Role of well-being therapy in achieving a balanced and individualized path to optimal functioning

Clin Psychol Psychother. 2012 Jul-Aug;19(4):291-304. doi: 10.1002/cpp.1796. Epub 2012 May 9.

Abstract

A specific psychotherapeutic strategy for increasing psychological well-being and resilience, well-being therapy (WBT), based on Ryff's conceptual model, has been developed and tested in a number of randomized controlled trials. The findings indicate that flourishing and resilience can be promoted by specific interventions leading to a positive evaluation of one's self, a sense of continued growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, the possession of quality relations with others, the capacity to manage effectively one's life and a sense of self-determination. A decreased vulnerability to depression, mood swings and anxiety has been demonstrated after WBT in high-risk populations. School interventions based on the principles of WBT have been found to yield both promotion of well-being and decrease of distress compared with control groups. The differential technical characteristics and indications of WBT are described, with a special reference to the promotion of an individualized and balanced path to achieve optimal human functioning, avoiding the polarities in positive psychological dimensions.

MeSH terms

  • Affect
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Culture
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Goals
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Internal-External Control
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Motivation
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Environment