A definition of wellbeing
As we mentioned earlier, there is not yet an agreed operationalised definition of the concept of wellbeing.
However, a simple approach to understanding wellbeing might be that proposed by Dodge et al. who argue that:
‘Stable wellbeing is when individuals have the psychological, social and physical resources they need to meet a particular psychological, social and/or physical challenge. When individuals have more challenges than resources, the see-saw dips, along with their wellbeing, and vice-versa.’
(Dodge et al. 2012: 230)
Adapted from Dodge, R., et al. (2012)
Your task
Read the following article and briefly explain the three key areas that the authors propose as a way of defining wellbeing. Is there anything in the article that you don’t agree with?
Dodge, R., Daly, A., Huyton, J., Sanders, L. (2012) ‘The Challenge of Defining Wellbeing’
Post your thoughts in the comments area and like or reply to posts you find useful or interesting.
References
Dodge, R., Daly, A.P., Huyton, J., Sanders, L.D. (2012) ‘The Challenge of Defining Wellbeing’ International Journal of Wellbeing [online] 2 (3), 222-235. available from https://internationaljournalofwellbeing.org/index.php/ijow/article/view/89 [28th March 2019]
© Coventry University. CC BY-NC 4.0