Five ways to wellbeing

The concept of well-being comprises two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life.

Equally important for well-being is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing.

In recent years, there has been a discernible shift of focus in the field of psychology from illness to well-being. The emergence of positive psychology and the science of well-being has brought with it greater interest in establishing the underlying causes of feeling and functioning well. As Professor Jenkins’ report summarises: ‘We do not yet know how positive and negative mental health relates to each other. There is some evidence that the two dimensions may be independent rather than opposite ends of a single dimension.

Professor Huppert’s science review explores this relationship in more detail, concluding that ‘while some factors affect both well-being and ill-being, there are other drivers which influence well-being alone’.

The first study in the UK to measure well-being estimated that only 14 per cent of the population has a high level of well-being, referred to as ‘flourishing’. A further 14 per cent has very low well-being, notwithstanding individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder.

A whole range of factors determine an individual’s level of personal well-being but evidence indicates that the things we do and the way we think can have the greatest impact.