.g., autonomy, self‐acceptance, personal growth, and purpose in life), social domains (e.g., individual perceptions of relationship functioning), spiritual domains (e.g., participation in a religious community, personal communion with the divine), and socioeconomic domains (e.g., community engagement, access to quality mental and physical healthcare, access to education, and future financial security) (Helliwell et al, 2021; Ryff, 2023; Ryff & Singer, 2008; Seligman et al, 2005; VanderWeele, 2017; VanderWeele et al, 2016). Exploring all domains of flourishing is meant to help scholars gain a comprehensive understanding of well‐being.…”

“…Because flourishing is both an old and a new concept, identifying domains at the family level and developing associated measures can be challenging. Ryff (2023) has assessed the reliability and validity of individual assessments of flourishing across six domains: purpose in life, environmental mastery, positive relationships, autonomy, personal growth, and self‐acceptance. Their work represents hundreds of assessments and iterations over time.…”

The Role of Celebrity Worship in the Eudaimonic Well-Being of ARMY Fandom/Fanbase Members in Indonesia

“…Eudaimonic well-being, or what is from now on referred to as EWB, is defined as a concept of well-being that focuses on the maximum actualization of one's potential to obtain a "good life" (Waterman et al, 2010;Diener, 2000;Huta, 2015) as well as on personal strengths and contributions for the greater good (McMahan & Estes, 2011). Based on this explanation of the EWB definition, EWB, compared with HWB, provides more sustainable life satisfaction because it aligns with personal growth and self-actualization (Ryff, 2023).…”

“…Lastly, the feeling of enjoying activities as personal expression, that is, individuals enjoy doing CW activities as a form of self-expression of things they like. Based on the description above, researchers are interested in examining the extent of CW's role in the EWB of individuals in Indonesia who are members of celebrity fandom, with a focus on increasing EWB to strengthen mental health (Ryff, 2023).…”