Understanding Well-Being in Multi-Levels: A review

Authors

  • E. C. W. Ng Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • A. T. Fisher Victoria University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/hcs.2013.142

Keywords:

well-being, subjective well-being (SWB), positive psychology, quality of life (QOL), multi-level approach

Abstract

Well-being is not only an emerging research agenda, but also a critical issue concerning the individual as well as the societal development, because how the issue is viewed has a huge theoretical as well as practical, even policy, implication. In academic, while some argue that well-being is in the subjective perception of one’s life or psychological functioning, others argue that well-being is in the objective conditions and the broader environment. This paper, drawing on psychology tradition, tries to go beyond the dichotomy of well-being as either an individual attribute or external conditions. Instead, this article acknowledges the multi-levels of well-being are closely tied and should be taken into accounts when well-being is concerned. We will provide a brief review of the two major approaches – subjective well-being and quality of life – of well-being before the multi-level approach is introduced. The strength and challenges of the multilevel approach will be discussed.

Author Biographies

E. C. W. Ng, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Eddie Ng completed his PhD in community psychology at Victoria University and is now research associate of the Department of Applied Social Science at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His research and publications focus on spirituality, poverty, well-being and social change. The aim of these research priorities is to broaden and deepen our understanding about the nature of well-being, to examine facilitating and inhibiting factors (such as poverty, spirituality and community contexts) and to explore the viable ways to promote well-being.

A. T. Fisher, Victoria University

Adrian Fisher is Professor and Head of Psychology at Victoria University, Melbourne Australia. He is a leader of the Community Psychology program, where his research and publications focus on the psychological sense community. Particularly, Professor Fisher focuses on issues around the social inclusion and exclusion of non-dominant social groups. This allows for an exploration of potential protective and negative psychological and physical health impacts. Professor Fisher also leads a team examining the psychological and social aspects of introducing alternative sources of drinking water in Australia.

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Published

2013-11-15

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2013): Translating Happiness: Medicine, Culture and Social Progress

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