WELL-BEING Flashcards
What is well-being, and what are its fundamental aspects according to the CDC?
Well-being refers to judging life positively and feeling good. It includes the presence of positive emotions and moods, the absence of negative emotions (e.g., depression, anxiety), satisfaction with life, fulfillment, and positive functioning. It integrates mind and body and tells us how people perceive their lives are going.
Why is promoting well-being significant for public health?
Well-being is associated with increased disease resistance, resilience, and self-management. Higher levels of well-being correlate with decreased risk of illness, improved recovery, better immune functioning, and greater longevity. It also enhances productivity and community contributions.
What public health measures are linked to higher well-being?
- Decreased risk of disease, illness, and injury
- Speedier recovery and better immune functioning
- Increased longevity
- Higher productivity at work
- Greater contributions to communities
Which positive emotions are associated with well-being, and why are they important?
Positive emotions include contentment, happiness, optimism, and calmness. These emotions are linked to extraversion and are independent dimensions of mental health that can and should be fostered for improved overall well-being.
How does health enable well-being, and why is it considered a resource?
Health enables people to realize aspirations, satisfy needs, cope with the environment, and live a long, productive, and fruitful life. It supports social, economic, and personal development fundamental to well-being.
What are resources for environmental, social, and individual health that contribute to well-being?
- Environmental and Social Health Resources: Peace, economic security, stable ecosystems, safe housing, and community support.
- Individual Health Resources: Physical activity, healthful diet, social ties, resiliency, autonomy, and positive emotions.
How is well-being measured, and what influences the choice of measurement methods?
Well-being can be measured through subjective self-reports and objective measures. The method chosen depends on the purpose, such as clinical outcomes, population health outcomes, or cost-effectiveness studies. Methods include psychometric and utility-based measures, peer reports, observational methods, and experience sampling.
What tools has the CDC used to measure well-being for public health surveillance?
- National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): General well-being schedule
- National Health Interview Survey (NHIS): Quality of well-being scale, global life satisfaction
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): Global life satisfaction, social/emotional support satisfaction
- Porter Novelli Healthstyles Survey: Life satisfaction scales and positive/negative affect
What correlates are associated with well-being at the individual and national levels?
- Individual: Genes, personality (optimism, extroversion, self-esteem), age, gender, income, relationships, work
- National: Economic development, effective government, trust levels, cultural factors, ability to meet citizens’ needs
What do societies with higher levels of well-being have in common?
- Economic development
- Honest and effective governments
- High levels of trust
- Ability to meet basic needs (food, health)
- Supportive cultural norms (e.g., social cohesion, inclusivity)
How do genetic and personality factors impact well-being?
Positive emotions are heritable, with personality traits like optimism, extroversion, and self-esteem strongly associated with well-being. Environmental factors also influence the expression of genetic traits.
What three factors generally influence well-being?
Good health, positive social relationships, and access to basic resources like shelter and income are key determinants of well-being.
What is the relationship between the individual correlates of age & income and well-being?
Younger and older adults tend to report higher well-being compared to middle-aged adults.
While income modestly correlates with well-being, the association is stronger at lower economic levels, where access to resources and stability is more impactful.
Why are relationships vital for well-being?
Supportive relationships are among the strongest predictors of well-being, providing emotional and practical support, and fostering a sense of belonging.
How does HRQOL differ from well-being?
HRQOL focuses on deficits in functioning, such as pain and negative affect, while well-being emphasizes assets like positive emotions, autonomy, and psychological resources.
