What does it take to live a fulfilling life?
Wellbeing science is a growing field dedicated to this very question.
Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and social sciences, it’s a field that shifts the focus of mental health from overcoming challenges to what makes people thrive. By understanding how the different elements of wellbeing work together, we can make informed, intentional choices that lead to a life well-lived.
This article will take you through the foundation of wellbeing science, the key elements of wellbeing, and how wellbeing interventions can help.
The foundations of wellbeing science
The pursuit of a good life is far from a modern concept. Across cultures, ancient philosophies have examined what makes a life well-lived. Aristotle, for example, explored the concept of eudaimonia, which he used to describe the highest good humans could strive toward – or a life ‘well lived’. In later years, Buddhist teachings centred on practising compassion and finding inner peace, while Chinese philosophy emphasised balance and harmony.
By the late 20th century, these age-old frameworks were explored further in science. Championed by pioneers like Martin Seligman, Ed Diener, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, positive psychology emerged as a new branch of psychology that challenges traditional thinking. They steered the psychology conversation away from treating mental illness to understanding what enables people to flourish and live vibrant, fulfilling lives.
The key theories and models of wellbeing science
(Barbara Fredrickson)
This theory sees positive emotions as more than temporary moments or states. They also play a crucial role in helping us think creatively, change our behaviours, and build our internal resources. By nurturing these positive emotions and building internal physical, intellectual, and social resources, we can enhance our wellbeing over time.
(Deci & Ryan)
SDT argues that humans have three fundamental needs—autonomy (feeling in control), competence (feeling capable), and relatedness (feeling connected). We naturally grow and become more motivated when these needs are met. Self-determined people tend to have high self-motivation, take responsibility for their actions, and feel they are in control of their lives, all of which help enhance wellbeing.
(Corey Keyes)
Keyes challenged the way we think about mental health and mental illness by developing a model that shows mental health as a continuum. The model includes mental illness on one axis, ranging from having mental illness to no mental illness. The other axis captures mental wellbeing, ranging from languishing (shaped by stagnation and apathy) to flourishing (shaped by optimal wellbeing and vitality). This spectrum helps us understand that the absence of mental illness doesn’t necessarily lead to wellbeing.
(Ed Diener)
This concept refers to how people view their own wellbeing. It encompasses three different ways people measure their wellbeing: how often they experience positive emotions, how little they experience negative emotions, and how they think about their life overall. It has become a widely accepted way to measure wellbeing and happiness.
(Viktor Frankl)
Viktor Frankl’s existential psychology inspired this theory, highlighting that finding purpose is a key to resilience and mental health. It shows that while life’s meaning might differ for each person, its pursuit is linked to a deeper sense of fulfilment.
The core elements of wellbeing
Physical wellbeing
Physical wellbeing is how people exercise, eat, and rest their bodies to support overall health. Regular exercise improves physical fitness and mental health by elevating moods and reducing anxiety. Quality sleep acts as a reset button, affecting physical health, mental state, cognitive abilities, and social functioning. And what we eat influences energy, mood, and long-term health.
Emotional wellbeing
Understanding and managing emotions – the foundations of emotional intelligence – is crucial for managing stress, nurturing resilience, and developing positive relationships. Research also shows that people with high emotional intelligence tend to feel happier and more satisfied with their lives. Essentially, how we relate to our emotions shapes how we relate to life itself. Drawing on strategies such as mindfulness and gratitude practices are simple yet powerful tools to develop your emotional intelligence and improve your wellbeing.
Social wellbeing
Human beings are wired for connection. Strong, supportive relationships can reduce stress, enhance happiness, and provide a sense of belonging. On the flip side, loneliness has been linked to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular problems, weakened immune function, and cognitive decline. These findings suggest that community, friendships, and social networks are essential to living a long and fulfilling life.
Cognitive wellbeing
Our mental wellbeing benefits enormously from lifelong learning and mental stimulation. Engaging in new challenges, developing skills, and maintaining a growth mindset (believing you can improve with effort), can promote both personal and professional growth. Studies also show that maintaining a sense of wellbeing is consistently associated with better cognitive functioning, slower cognitive decline, and lower risk of dementia.
The impact of wellbeing interventions
Wellbeing interventions are structured activities designed to enhance overall wellbeing.
These proven interventions have their foundations in scientific research from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science. When applied, they have been shown to cultivate positive mental health, reduce stress, improve relationships, promote a growth-focused mindset, and more.
Wellness interventions can range from individual practices such as journaling and meditation, to group programs in workplaces or schools. On an individual level, wellbeing interventions have been shown to elevate both subjective wellbeing (how we feel about our lives) and psychological wellbeing (how we function. On a group level, collective wellbeing can serve as a powerful buffer in times of crisis. For example, research highlights that incorporating positive psychology and wellbeing approaches in group settings can lead to personal growth and improved resilience, even when facing adversity.
Wellbeing science puts you on the path to a life well-lived
To truly live a fulfilling life, understanding and actively managing your wellbeing is key. Each element—physical, emotional, social, and cognitive—is interconnected, contributing to a holistic sense of wellness. And the best part? These elements can be actively developed through evidence-based practices that improve our own lives and create a ripple effect, enhancing the wellbeing of those around us.
Ready to learn more about science-backed strategies to enhance your wellbeing and live a more fulfilling life? Explore our 11250NAT Certificate IV in Wellbeing—an online course designed for flexible learning, so you can start whenever you’re ready.
