Wellbeing is a state of happiness and contentment, with low distress and good overall functioning. This lesson covers two models: Diener's model of subjective wellbeing and Ryff's six-factor model of psychological wellbeing.
1. Subjective vs psychological wellbeing
Subjective wellbeing focuses on an individual's personal evaluation of their life satisfaction and emotional experiences. Psychological wellbeing encompasses broader dimensions of psychological functioning — a more comprehensive assessment of mental health and wellbeing.
2. Diener's model of subjective wellbeing (1984)
Diener describes people's cognitive and affective evaluations of their lives. It is a tripartite model:
- Life satisfaction — the cognitive evaluation of one's life circumstances (work, relationships, achievements).
- Positive affect — the frequency of positive emotions.
- Negative affect — the frequency of negative emotions.
High subjective wellbeing means high life satisfaction, frequent positive affect and infrequent negative affect (a positive affective balance).
3. Ryff's six-factor model of psychological wellbeing (1989)
- Autonomy — independence and self-determination; feeling in control of actions and decisions.
- Environmental mastery — effectively managing and adapting to the external world.
- Personal growth — continuous self-improvement and expansion of capabilities.
- Positive relations with others — meaningful, supportive connections.
- Purpose in life — clear goals, aspirations and a sense of direction.
- Self-acceptance — acknowledging and embracing one's strengths and weaknesses.
Work through these together.
Diener: assessing a profile
Two people complete a wellbeing inventory. As a class, assess each using Diener's model:
Person A: high positive affect, low negative affect, high life satisfaction → subjective wellbeing:
Person B: low positive affect, high negative affect, low life satisfaction → subjective wellbeing:
Ryff: proposing strategies
For a sports team wanting better psychological wellbeing, suggest one strategy for each dimension:
Autonomy:
Positive relations with others:
Answer independently, using examination-style directive verbs.
Q1. Define 'wellbeing'. (1 mark)
Q2. Distinguish between subjective and psychological wellbeing. (4 marks)
Q3. Summarise Diener's (1984) model of subjective wellbeing. (5 marks)
Q4. List the six dimensions of Ryff's model of psychological wellbeing. (6 marks)
Q5. Select two of Ryff's dimensions and propose one strategy for each that could support a person's psychological wellbeing. (6 marks)