Psychosocial well-being

“Health is not a feeling, but a being there, a being in the world, a being with other people and being actively and positively engaged in the particular tasks of life.” (H.G. Gadamer)

The concept of well-being is central to everyone’s life, but it can often be elusive or difficult to define precisely. Well-being is not simply the absence of illness; it is a complex concept that involves different aspects of our lives, including physical and mental healthWhat is meant by mental health? According to the World Healt... More, social relationships, and our perception of happinessHappiness represents an emotional state characterized by pos... More and satisfaction. In this glossary entry, we will explore the concept of psychosocial well-being from a scientific perspective, analyzing the medical interpretation of well-being, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health, the bio-psycho-social model, and what it means to “be well” throughout life. Psychosocial well-being is an important goal for each of us, and understanding its complexity can help us improve our quality of life and overall well-being.

What does ‘well-being’ mean?

To fully understand the concept of psychosocial well-being, it is important to start with a general view of the term “well-being” and its multiple meanings. In general, well-being refers to a state of health and prosperity, but how this state is interpreted and measured can vary greatly from person to person and from culture to culture. For some people, well-being may be closely associated with physical health. For example, many people might consider themselves to be in a state of well-being when they are free from illness or physical pain.

Other people evaluate their well-being based on professional success, material wealth, or the level of satisfaction in their interpersonal relationships. However, well-being is much more complex than these individual perspectives. It involves psychological, social, and emotional aspects of a person’s life and is often influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This is why the topic of well-being is of great interest to scholars in the social sciences and mental health fields.

What is the medical interpretation of well-being?

A common approach to well-being is the “medical interpretation,” which focuses primarily on physical health as an indicator of overall well-being. From this perspective, well-being is measured in terms of the absence of disease or disability: if a person has no physical symptoms or diagnosable medical conditions, they are presumed to enjoy good well-being. However, this limited view of well-being overlooks many other important aspects of human life. For example, a person might have no physical health issues but could suffer from serious psychological problems, such as depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More or anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More. In this case, their overall well-being would be compromised despite good physical health. Therefore, the medical interpretation of well-being is limited in its potential and fails to capture the complexity of human life and its impact on mental and social health.

WHO’s definition of health

To gain a more complete view of well-being, it is useful to consider the definition of health proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition greatly expands the concept of well-being, including not only the physical dimension but also the mental and social ones. It emphasizes the importance of considering well-being as a global concept involving the balance between these three fundamental aspects of human life. The crisis in the biomedical paradigm has led to the emergence of the bio-psycho-social model, which represents a new way of approaching health and the very concept of the individual, considering them in a dynamic perspective constantly interacting with the surrounding environment.

In line with these principles, Health Psychology also emerged as a new branch of psychology whose goal is to promote, prevent, and preserve health while considering psychosocial dimensions. Health Psychology challenges the division between mind and body, assigning the mind a significant role both in the development and management of diseases. It affirms the existence of a constant process of interaction between mind and body. The vision of health and disease must be conceived as a continuum, observing a gradual transition from health to illness and vice versa.

The idea of global well-being and the bio-psycho-social model

To fully understand psychosocial well-being, it is important to adopt a holistic approach. This means considering the complex interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors in determining a person’s well-being. The bio-psycho-social model is a theoretical approach that integrates these three aspects. It suggests that health and well-being result from a complex interaction of biological factors (such as genetics and physical health), psychological factors (such as emotions and thought patterns), and social factors (such as interpersonal relationships and social environment). For example, consider a person suffering from depression. According to the bio-psycho-social model, depression could be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, stressful life events (social factors), and negative thinking patterns (psychological factors). Therefore, effectively addressing depression requires considering all these aspects, not just the biological component.

What does ‘being well’ mean throughout life?

The meaning of well-being can vary significantly throughout a person’s life. What makes a young person feel well may not be the same as what makes an adult or elderly person feel well. This variation is influenced by a number of factors, including biological, psychological, and social development.

• Childhood and adolescenceWhat is meant by adolescence? Adolescence is understood as t... More: In this stage of life, well-being is often associated with growth and development. Children and adolescents seek to acquire skills and competencies, build relationships with peers, and develop a sense of personal identity. Well-being can be positively influenced by a stable family environment and adult support.
• Adulthood: During adulthood, well-being can be influenced by factors such as professional success, financial stability, satisfaction in relationships, and the ability to manage stressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More. Many people also seek to find a balance between work and personal life to enhance their overall well-being. Physical health often becomes a greater concern at this stage of life, with many people adopting healthier habits to ensure healthy aging.
• Old age: Over the years, the meaning of well-being can change further. Older people may focus on the quality of their life, physical health, and maintaining meaningful relationships. Social isolation and physical health can become significant challenges at this stage of life, but with adequate support, many older adults can maintain a good level of well-being.

In general, it is important to note that well-being is not a static condition, but rather a dynamic process that changes throughout life. It is influenced by individual, cultural, and situational factors and is therefore subject to significant variations.