Understanding and Improving Postgraduate Student Well-being: A Longitudinal Study
The following contribution corresponds to the BERA portal, which defines itself as: a membership association and learned society committed to advancing the quality of research, developing research capacity, and encouraging research participation. Our aim is to contribute to the development of policy and practice by promoting the highest quality evidence generated by educational research.
Our vision is that educational research will have a profound and positive influence on society. We support this vision by promoting and supporting the work of educational researchers. Our membership, with over 2,500 members, includes educational researchers, practitioners, and doctoral students from the UK and around the world.
The author is Paula Miles, Senior Lecturer at the University of St. Andrews.
International research has shown that the well-being of university students is lower than that of the general adult population (see, for example, Adlaf et al., 2001; Larcombe et al., 2014), and that this well-being has only worsened during the pandemic (see Liyanage et al., 2021).
This is especially true for postgraduate students, who have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group, exhibiting the lowest levels of well-being of all university student groups and being referred to as the «forgotten cohort» (Coneyworth et al., 2019).
With the growing number of postgraduate students (approximately 25% of the UK student body in 2021-22; HESA, 2022), it is important that these students receive the attention they deserve.
Researchers have attributed the low well-being of postgraduate students to their unique university experience (McPherson et al., 2017): that is, experiencing major changes in a very short period.
In the UK context, this typically consists of a year of intense study encompassing both teaching and research.
The changes postgraduate students experience throughout their short degree include:
– Transitioning to new learning environments
– Experiencing increased academic expectations
– Adapting to new living environments
– Developing new support systems
– Combining increased academic and personal responsibilities.
If we want to help improve the well-being of our postgraduate students, we must first determine the current levels of well-being of this cohort.
We can then understand the factors that support and hinder their well-being.
With this knowledge, we can create targeted interventions to strengthen it.
Using a longitudinal mixed-methods design, we asked postgraduate students at a Scottish university to complete questionnaires and participate in focus groups focused on a well-being topic over a five-year period.
Our three objectives are:
– To monitor and better understand the well-being of PGT students throughout the academic year, using the CORE-GP well-being scale;
– To compare the well-being of PGT students across multiple years: before, during, and after COVID-19;
– To influence university policies and practices by developing the tools needed to support PGT student well-being.
Preliminary findings highlight that postgraduate student well-being is consistently low throughout the year.
Interestingly, this was observed in every year of our study: before, during, and after COVID-19.
Our results support previous claims that PGT well-being is worryingly low and needs to be urgently addressed.
Thanks to our mixed-methods approach, we are now well positioned to demonstrate which factors contribute to and hinder well-being.
Preliminary analyses of qualitative data suggest that social interaction, loneliness, stress, housing, and issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion are factors that can negatively impact the well-being of PGT.
Positive factors include the kindness and pastoral support of staff, the development of a routine, and participation in hobbies (such as sports and outdoor activities).
This provides us with vital information for developing interventions, the next phase of our project.
By conducting this work over a five-year period and prioritizing student voice, we ensure that future interventions are appropriately tailored to the well-being needs of postgraduate students.
We believe this work will create positive change for a cohort of students who are often overlooked and who we know face significant challenges in completing their studies.
What can universities do to support the well-being and mental health of postgraduate researchers?
The following contribution is from the LSE Impact Blog, which defines itself as a space for researchers, administrative staff, librarians, students, research centers, governments, and anyone interested in maximizing the impact of scholarly work across the social sciences and other disciplines. We hope to foster debate, share best practices, and keep the impact community up-to-date with news, events, and the latest research.
The author is David Watson, Professor of Business Ethics at Norwich Business School (University of East Anglia). He is also an interdisciplinary researcher with diverse research interests related to well-being, including student well-being and learning.
As highlighted in a recent LSE Impact Blog post, there is evidence that postgraduate researchers face particular risks related to poor mental health and well-being.
In a report on a recent review of interventions delivered by universities and higher education institutions, David Watson outlines four areas in which universities can develop initiatives to support the well-being of postgraduate researchers.
Despite increasing attention to student mental health in the media and within institutions, the well-being of postgraduate research (PGR) students remains a significant issue.
Often overlooked, this particular group of students is at greater risk of mental health problems, and, in general, the PGR experience has been normalized as something expected, or even assumed, to be stressful.
While there is a growing body of research and evidence that tells us about the level of stress experienced by postgraduate students, and many of the factors that contribute to it are well known, we lack a clear understanding of what steps universities and other bodies can take to address these issues.
Our review set out to address this gap by asking the following question:
«How effective are different interventions, practices, and institutional arrangements for supporting the mental health of postgraduate students?»
Systematic searches of academic databases identified only 21 studies that addressed this question, as the evidence base is relatively small and weak.
Most studies used qualitative or mixed methods to understand student experiences and were typically cross-sectional, which did not allow for an understanding of the effects of interventions over time.
The popularity of qualitative methods is not surprising given the relatively small sample sizes of the studies and the practice-focused nature of the assessments, but this makes it difficult to generalize from the review’s findings and identify the effectiveness of specific approaches.
However, the review offers valuable insights into the types of approaches that might work and the processes that influence postgraduate student well-being.
Areas of Support to Improve Postgraduate Student Well-being
1) Evaluations of practices aimed at improving the working relationship between postgraduate students and their supervisors focused on communication and relational quality.
These studies identified increased trust and autonomy as key benefits for well-being and recognized the need for emotional support as part of the supervision process.
2) Several studies evaluated programs aimed at developing psychological or emotional resources.
They highlighted the need for postgraduate students to develop confidence and resilience to thrive and progress in a type of study that requires a high degree of independence and can be isolating.
Targeted mental health support, through counseling and behavioral approaches, can reduce anxiety, stress, and well-being issues, improving academic retention.
Students also turned to peers, friends, and services outside the university to develop and maintain psychological resources.
3) Developing a sense of academic identity, career progression, and personal and professional development are key to successful postgraduate studies and well-being.
Coaching or mentoring programs can help students develop competencies and problem-solving skills by providing a more neutral support space than a supervisory relationship.
Mentoring programs can also build a sense of community by facilitating social and emotional support, although peer mentoring can be burdensome for some PGRs.
4) Developing a postgraduate community is key to facilitating peer support.
This can be achieved through shared workspaces, social events, group training programs, and online platforms.
Creating a community establishes mechanisms for sharing tacit knowledge and resources that can be helpful in navigating and succeeding in the PhD program.
A strong postgraduate community facilitates problem-solving related to the postgraduate experience, access to support, and skill-sharing.
Student-led approaches can be successful, but they benefit from strong institutional support.
Recommendations for universities to improve well-being
Universities should facilitate the development of a postgraduate community using a variety of methods tailored to specific contexts.
Even if student-led, some institutional support will be required, and opportunities for postgraduate students to contribute meaningfully to departmental or university initiatives should be considered.
Virtual communities can be complementary.
The provision of specific mental health support services is important, but interventions that facilitate personal development and foster resilience are likely to be useful preventative strategies.
Universities need to understand which sources of online support postgraduate students access and use, and which ones may be most helpful.
Online support and social media platforms can provide support, but they are not comprehensive, and online spaces can be potentially negative for well-being.
The Supervisory Relationship Is Important for the Well-Being of Postgraduate Students
Institutions and departments should consider how to integrate emotional support into supervisor training and the development and use of tools/strategies to manage and improve the supervisory relationship.
This may require additional support for supervisors and other staff.
Peer support and mentoring are an important source of good mental health and professional development, but they also demand resources and commitment from individuals, and may require specialized knowledge and skills.
The impact on all participating postgraduate students needs to be considered.
Universities could consider facilitating peer support through professional development and training to encourage the participation of postgraduate students and other professionals.
While universities are beginning to approach well-being more strategically and are aware of the growing needs, postgraduate students are an overlooked group that is potentially at high risk of well-being issues. It is also necessary to reflect on how potential barriers to implementing practices that promote the well-being of graduate students can be overcome, both at the individual and institutional levels.
Personal Wellbeing Skills for University Success
The following contribution is from the Maudsley Learning portal, which defines itself as follows: We specialize in creating and delivering tailored courses to address the evolving professional development needs of healthcare professionals, from GPs and nurses to professionals in diverse sectors such as social services, law enforcement, education, and the private sector.
In addition, we offer tailored programs designed to meet the multi-professional needs of organizations and businesses, with a strategic emphasis on improving safety and quality standards. Our track record is eloquent, as we have consistently excelled in the delivery of commissioned training nationally. We are extremely proud to have named Maudsley Simulation as the BMJ National Education Team of the Year 2018.
This course is designed for higher education students, such as those at university or college, to develop their personal wellbeing skills for success while studying.
The course aims to improve students’ wellbeing during different stages of their educational journey.
Transition stages can include entering and leaving university, the transition between academic courses, and semester breaks.
During these periods, students may experience additional challenges related to academic and financial pressures, relationships, differences between home and university life, homesickness, and other aspects of student life.
By exploring personal skills and experiences with peers, students can feel more confident in tackling obstacles and navigating transitions during their university experience, while also building connections with other students.
This course can be especially useful for students who identify as the first in their family to attend university or who are studying without other forms of family support (such as older students, students with care experience, international students, carers, and others). The program was developed in collaboration with St Mary’s University Twickenham, the University of West London, and King’s College London as part of an Office for Students-funded project to improve student well-being during the transition stages of their university journey. It was co-created with university students who have lived experiences to benefit other students.
E-Learning Modules
As part of the program, students can access a suite of digital e-learning resources to support their individual well-being and personal reflection.
The digital resources are divided into four modules that build on each other.
The core modules provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for managing student well-being, while subsequent modules develop skills and knowledge to promote and improve mental health with a personalized approach.
Our core modules are named:
- Identify
- Develop
- Reflect
- Refine
Students can access all the modules that are relevant to them, depending on their preferences, needs, and time availability.
Topics have been selected based on emerging research and student experiences.
Learning Objectives – Toggle Accordion
Identify personal well-being needs at different transition points in your university journey
Develop practical skills to manage the demands of university, personal life, and work
Reflect on personal definitions of success and failure
Support yourself during times of stress
Learning Objectives for Each E-Learning Module
Module 1
- Explore personal expectations, values, barriers, and motivations at the beginning of your university journey
- Develop a personal plan to manage your own well-being during university
- Discover opportunities for social support and integrate them into your experience
- Navigate complex university systems
Module 2
- Explore the meaning of work-university-life balance
- Recognize personal boundaries
- Discover ways to manage your time
Module 3
- Explore and develop self-reflection skills
- Recognize and manage stress associated with personal challenges during university
- Discover different approaches to problem-solving
Module 4
- Reflect on definitions of failure and manage imposter syndrome
- Discover personal success and different paths to the future
- Explore ways to develop meaningful connections and networks
What is Well-Being? Definition, Types, and Skills for Well-Being
The following contribution is from Psychology Today, which defines itself as the world’s largest online portal for mental health and behavioral sciences. It is the original and largest publisher dedicated exclusively to human behavior. Our motto is «Here to Help,» and the resources you access right now are the world’s preferred destination for expert insights on psychology and mental health.
PsychologyToday.com is the world’s largest psychotherapy portal, offering free access to hundreds of thousands of professionals. While Psychology Today has expanded its mission and reach across decades and continents, we are always happy to satisfy people’s innate curiosity about our favorite subject: ourselves.
The author is Tchiki Davis, Ph.D., a consultant, writer, and wellness technology expert.
Want to improve your well-being? These are the skills you need.
Activities that promote well-being must be done long-term to maintain their benefits.
Overall well-being requires good emotional, physical, social, purposeful, and community functioning.
Having a growth mindset, or a positive attitude, can facilitate the development of other well-being skills.
Well-being is the experience of health, happiness, and prosperity. It includes good mental health, high life satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and the ability to manage stress.
In general terms, well-being is simply feeling good (Take this test to find out your level of well-being).
Well-being is something almost all of us strive for because it includes many positive things: feeling happy, healthy, socially connected, and purposeful.
Unfortunately, well-being seems to be on the decline, at least in the US. And increasing it can be difficult if you don’t know what to do or how.
These are some of the reasons why I founded the Berkeley Well-Being Institute, an organization that translates the science of well-being into simple tools and products that help you build your well-being.
And these are the reasons why I wrote «Outsmart Your Smartphone: Mindful Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection in Real Life,» which helps people navigate the new challenges that interfere with our well-being in the technological age.
Can you really improve your well-being?
Increasing your well-being is simple; there are so many skills you can develop.
But increasing your well-being isn’t always easy: figuring out which aspects of well-being are most important to you and how, exactly, to develop well-being skills often requires additional help.
How long does it take to improve well-being?
Typically, when people start consistently using science-based techniques to improve well-being or emotional well-being, they start to feel better fairly quickly.
In the studies I’ve conducted and read, most people show significant improvements within five weeks.
But you have to persevere. If you feel better after five weeks, you can’t stop there.
Why? Well, you probably already know that if you stop eating healthy and go back to junk food, you’ll end up back where you started.
It turns out the same thing is true for different types of well-being.
If you want to maintain the benefits you’re getting, you’ll need to keep practicing well-being-boosting practices to maintain your abilities.
That’s why it’s very helpful to have strategies and tools to help you meet your long-term goals—for example, a happiness and wellness plan or a well-being-boosting activity that you can continue to use throughout your life.
Where does well-being come from?
Well-being arises from your thoughts, actions, and experiences, most of which you can control.
For example, when we think positively, we tend to have higher emotional well-being.
When we seek out meaningful relationships, we tend to have higher social well-being. And when we lose our jobs, or simply hate them, we tend to have lower occupational well-being.
These examples begin to reveal the breadth of well-being and the number of different types that exist.
Since well-being is such a broad experience, let’s break it down into its different types.
5 Main Types of Well-Being
Emotional Well-Being
The ability to practice stress management and relaxation techniques, be resilient, foster self-love, and generate the emotions that lead to good feelings.
Physical Well-Being
The ability to improve bodily function through healthy living and good exercise habits.
Social Well-Being
The ability to communicate, develop meaningful relationships with others, and maintain a support network that helps you overcome loneliness.
Occupational Well-Being
The ability to cultivate your interests, values, and life purpose to find meaning, happiness, and professional enrichment.
Social Well-Being in a Community
The ability to actively participate in a thriving community, culture, and environment.
To develop your overall well-being, you need to ensure that all of these factors are functioning to some extent.
Think of it this way: imagine you’re in a car. The engine is running great, and maybe the transmission is too, but the brakes aren’t working. Since the brakes aren’t working, no matter how well the engine is running, you’ll still have a hard time moving forward with your life.
The same goes for your well-being.
If everything in your life is going great, but you’re feeling lonely or eating unhealthily, other areas of your life will suffer, and you probably won’t feel as good as you’d like.
Since every aspect of well-being is important to your overall well-being, let’s talk about how to develop each type of well-being:
Emotional Well-being
To develop emotional well-being, we need to develop emotional skills, such as positivity, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
We often need to develop various skills to cope with the wide variety of situations we encounter in our lives.
When we develop these emotional well-being skills, we can better cope with stress, manage our emotions in the face of challenges, and recover quickly from disappointments.
As a result, we can enjoy life more, be happier, and achieve our goals more effectively.
These are some of the skills that research suggests contribute to emotional well-being:
– Happiness skills
– Mindfulness skills
– Positive thinking skills
– Resilience skills
Physical well-being. To develop our physical well-being, we need to understand what a healthy diet and exercise routine look like so we can implement effective strategies in our daily lives. By improving our physical well-being, we not only feel better, but our new health can also help prevent many diseases, heal our digestive system, boost our emotional well-being, and limit the health problems we face in our lives.
Here are some of the things that can help you improve your physical well-being:
– Healthy eating
– Body detoxification
– Correcting nutritional deficiencies
– Eliminating plastics in the home
Unfortunately, it is possible to eat healthy and still be unhealthy. We may accidentally omit important foods or nutrients.
Or we may overload ourselves with toxins from plastic or processed foods.
As a result, we may need to consume more food, detoxify our bodies, or prevent these toxins from re-entering them.
That’s why it’s essential to learn about health so you can make the right changes: those that lead to long-term health and well-being.
Social well-being. To develop social well-being, we need to develop social skills, such as gratitude, kindness, and communication.
Social skills facilitate positive interactions with others, helping us feel less lonely, angry, or disconnected.
When we develop our social well-being, we feel more connected to others.
Here are some of the skills that research suggests contribute to greater social well-being:
– Practicing gratitude (e.g., with a gratitude journal)
– Building meaningful social connections
– Managing your relationship with technology
It’s important to know that fostering social well-being is one of the best ways to foster emotional well-being.
When we feel socially connected, we also tend to feel better, have more positive emotions, and cope better with challenges.
That’s why it’s essential to foster our social well-being.
Workplace well-being. To develop our workplace well-being,
we need to develop skills that help us pursue what truly matters to us.
This may include developing professional skills that help us achieve our life goals and manifest our values, but it also includes living in accordance with our values and maintaining a work-life balance.
These skills allow us to enjoy our work more, helping us stay focused, motivated, and successful at work.
When we develop workplace well-being, our work, and therefore, each day, becomes more meaningful.
These are some of the key skills you need for workplace well-being:
– Maintaining work-life balance
– Finding your purpose
– Since we spend so much time at work, fostering our workplace well-being has a huge impact on our overall well-being.
Social well-being. To develop social well-being, we need to develop skills that make us feel interconnected with everything.
We need to know how to care for our environment, build stronger local communities, and foster a culture of compassion, fairness, and kindness.
These skills help us feel part of a thriving community that truly supports each other and the world at large. When we cultivate social well-being, we feel part of something bigger than ourselves and live happily.
Although each of us represents only a small fraction of society, it takes everyone’s participation to create social well-being.
If each of us did an act of kindness for someone in our community, we would live in a very kind community.
Or if we all decided to recycle, we would suddenly create a world with much less waste. To live in a healthy society, we must also contribute to creating it. These are some of the skills you can develop for greater social well-being:
– Living by your values
– Creating a plastic-free home
– Making a positive impact on the lives of others
– Kindness
Who benefits most from fostering well-being?
Not everyone experiences the same benefits from fostering their well-being.
For example, much research suggests that the more motivated you are to develop well-being skills, the greater the impact.
Perhaps this isn’t surprising.
Other research shows that having skills like a growth mindset or a positive attitude can help you develop other well-being skills more easily.
Because of this, I often encourage people to develop these skills first; afterward, they might be able to improve other types of well-being more easily.
Additionally, developing well-being skills is perhaps more beneficial for people who are struggling more, especially if they have recently experienced a stressful situation.
It may be more difficult to foster well-being during these times, but the impact may be greater because there is more room for improvement.
There is no magic to developing well-being.
Keep in mind that developing new skills takes time and effort, including well-being skills.
It’s important to be realistic with yourself about what you can reasonably achieve in a given timeframe.
Having unrealistic expectations can lead you to give up before reaching your well-being goals.
That’s why it’s essential to create a realistic plan for your well-being, stick to it, and take small actions daily that will translate into big improvements over time.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know that I, too, have struggled with aspects of my well-being, particularly work-life balance.
The truth is, we all struggle, and new ones can arise, even if you’re doing well. But the more time we spend strengthening our well-being skills, the easier it will be to be resilient, take the necessary steps to recover, and move forward.
Increasing your well-being is a lifelong pursuit, but it’s totally worth it.
What is meant by personal well-being?
The following post is from the Quora site and is written by Lana Gorokhav, Head of Strategy and Marketing.
Okay, buckle up because I’m about to spill some beans about what personal well-being really is. No beating around the bush, no nonsense, just the real deal.
Personal well-being. People throw this term around like cotton candy at a carnival.
It’s become a vague and superficial concept that gets lost in the noise of self-help books and Instagram influencers.
But let’s cut the nonsense and dig deeper into what personal well-being really means.
First and foremost, personal well-being isn’t just about feeling good.
It’s about thriving in all aspects of life.
It’s about having the determination, discipline, and mindset to face any challenge life throws your way.
It’s a multifaceted topic that encompasses physical health, mental strength, emotional balance, and social skills.
Let’s talk about physical health. Do you think wellness is just about sitting in the lotus position and breathing deeply? Not at all!
It’s about getting off the floor and pushing your body to the limit. It’s about eating well, exercising, and treating your body like the high-powered machine it is.
A strong body breeds a strong mind. When you’re in shape, you feel invincible, and that radiates into every other aspect of your life.
Now, mental strength. Pay attention, because this is key!
Your mind is your most powerful weapon. Personal wellness means training your brain to be sharper, more resilient, and more relentless.
It means eliminating the parade of negative thoughts that invade your brain and replacing them with a mindset of abundance and victory.
It’s about learning, growing, and evolving every day. A sharp mind not only survives, it thrives!
Then we have emotional balance.
This isn’t some soft, whimsical nonsense. True emotional well-being is about mastering your emotions, not letting them master you.
It’s about recognizing your feelings, understanding them, and channeling them into something constructive.
It’s about developing emotional intelligence so you can manage stress, bounce back from setbacks, and face adversity with grit.
Now, let’s talk about social skills.
You can be in tip-top shape and as sharp as Einstein, but if you can’t connect with people, you’re missing out.
Personal well-being also involves building strong, healthy relationships.
It’s about surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better, who challenge you, and who celebrate your victories.
Iron sharpens iron. Your social circle should be an endless source of mutual support and tireless ambition.
And let’s not forget purpose and personal fulfillment.
Personal wellness is also about finding your purpose, setting goals, and achieving them.
It’s about waking up every day energized, knowing you’re pursuing something meaningful.
We’re talking about living a life so full, so rich, that every day feels like a victory lap.
So there you have it. Personal wellness isn’t just a feel-good buzzword.
It’s an intense and comprehensive pursuit of excellence in every area of your life.
It’s about being a warrior on the battlefield of life, constantly striving to be better, stronger, and higher.
Own it, live it, and watch yourself transform into a wellness giant. No excuses, just results.
Health and Wellness
We found an anonymous Quora answer of great interest.
Personal well-being refers to a person’s overall quality of life and encompasses various aspects of their physical, emotional, mental, and social health.
It goes beyond the absence of disease and encompasses a state of prosperity and flourishing in multiple dimensions of existence.
Personal well-being is a subjective experience, influenced by internal factors such as thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, as well as external factors such as social relationships, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic status.
At its core, personal well-being involves a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment with life.
This includes feeling content with one’s circumstances, relationships, and accomplishments.
It involves having a positive outlook on life and a sense of purpose.
People with high levels of personal well-being often report feeling happy, optimistic, and resilient in the face of challenges.
Physical well-being is a fundamental component of personal well-being.
It refers to the state of physical health, which includes factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and overall physical fitness.
A healthy body lays the foundation for a fulfilling life, enabling people to fully participate in activities they enjoy and pursue their goals with vigor and vitality.
Emotional well-being is another fundamental aspect of personal well-being.
It involves the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions effectively, as well as cope with stress and adversity.
People with emotional well-being are in tune with their feelings, are able to express them appropriately, and are resilient in the face of setbacks.
They cultivate positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and compassion, which contribute to overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.
Mental well-being encompasses cognitive functioning and psychological health.
It involves factors such as self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
People with mental well-being have a strong sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance, as well as the ability to adapt to change and learn from experience.
They participate in activities that stimulate their minds and promote intellectual growth, such as learning new skills, cultivating creative interests, and engaging in meaningful work.
Social well-being refers to the quality of relationships and social connections.
Humans are inherently social, and our well-being is closely tied to the quality of our interactions with others.
Strong social support networks provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging.
They protect against stress and adversity, enhance resilience, and contribute to overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Social well-being also involves a sense of connection to the broader community and a commitment to social justice and equity.
Environmental well-being encompasses the relationship between people and their environment.
This includes factors such as access to clean air and water, safe and stable housing, and green spaces for recreation and relaxation.
Environmental well-being is closely linked to physical health, as exposure to environmental hazards can have adverse effects on health and well-being.
Furthermore, a healthy environment can contribute to psychological well-being by promoting feelings of calm, tranquility, and connection with nature.
Finally, spiritual well-being refers to the feeling of connection to something greater than oneself.
This can involve religious beliefs and practices, but it can also encompass a broader sense of purpose, meaning, or transcendence.
Spiritually healthy people have a deep sense of inner peace, harmony, and alignment with their values and beliefs.
They may find meaning and purpose by serving others, cultivating compassion and empathy, or engaging in practices that promote personal growth and self-awareness.
In conclusion, personal well-being is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions of health and happiness. It involves cultivating physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual health to live a full and meaningful life.
By addressing these different aspects of well-being, people can cultivate resilience, promote happiness, and thrive in all areas of their lives.
Wellbeing
The following contribution corresponds to the Better Health Channel portal, which defines itself as follows: We provide medical and health information to improve the health and well-being of people and the communities in which they live.
The information on our website aims to help people understand and manage their health and medical conditions. It does not replace medical care provided by doctors and other qualified health professionals.
Every aspect of your life influences your wellbeing.
Some people believe that wealth is the fast track to happiness.
However, various international studies have shown that it is the quality of our personal relationships, not the size of our bank balances, that most influences our wellbeing.
Monitoring the wellbeing of a population helps governments make decisions on specific policies.
About Wellbeing
Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease. It is a complex combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health factors.
Well-being is closely linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, well-being could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life.
Factors That Influence Well-Being
Every aspect of your life influences your well-being. Researchers investigating happiness have found that the following factors improve a person’s well-being:
– A happy intimate relationship with a partner
– A network of close friends
– An enjoyable and fulfilling career
– Sufficient money
– Regular exercise
– A nutritious diet
– Enough sleep
– Spiritual or religious beliefs
– Enjoyable hobbies and leisure activities
– Healthy self-esteem
– An optimistic outlook
– Realistic and achievable goals
– A sense of purpose and meaning
– A sense of belonging
– Ability to adapt to change
– Living in a just and democratic society.
Interrelated Factors
The factors that influence well-being are interrelated. For example, a job not only provides money, but also purpose, goals, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Some factors also compensate for the lack of others. For example, a good marriage can compensate for a lack of friendships, while religious beliefs can help a person cope with a physical illness.
Wealth Is Not the Key
Money is linked to well-being because having enough money improves living conditions and increases social status.
However, happiness can increase with income, but only up to a point.
Many people believe that wealth is a fast track to happiness. But this isn’t true.
Various international studies have shown that it is the quality of our personal relationships, not the size of our bank balance, that has the greatest effect on our well-being.
Believing that money is the key to happiness can also harm a person’s well-being.
For example, someone who chooses to work long overtime hours misses out on time with family, friends, and leisure activities.
The added stress of long workdays can also reduce a person’s life satisfaction.
Research shows that people who pursue «extrinsic» goals like money and fame suffer more from anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction than those who value «intrinsic» goals like close relationships with loved ones.
Well-being can be elusive
Well-being is important, but it seems elusive.
A US study on mental health found that while one in four respondents was depressed, only one in five was happy; the rest were somewhere in between, neither happy nor depressed.
An Australian study on consumer well-being found that:
– 58% would like to spend more time improving their health and well-being.
– 79% of parents with children under 18 would like to spend more time improving their health and well-being.
– 83% are willing to pay more for products or services that improve their well-being.
Measuring National Well-being
Measuring the well-being of a population is difficult because its interpretation is highly subjective: how you feel about your life depends largely on how you perceive it.
As the saying goes, one person’s problem is another person’s challenge.
Australian researchers are trying to measure well-being to monitor living conditions.
A typical approach to measuring well-being is to count the number of people affected by a specific factor.
For example, it is useful to keep track of how many people:
– Have cancer.
– Are single, married, or divorced.
– Exercise regularly.
– Smoke or drink.
– Receive unemployment benefits.
– Are victims of crime.
– Can’t read or write.
Keeping track of a population’s well-being helps governments decide on specific policies.
For example, knowing a population’s average weekly income helps establish the poverty line, which can influence decisions about welfare reform.
Results depend on what is measured.
Survey results tend to vary depending on what is measured.
For example, an Australian survey of young people found that eight out of ten people were satisfied with their lives, including how they felt about their work, studies, income, and relationships. However, this positive outlook is contradicted by another survey, which revealed that approximately half of young Australians are facing a complex problem such as depression or alcohol abuse.
Well-being is a confusing concept and difficult to define with graphs, charts, and statistics.
How to achieve well-being
– Develop and maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
– Set aside regular time for social contact.
– Try to find work that is enjoyable and rewarding, rather than simply working for the best salary.
– Eat healthy and nutritious foods.
– Get regular physical activity.
– Participate in activities that interest you.
– Join local organizations or clubs that interest you.
– Set achievable goals and work toward them.
– Try to be optimistic and enjoy every day.
What is well-being, how can we measure it, and how can we help people improve it?
The following contribution is from the Mental Health Foundation website, which defines itself as the only UK charity dedicated exclusively to preventing mental ill-health and promoting and protecting good mental health.
Mental health is one of the fundamental pillars of a long and healthy life, and we believe everyone deserves good mental health.
When considering mental health and well-being, Liz Felton, Chief Executive of Together for Mental Wellbeing, believes that health, physical activity, and social interaction are vital.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines well-being as «the state of feeling comfortable, healthy, or happy.»
However, it is important to understand that well-being is a much broader concept than momentary happiness.
While it includes happiness, it also encompasses other aspects, such as people’s overall satisfaction with their lives, their sense of purpose, and their sense of control.
In this sense, the New Economics Foundation describes well-being as follows:
“Well-being can be understood as how people feel and function, both personally and socially, and how they evaluate their lives in general.”
Most people would agree that well-being is something we strive to achieve, and the subjective measure of people’s well-being is considered so important that it is included alongside health and the economy in measurements of national well-being.
What well-being means in people’s daily lives
However, once we look beyond the definition, it becomes difficult to fully understand what well-being actually means to people in their daily lives, the factors that can influence it (both internal and external), how we can best measure it, and how we can help people improve it. However, this doesn’t mean we should avoid it either.
By supporting people with mental health conditions and focusing on well-being, we avoid relying on more traditional measures of mental health, such as illness symptoms.
Many people who use mental health services find them outdated and inconsistent with their own perception of well-being.
Furthermore, they don’t take into account all the factors that can affect a person’s health or happiness, of which symptoms of illness might be just one.
We must also consider how external conditions (such as income, housing, and social networks)
and a person’s internal resources (such as optimism, resilience, and self-esteem) can affect their well-being.
In this sense, the way we measure well-being is as difficult as it is valuable.
Measuring well-being can be done in a variety of ways; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
However, one useful way to measure it is the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS).
This is a 14-item, positively worded scale designed to measure both the feelings and functional aspects of positive mental well-being. For example, the scale includes items such as «I have felt optimistic about the future,» «I have been thinking clearly,» and «I have been interested in new things.»
Participants are asked to choose the response that best describes their experience with each item over the past two weeks, using a five-point scale.
The final result is a score between 14 and 70, with a higher score indicating greater well-being.
While this is a robust and commonly used measure that shows improvements in well-being over time, both at the individual level and for meaningful comparisons with national averages, it is important to look beyond the numbers and ask people how they feel.
Balancing Personal Well-Being with Indicators
Furthermore, it is essential that people’s perception of their own well-being be balanced with indicators related to quality of life, such as health, physical activity, and social interaction.
Having this information allows us to gain the broadest possible perspective on a person’s overall well-being and daily functioning.
As mental health service providers, we consider it crucial to measure the well-being of those who use our services and ensure we collaborate with them to improve it.
Measuring well-being helps us assess the impact of our services on people’s lives, but also which aspects of their lives they feel most dissatisfied with, allowing us to tailor our services to their needs.
For us, this means observing how people feel about themselves, how well they feel about coping with everyday life, and how hopeful and confident they are about achieving their personal goals.
The Mental Health Foundation recently completed a three-year evaluation of our community-based mental health support services, known as Your Way. One of the outcomes measured by researchers to assess the impact of Your Way support was people’s well-being.
This included measures such as the WEMWBS scale, in-depth interviews, and lifestyle indicators.
We found that, in people who participated in the assessment within a month of first using Your Way, their mental well-being (measured by the WEMWBS scale) had improved within three months.
In addition, other lifestyle indicators measured as part of the assessment showed significant improvements in the following areas:
Social support and relationships
– Finding meaning in life
– Relationships with healthcare professionals
These findings are positive and encouraging. But we won’t stop there.
We want to support as many people as possible to live the lives they want.
We understand that working with people with mental health conditions is not like setting a broken leg: we can’t simply treat the immediate symptoms and expect the person to make a full recovery.
Instead, we must consider the whole person and all the factors that may affect their well-being.
Only in this way can we fully support people to lead independent and fulfilling lives in their communities.
Self-Care and Wellness: What You Need to Know to Start Your Journey to Wellness
The following contribution is from the Medium portal, which defines itself as follows: Medium is a space for human stories and ideas. Here, anyone can share knowledge and wisdom with the world, without needing to create a mailing list or followers. The internet is noisy and chaotic; Medium is quiet, but brimming with information. It’s simple, engaging, collaborative, and helps you find the right readers for what you have to say.
The author is Dr. Claire Nicogossian, a clinical psychologist and writer. She is an expert in parental well-being.
Self-care, in its simplest definition, includes behaviors, activities, and skills to take care of oneself.
Every individual has different dimensions: physical, emotional, mental/cognitive, social, and spiritual, to name a few.
Each of these dimensions requires care, attention, and intentional behaviors to optimize overall health and well-being.
Wellness is a broad definition that assesses happiness, health, stability, purpose, and meaning in life.
Visualize a circle. Inside the circle are slices, like a pie, and each slice represents an aspect of well-being: physical, emotional, mental/cognitive, social, and spiritual.
The health of each slice influences, impacts, and contributes to overall well-being.
Therefore, if a person has an imbalance in their physical health, this will affect their overall well-being.
And if a person doesn’t take care of themselves in one or two dimensions—for example, physical and emotional well-being—the result will be a reduction in their overall well-being.
I know you might think it seems so simple and logical: taking care of yourself leads to well-being. But many people often overlook the commitment to self-care (actions/behaviors that improve well-being).
The foundation of well-being begins with physical self-care.
Our physical health is the foundation upon which everything else is built. The way we treat and care for our bodies directly correlates to our well-being and will impact our ability to cope with the stress and demands of daily life.
As a psychologist, when I meet with a client for the first time in a consultation, I ask them a series of questions related to their physical health.
I want to know how many hours they sleep a day, if they exercise, and what their eating habits are.
Physical habits and behaviors affect how a person functions in their life.
My clients frequently come to sessions complaining of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.
And, in most cases, they share the following details about their physical health.
To begin with, they only sleep four hours a night, using caffeine to wake them up in the morning and then as a boost in the afternoon when their energy level drops.
And, not surprisingly, they get little exercise, as they are mostly sedentary during the day.
During the session, clients want to know how to address the issue that brought them to my office: anxiety.
My first recommendation is always to start by improving physical well-being by increasing physical self-care.
I encourage them to get more sleep, reduce caffeine consumption, eat healthy and nutritious foods, and start exercising to improve their functioning.
Of course, sometimes medication is recommended and necessary. But more often, I encourage clients to start by improving their physical self-care and well-being.
I often use the analogy of physical self-care: getting enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition is similar to laying the foundation for a house.
Once a stable foundation is established, the possibilities for building upon it are endless.
As a psychologist, I also encourage my patients to commit to emotional self-care.
Our emotions or feelings can be complex and change throughout the day.
Many researchers have spent time debating and studying the impact of emotions on behavior.
Do our emotions guide our behavior, or does our behavior guide our emotions?
In other words, which comes first? There is no easy answer; it is an interaction of both.
Our behaviors influence our feelings, and our feelings affect our behaviors.
What we do know is that emotions guide us and help us interact and respond to ourselves, others, and our environment.
When we pay attention to our feelings, we can determine what we need to do to improve or manage our emotional state.
For example, on any given day, I might feel irritable and angry because I didn’t get enough sleep, my teenage children are very hostile toward me, and the dinner I was planning with my friends can’t happen because I just found out my husband has to work late.
Plus, I don’t have a babysitter and I have to pick up my daughter from dance. It’s only natural that I’d feel irritable, angry, and probably disappointed!
But what if, no matter what, even in calm and harmonious moments where everything seems to be going well, I’m irritable and angry without an identifiable trigger?
This would be a pattern I should pay attention to.
Being angry or irritable every day is unhealthy.
Anger in itself isn’t «bad,» but the proportion, intensity, and duration of the feeling can indicate a problem.
Emotionally healthy people experience a range of positive, neutral, and negative emotions and are able to manage their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
The third dimension of a person’s well-being is mental or cognitive well-being.
In the simplest terms, mental or cognitive functioning focuses on our thinking brain.
This component includes the thoughts we have and the affirmations we make to ourselves, as well as our values, morals, and principles.
Our thinking brain also includes essential intelligence, but it encompasses much more.
A person’s mental/cognitive functioning includes how they think about themselves, others, the world, and the future.
And mental functioning also includes what we think about, the activities we engage in that encourage thinking, the learning process, our judgment, reasoning, and impulse control, to name just a few.
Thoughts and Feelings
And here’s the big takeaway about our mind (thoughts), emotions, and behaviors: our thoughts impact and influence our feelings, which in turn affect our behaviors, and vice versa.
All three influence each other. Our mental, emotional, and physical dimensions affect every aspect of our lives: within ourselves, in our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and the world at large.
The fourth dimension of well-being is social support.
Social relationships are fundamental to well-being.
Social support is a term used to describe the people in your life you count on during times of stress, celebrations, and everyday life.
A social support network can include family, a spouse or partner, friends, coworkers, members of a social group, an organization, or a congregation.
And it’s important to understand that social support is less about the number of people in your social network and more about the quality of those relationships.
If you use social media, you’re probably familiar with this: you can have hundreds of followers and friends, which is very different from the number of people supporting you in a crisis or stressful situation.
Not everyone has the same social support needs.
Some people only need one good friend and have a family, while others have ten close friends.
There is no judgment or comparison when it comes to social support, and the key is knowing your needs and preferences and comparing them to the social support you actually receive.
And finally, the fifth dimension is spiritual well-being.
Spirituality is a general term that refers to the non-physical part of our being.
Often described as our soul or spirit, it is a part of our being that makes us unique.
Many people hear the word «spirituality» and immediately think of religion.
Spirituality is a broader concept. It can be defined as the connection we feel with others, nature, all living things, and the world.
Spiritual connection includes feeling gratitude, compassion, empathy, and happiness toward people, nature, and the world.
If a person is religious and participates in religious services and traditions, they may experience spirituality through connection and participation in their religion.
However, it is important to know that one can be spiritual without ever being religious.
When we see suffering, whether at home, in our neighborhood, or in the world, and want to help, that is an example of spiritual connection.
Spirituality involves finding meaning in life and having a purpose.
Spirituality can also include religious practice.
Attending religious services, participating in religious traditions, and praying are spiritual experiences.
– Taking care of your body is important.
– Taking care of your feelings is important.
– Taking care of your thoughts is important.
– Taking care of your relationships is important.
– Taking care of your spirituality is important.
All of these dimensions within you are important.
You are very important, take care of yourself.
If you want to learn more about how to improve your self-care and well-being, visit DrClaireNicogossian.com to take a free, personalized questionnaire titled «How are your well-being and self-care?»
You will receive valuable skills and strategies to improve your self-care and well-being in all of the aforementioned dimensions.
Be sure to also watch the episode: How are your well-being and self-care in session with Dr. Claire? available on iTunes.
What does wellbeing really mean?
The following contribution is from the portal, which defines itself as follows: The mission of Wellbeing People is to collaborate with companies, organizations, and individuals to change the perception of wellbeing. To shift the conversation away from diets and fitness trends and toward inspiration, natural vitality, sustainable behavior change, and healthy longevity.
Authorship belongs to the team.
Wellbeing [noun]: the state of feeling comfortable, healthy, or happy.
This is what the Oxford English Dictionary defines as wellbeing, but what does it really mean?
The short answer is… well, there is no short answer! What one person feels is their perfect state of wellbeing may be completely different from another’s.
This makes sense, as we all have different goals, ambitions, and personalities.
Each aspect of feeling comfortable, healthy, and happy also has many different facets that can be subjectively interpreted.
For example, the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition mentions happiness. However, well-being as a concept is much broader and has been debated since the 3rd century BC.
The philosopher Aristotle coined the concept of eudaimonia: the contented state of feeling healthy, happy, and prosperous.
While happiness is an integral part of your personal well-being, it includes other aspects such as achieving long-term goals, your sense of purpose, and the control you feel in your life.
Well-being is multidimensional.
An overall sense of well-being will not be achieved without a balance of these key elements:
– Physical. This includes lifestyle choices that affect how our bodies function. Our diet and physical activity will affect our physical well-being.
– Emotional or psychological. This is our ability to cope with daily life and reflects how we think and feel about ourselves.
– Social. This is the degree to which we feel a sense of belonging and social inclusion. The way we communicate with others, our relationships, values, beliefs, lifestyles, and traditions are all important factors in social well-being.
– Spiritual. This is the ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life. It is achieved by connecting with our inner selves, with nature, or even with a higher power.
– Intellectual. It is important to achieve and maintain intellectual well-being, as it helps us expand our knowledge and skills to live a full and successful life.
– Economic. Economic well-being, in short, is our ability to meet our basic needs and feel secure.
The world we live in is complex.
Understanding the need for well-being and the factors that influence it—whether as an individual, a community, or a nation—helps us work together to improve the quality of our lifestyles.
Creating Habits for a Healthier Life
It’s time to break free from the vicious cycle of low energy, low motivation, low mood, and low self-esteem, because… that’s not living! Discover our Habits for Health program today.
Five simple ways to improve our overall well-being:
1
Connect: talk and listen to others and always live in the moment.
2
Stay active: do what you can and enjoy what you do.
3
Pay attention: remember the simple things that bring you joy.
4
Keep learning: take advantage of new experiences and seek out new opportunities.
5
Give: offer others your time, your words, and your presence.
Well-being is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit. Understanding that everything we do, think, feel, and believe influences our well-being – Greg Anderson
Wellbeing People’s goal is to change people’s mindsets and behaviors, empowering them to make positive lifestyle choices and improve their overall health and well-being.
Living with Purpose: Finding Personal and Professional Meaning in the Pursuit of Well-being
The following contribution is from the World Economic Forum website and is written by Liz Hilton Segel, Chief Client Officer and Managing Partner, Global Industrial Practice, McKinsey & Company.
Proactively maintaining well-being involves regularly examining how you truly feel, what fulfills you, and what might need to change.
Reflecting on our purpose in life is a vital, yet often overlooked, element of well-being.
Our Impact
What is the World Economic Forum doing to drive action at the Institutional Forum?
Overview
Explore and monitor how the Future of Work is affecting economies, industries, and global issues.
A McKinsey study shows that COVID-19 caused nearly two-thirds of employees to reflect on their life purpose,
a vital, yet often overlooked, element of well-being.
Proactively maintaining well-being involves regularly examining how you’re really feeling, what fulfills you, and what might require changes.
Research from the McKinsey Health Institute reveals how supportive environments can help employees thrive, making it critical for business leaders to understand what motivates teams.
What’s the meaning of life? Seriously!
Many people are asking themselves that very question. McKinsey research shows that COVID-19 caused nearly two-thirds of employees to reflect on their life purpose.
This introspection is a natural response to great adversity. In the face of challenges, people need to feel grounded in who they are and why they do what they do. It’s encouraging that more people are reflecting on this question, as finding meaning is a vital, yet often overlooked, element of well-being.
What happens to your well-being when work interferes with your free time? Restoring Employee Well-Being for the New World of Work
When I first began exploring the concept of well-being, I focused primarily on renewal—making sure that both I and those around me took breaks, whether through exercise, healthy eating, rest, or time with loved ones.
However, there’s much more to well-being. According to Dr. Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of well-being, meaning is one of the five fundamental components that make up individual well-being, along with positive emotions, engagement, relationships, and achievement.
The search for meaning is fundamental to human beings. When someone puts effort into work that taps into their strengths, provides a sense of accomplishment, and contributes to a meaningful outcome, well-being improves.
Accessing a deeper purpose can lead to greater engagement, productivity, and overall happiness.
Finding meaning and purpose can be difficult to achieve, but when people take the time to identify what matters to them, they feel energized, inspired, and full of life.
This leads us to ask: how can we find our meaning and purpose?
Building meaning into your life should be done with intentionality and reflection.
Getting an annual checkup is considered part of routine self-care, to the point that it would be normal to ask someone if they’ve already had one.
Proactively maintaining well-being should be no different.
This means regularly examining how you really feel, what fulfills you, and what might need to change.
When creating space for reflection, there are two intertwined areas to consider: your professional and personal life.
Igniting Your Purpose at Work
We spend a large portion of our waking hours at work, so it’s no surprise that around 70% of people say they define their purpose through work.
This figure is even higher among millennials, who are more likely to view their work as their calling.
In the workplace, well-being isn’t just about the number of hours worked, but whether you spend those hours working on something that matters to you.
Whether it’s working closely with a team to achieve a breakthrough, developing research on a relevant topic, or mentoring a colleague, it’s important to find fulfilling projects at work that align with personal interests and passions.
For example, I’ve personally found meaning in highlighting mental health and well-being within McKinsey, a topic that is also central to our newly launched McKinsey Health Institute (MHI).
For my colleagues, the work that fulfills them is different for each one: from leading initiatives to increase access to affordable food to improving healthcare and driving innovation in the consumer technology sector.
When someone doesn’t find that purpose in their work, they’re more likely to leave in search of an opportunity that connects more deeply with their identity and strengths.
For business leaders, this dynamic prioritizes knowing what motivates their teams and intentionally assigning people to jobs that inspire them and leverage their strengths.
The latest MHI research reveals how supportive environments can help employees thrive.
When employees feel their purpose is aligned with that of the organization, they will be more loyal, engaged, and willing to advocate for its interests.
The benefit is clear: those who live their purpose at work are healthier, more resilient, and more productive, and more likely to stay than those who don’t.
Meaningful work is critical to a fulfilling life, but it doesn’t cover the whole picture.
Meaningful work is critical to a fulfilling life, but it doesn’t cover the whole picture. Seeking a Meaningful Personal Life
Many of us devote a large portion of our time to our professional responsibilities, so it’s equally important to evaluate the sources of meaning and satisfaction in our personal lives.
For some, this may include caring for family, volunteering for a social or political cause, pursuing creative projects and hobbies, or exploring religious or spiritual beliefs.
After taking stock, determine if there are any new areas you want to intentionally invest time in, whether it’s finding a new way to use your time and talent to help others or experimenting with a new creative outlet.
Cultivating Well-Being Is an Ongoing Process
The good news is that, like any skill, well-being is something that can be practiced, cultivated, and improved.
Finding personal and professional meaning is no exception. If you’re struggling to clarify your personal and professional purpose, don’t worry.
Give yourself the space and time to reflect on your own experiences and connect with trusted people to explore what the future holds.
Feeling Alive or Burned Out
A colleague who has studied purpose extensively offers this practical advice: Every day, for a month, ask yourself when you felt most alive and when you felt most burned out.
Reflecting on these questions can offer interesting insights and help you find purpose in all facets of your life.