Awareness is a dimension of well-being and an aspect of mindfulness that refers to heightened and flexible attentiveness to perceptual impressions within one's environment, including internal cues such as thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. In therapeutic mindfulness, awareness is imperative in observing what causes the individual to engage in certain behaviors. 



Awareness - Dimension of Wellbeing

As a dimension of well-being, purpose refers to a sense of clarity concerning personally meaningful aims and values that one is able to apply in daily life.
Heightened states of purpose foster the self-perception that one
both has aims and values and is able to embody them. This self-perception leads one to perceive meaning and significance in one’s life and pursuits. States of diminished purpose may involve a lack of clarity concerning one’s aims and values, or the perception that one has clear values and aims but is unable to embody them.

Purpose - Dimension of Wellbeing

Insight as a dimension of well-being refers to self-knowledge concerning the
manner in which emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and other factors are
shaping one’s subjective experience, and especially one’s sense
of self. States of insight thus reflect an experiential understanding
of one’s own psychological processes and how the dynamic interplay of these processes influences experience.  

Insight - Dimension of Wellbeing

Connection as a dimension of well-being refers to a subjective sense of care and kinship toward other people that promotes supportive relationships and caring interactions. This may occur through positive social perceptions, such as gratitude and appreciation, as well as perspectives of shared humanity toward those outside of one’s immediate social circles.

Connection - Dimension of Wellbeing

In response to a perceived absence of any unifying framework that clarifies the dimensions of human flourishing that can be actively cultivated, researchers identified four core dimensions that are central to the subjective experience of well-being. The practice of these four dimensions can be strengthened through training. 

1. Awareness 
2. Connection 
3. Insight 
4. Purpose 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Research on psychological well-being in recent years has focused on the factors that constitute optimal levels of human flourishing and their relationship to physical health, work performance, social relationships, and a range of other outcomes. Mechanisms of self-regulation such as psychotherapy, positive psychology interventions, and contemplative practices have been studied in relation to changes in well-being.

Psychological Well-being

Dahl, C. J., Wilson-Mendenhall, C. D., &amp; Davidson, R. J. (2020). The plasticity of well-being: A training-based framework for the cultivation of human flourishing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(51), 32197–32206. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2014859117 

The plasticity of well-being: A training-based
framework for the cultivation of human flourishing

Four Dimensions of Well-being 

Five main components:
- Positive Emotions
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Accomplishments

PERMA Model of Wellness

Three main components:
- Life satisfaction
- Positive affect
- Negative affect

Diener's Model of Subjective Well-Being 

Happiness is conceptualized as an enduring state of mind, often called subjective well-being, that goes beyond temporary positive moods. It encompasses two key aspects: experiencing pleasure and positive emotions in daily life, and a deeper sense of fulfillment derived from using one's skills and talents to enrich both their own life and the lives of others.

Happiness

Positive psychological attributes that foster well-being are connected to favorable physical health outcomes, such as improved cardiovascular health. This link is primarily mediated through biological functions and health-promoting behaviors like diet, physical activity, and sleep quality.

Link Between Psychological Well-being and Physical Health

Several key attributes are recognized for their role in fostering psychological well-being. These include having a sense of meaning and purpose in life, experiencing a sense of autonomy, cultivating positive emotions, and achieving satisfaction with life.

Qualities Promoting Psychological Well-being

Read the following scenario. Analyze the distinct factors contributing to the individual's high level of psychological well-being, explaining how each element supports a flourishing life.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After