The Process-Based Model of Well-Being

This volume advances a new process-based theory of well-being. It guides readers through a critical review of the theoretical foundations of well-being, to a model of assessment, and finally to intervention protocols that promote well-being across diverse settings, including health and mental health clinics, and the workplace. It adopts a systems framework that views well-being as emerging from a dynamic and complex network of interactions across bio-psycho-social-existential domains of our living environment. The volume, first, draws from ancient Stoicism and modern existential philosophy to revise existing theoretical frameworks. Second, it presents findings from interview studies and psychometric research that identify prototypical activities that support our goal-directed effort to live well, even in the presence of life stressors. This descriptive feedback is applied prescriptively as a guide for self-care or counselling. The volume, finally, outlines key issues for a process-based research agenda that promotes well-being in the areas of theory, assessment, and clinical practice. This volume is for a wide cross-section of readers who are looking for a novel, evidence-based model of well-being that is theoretically informed, and that can be readily applied in assessment and intervention programs. It is useful for social workers, program administrators, allied health professionals, and medical personnel involved in programmes/services in public health, health care clinics, community-based counselling, and workplace health. It will also be of primary interest to researchers and students interested in health, well-being, health-related quality of life, patient-reported outcomes, and patient-centred care, in the health and social sciences or in applied philosophy.