Empirical Clarification of the Nature of Psychological Well-Being

An analysis of the literature revealed that conceptualizations of the nature of psychological well-being are very diverse, and that it is still unclear what the nature and/or dimensions of psychological well-being are. Scales based on several models and constructs from diverse theoretical traditions were completed by a multicultural group of 550 participants. The validity of the scales for use in this particular group was determined. The manifestations of psychological well-being in different gender, cultural and age groups were compared. Similarities and differences were found. In a factor analysis on the data of the total group, a general psychological well-being factor was identified. Psychological well-being seems to be multidimensional with regard to facets of self that are involved ( e.g., affect, cognition, behaviour), as well as with regard to the domains of life in which these facets manifest themselves ( e.g., intra- and interpersonal, social and contextual, in love and work). A sense of coherence, satisfaction with life and affect-balance are strong indicators of general psychological well-being. Findings from this perspective may point to new directions for capacity building.