Components and Correlates of Mental Well-Being

The feeling state of well-being is probably the reflection of a complex interaction among psychological processes. Evidence is presented that at least three affects may take part in this process: negative affect, positive sense of involvement, and long-term satisfaction. Different patterns of association are demonstrated between these three affects and variables such as social participation, cultivation of hobbies, planfulness, emotional reactivity, physical health, and expert ratings of psychiatric disorder. These associations demonstrate the heuristic value in attempting to conceptualize and measure the dimensions of psychological well-being, as opposed to dealing with such a global construct in empirical research.