What is wellbeing? This term is widely recognised now, but what does it mean and what human needs contribute to it?
Psychologists describe wellbeing as a state of feeling good and functioning well physically, emotionally, and socially.
Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs model is the most influential theory and is still used in psychology and business. It states that a proposed set of needs must be met before a person can function at their best and his theory was that lower needs must be met before higher needs could be pursued.
However, Allardt conducted a large study in Scandinavia whilst comparing welfare systems. He stated that a person’s wellbeing is dependent on three kinds of human needs. These are defined as ‘having’. This means that living conditions are suitable in the form of housing, income, and food for survival. ‘Loving’ the need for close relationships, intimacy, and friendships. ’Being’ enabling social integration to form social identity which allows an active role to work with purpose and leads to fulfilment.
This can create greater opportunities for personal growth. To live in harmony with nature. He indicated that all these needs must be met for a purposeful life, but are not necessarily dependent on each one being met in a chronological order.
What does wellbeing mean to you? I personally believe it is a balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
