Concept and Dimensions of Well-Being
What this domain tests
The exam checks whether you can distinguish health from well-being, name the main dimensions, and apply a multidimensional model to a realistic case. It expects the WHO definition and the hedonic–eudaimonic distinction, not slogans.
Core rules and concepts
- WHO (1948): health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
- Well-being is broader than health: it includes how a person evaluates life and how they function.
- Hedonic well-being = pleasure, positive affect, life satisfaction. Eudaimonic well-being = meaning, purpose, growth, autonomy, positive relationships.
- Common dimensions: physical, mental/emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, environmental. Some frameworks add financial or cultural.
- Dimensions interact. Poor sleep can lower mood; social support can buffer stress.
- Determinants include biology, behaviour, social support, income, education, culture, environment and access to services.
- High well-being is not constant happiness; it includes coping, resilience and functioning.
Worked example
A student scores 95% but sleeps five hours, skips meals, and has stopped meeting friends. Reasoning: academic achievement is one domain, but physical, social and emotional dimensions are strained. The correct judgement is 'high achievement, low overall well-being', not 'fully well because marks are high'. A useful response targets sleep, meals and one supportive contact.
Traps that cost marks
- Equating well-being with happiness or with absence of illness.
- Listing dimensions without saying they interact.
- Treating WHO health as only physical fitness.
- Ignoring culture, income or access when judging a case.
- Claiming one dimension (usually money) guarantees well-being.
Key takeaway: assess the whole profile, name the dimension, and show interaction.