Importance of Psychological Well-Being in Individuals’ Life

Abstract

Psychological well-being is a multi-dimensional construct that encompasses a balanced and comprehensive experience of life and is of utmost crucial with respect to how an individual adapts functions and leads a meaningful and productive life. Psychological well-being includes an individual’s mental and emotional state, overall assessment of their life. Psychological well-being can be defined by proper functioning of the psychological system. Positive functioning includes six important key dimensions of psychological well-being such as personal growth, autonomy, purpose in life, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and positive relation with others. All these dimensions of psychological well-being lead to the contribution of mental health (Ryff, 1989). It is considered a holistic concept which includes different aspects and traits of an individual’s mental and emotional health. Psychological well-being is a broad concept that focuses mainly on a person’s optimal functioning rather than dysfunction and psychological distress.  The absence of psychological distress does not necessarily mean an individual has high psychological well-being, as high psychological well-being is all about feeling a sense of happiness and performing well (Keyes, 2002). In simpler terms, those people with high psychological well-being reports feelings of happiness, capabilities and satisfaction with life. It is therefore, linked to greater happiness, longer lifespan, and better health. An effective psychological functioning includes sense of control or mastery, meaning and purpose in life, positive relationships and personal growth. Psychological well-being is the functioning within individuals and their relationships with others. The study was carried out on a limited number of literature reviews that explore the role and importance of psychological well-being on individuals. The present study contributes to a better understanding of various dimensions of well-being and their impacts on individuals.