Wellbeing theory

What is wellbeing?

Psychological wellbeing — Subjective Wellbeing (SWB) — functions much like body temperature: genetically determined and designed to maintain stability.

People possess strong psychological defences that protect Subjective Wellbeing from unhealthy fluctuations — though these aren't absolute. Significant or prolonged challenges can temporarily lower SWB below its normal range.

Key protective mechanisms include Self-Esteem, Perceived Control, Optimism, Personal Relationships and Achieving in Life.

Explore the theory

Four ways in

01

Subjective Wellbeing Homeostasis

How environmental factors and a genetically set level of mood together shape wellbeing — and what happens when the protective system is overwhelmed.

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02

Genetics & the Set-Point

Like core body temperature, each person has a genetically determined wellbeing set-point that operates within a narrow range.

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03

External & Internal Buffers

The protective mechanisms — achieving in life, relationships and money; self-esteem, optimism, perceived control, habituation and adaptation — that defend wellbeing.

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04

Homeostasis: a deep dive

Homeostatically Protected Mood, the Golden Triangle of external resources, and what homeostatic breakdown looks like in the data.

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