Health and Healing after Traumatic Brain Injury: Understanding the Power of Family, Friends, Community, and Other Support Systems by Muenchberger Heidi;Kendall Elizabeth;Wright John J.;Brady James S.;

Author:Muenchberger, Heidi;Kendall, Elizabeth;Wright, John J.;Brady, James S.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ABC-CLIO, LLC

Understanding Mental Well-being

Our understanding of the term mental well-being is rapidly developing in terms of its theoretical conceptualization, measurement, and real-world applications. In general terms, it has been defined as “… the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about life. It includes the capacity to manage one’s feelings and related behaviors, including the realistic assessment of one’s limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress…” (Manderscheid et al., 2010, p. 1). For the purpose of this review, mental well-being is conceptualized according to Keyes’s three elements of well-being: emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being (Keyes, 2005; Westerfhof & Keyes, 2010) (see Table 8.2). Keyes’ three-element model of well-being has been empirically validated in the literature (Gallagher, Lopez, & Preacher, 2009; Lamers, Westerhof, Bohlmeijer, ten Klooster, & Keyes, 2011). These three elements will now be defined.

The first element of emotional well-being is defined as “a cluster of symptoms reflecting the presence or absence of positive feelings about life” (Keyes, 2002, p. 208). In related literature the term is used relatively synonymously with subjective well-being (Diener, Suh, Lucas, & Smith, 1999); positive emotions (Seligman, 2011), and the hedonic tradition of well-being (Kahneman, Diener, & Schwartz, 1999; Ryan & Deci, 2001). Symptoms of emotional well-being are derived from self-report measures that focus on the presence of positive affect, the absence of negative affect, and perceived satisfaction with life (Seligman, 2011; Westerhof & Keyes, 2010). In the literature, they are measured using scales such as the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985). Other aspects may include the sense of physical well-being, happiness, an internal health-related locus of control, and optimism (Seligman, 2008).

Table 8.2 Keyes’ model of mental well-being

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