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Psychological well-being: definition, assessment and principal correlates

Psychological well-being is a construct based on psychological theory about positive or optimal functioning. The convergence points between definitions from theories of human development, humanistic-existential psychology and mental health are its dimensions: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life and personal growth. The aim of this paper is to present the concept of psychological well-being from a selective literature review. The origins and development of the concept and approaches to their assessment are examined. Psychosocial, sociodemographic and neurobiological correlates of psychological well-being are briefly described and discussed. psychological well-being is associated with positive processes related to health. It indicates the need for studies about the construct in Brazil.

Psychological well-being; Subjective well-being; Mental health


Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas Núcleo de Editoração SBI - Campus II, Av. John Boyd Dunlop, s/n. Prédio de Odontologia, 13060-900 Campinas - São Paulo Brasil, Tel./Fax: +55 19 3343-7223 - Campinas - SP - Brazil
E-mail: psychologicalstudies@puc-campinas.edu.br