Health and Well-being from a Psychological Perspective

Abstract

AbstractConcepts of health and well-being have evolved ever since ancient Greek and Roman history. Based on new approaches, which define health as the ability to adapt and manage even in the face of adversity, the concept of wellness can be understood as its proactive complement, which reflects our ability to fulfil our personal and collective human potential, and to pursue a joyful life. From this perspective, health and wellness, as complementary entities, would constitute the conceptual building blocks of well-being, which is conceived of as a state, not an ability. These considerations not only have theoretical but also practical implications in terms of the operationalisation and assessment of these concepts. It follows from this range of concepts for both health and well-being, that there is a similarly wide range of different assessments. In this chapter we provide a description, clarification and integration of these concepts from a Psychology perspective, highlighting areas that need further development and outlining complementary assessment approaches. Though overlapping in very many aspects we argue that health and well-being are related but nevertheless distinct concepts, which should be operationalized and assessed accordingly.