WELL-BEING: CONCEPTUAL AND MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

Objectives: To present a conceptual and medical perspective on studies on wellbeing and its determinants. Method: The notion of well-being as a transient state and as a stable trait is considered conceptually. Results and Discussion: This consideration uncovers several linguistic dimensions relevant to well-being: subjectivity, multidimensionality, dynamism, contextdependency, complexity. These are related to the notions of health and quality of life, discussing the narrative dimensions of personal experience and the need to consider the psychophysiological triad composed of behavior, mentation, and physiology in the evaluation. Conclusion: The humanistic dimension of well-being and its determinants should be considered as a precondition for an attempt at a biopsychosocial/integrative approach. The methodical approach represented by overt language behavior is emphasized as important.