Theoretical applied research focuses on ways to solve life
problems that are directly applied to society.
Definitions, and types of well-being will be discussed. How social media and the internet affects
well-being, and how it contributes to daily stressors will also addressed. To conclude this assignment, Seligman’s PERMA
model will be summarized.
Well-being
When
people perceive that their lives are going well; they are addressing a positive
outcome called well-being. Well-being
implies that people are satisfied with life; that they have positive moods and
emotions, with an absence of depression and anxiety. Being healthy with abundant energy describes
physical well-being. Several other types
of well-being may impact a person’s life; they are: emotional and psychological
well-being, complimented by economic and social well-being. In optimal wellness the mind and body are
integrated holistically which promotes health, and prevents disease ("cdc.gov," 2018).
Marsh (2020) defines well-being as positive mental health. However, this is an over simplified
explanation. A more robust definition of
well-being would be: to attain optimal health, and joy. Well-being may very well be defined by
genetics, but the environment also plays a role. Well-being promotes health, as it helps
people live a satisfied life, where their needs are met both physically and
emotionally. Healthy people are able to
cope with the environment, both the socio-economic environment as well as their
emotional environment; which allows them to be in control over and improve
their health.
General health resources include a peaceful, safe, stable home and
environment with economic security. Individual
health resources include relationships, resiliency, autonomy, positive
emotions, physical activity and a healthy diet.
Strengthening one’s resources tends to improve well-being. In initial research, well-being theory has
moved beyond uncovering associations; to being able to identify conditions of
health effects, as well as knowing which interventions will increase health
(Gan, 2020). Measuring well-being
accurately has become possible due to advances in neuroscience, psychology, and
measurement theory.
Since well-being is subjective it is measured in self-reports
("cdc.gov," 2018). Adding
self-determination theory to well-being research expands the well-being
construct into an innovative new theory (Gan, 2020). Research into enhancing well-being is made possible
by maintaining behavior changes; using new types of subjective well-being such
as the content, executive and operational systems suggested by Borland (2017). Gan (2020) offers theoretical developments
for the study of well-being by suggesting that researchers focus on the
resiliency of people who are interacting with the environment in adverse
experiences, and how they maintain well-being.
Social
media and the internet
Social
media and the internet are a double-edge sword, in that they can produce both
positive and negative effects in one’s personal life. It has been estimated that 90% of emerging
adults use social media and the internet daily (Rasmussen, 2020). Associated studies have shown that social
media and the internet can be stress inducing; however, being able to vent our
emotional problems online can actually be helpful (Rasmussen, 2020). Excessive stress and an inability to regulate
emotions have been associated with several mental health issues. An hour online using social media may be
constructive or destructive depending upon how one uses the tools that are
provided.
If online time impairs
participation in normal life activities; then it is basic common sense to
question the benefit of that activity. Excessive
online use has been associated with addictive behaviors; which may present
themselves along with an increase in depression, and anxiety (Rasmussen, 2020). People
need social connections; isolation and loneliness are the typical social
dysfunctions that occur when individuals spend too much of their time online
(Rasmussen, 2020). Additionally,
expression suppression or emotional avoidance can occur when people avoid or
suppress their emotions; this activity leads to addictive behaviors such as
overeating, or alcoholism (Rasmussen, 2020).
Relatedly, overuse of digital media may lead to a host of other mental
distress and addictive behaviors.
As a
positive note, having social support and face to face interactions may decrease
the stress and emotional distress cycle. Optimism and well-being experiences should occur when there is
balance in how adults use social media and the internet. Positive aspects of social media networking
include the ability to connect with family and friends. Meeting people with similar interest and
gaining support from others are also positive aspects of using social
media. Gathering information, news and participating
in simple entertainment such as online games are productive and health ways to
enjoy social media. Furthermore,
learning and gaming are not the only positive aspects of the online experience;
expressing your thoughts and emotions online may very well cathartically dispel
some of the mental health problems that are so prevalent in our society.
However, regardless of any top-spin that may be applied to the
on-line experience, a lack of personal face to face contact can only be
construed as negative if applied in a protracted manner. Relatedly, peer pressure and unrealistic
views of societal positioning are detrimental forces that impact the continual
comparison between our life and the lives of others. Relationships have been
harmed from the drama, bullying and rumors that are spread online. Envy, distraction and addiction are the
darker side of social media as well as the depression and anxiety that are
associated with mental health issues.
Seligman’s
PERMA model
Seligman called upon his fellow psychologists to focus on positive
emotions, relationships, traits and human functioning; instead of always seeking
to find out what is wrong, instead of what is right. In 2011, Seligman created a model that
comprised the five components of well-being.
The five components are positive emotions, engagement, relationships,
meaning and accomplishment. Seeing the
glass as half full describes a person who has chosen to look at the positive
side of life. Maintaining positive
emotions is not always easy, but there is considerable joy in being able to
maintain a more joyful outlook on life.
Good feelings motivate good actions (Kun, 2017). Doing what makes us happy is natural and
brings us contentment.
As an example: Planting flowers during a pandemic may seem
ridiculous to those who are more pragmatic; as they would insist that spending
time and money on something so frivolous would be unproductive. However, planting flowers is a joyful
experience: the positive physical effort made during planting, watching as the
flowers grow, and then tending to their needs, all are fundamental positive
experiences. Done as a group, families
could find pleasure in this activity; while reaping the benefits of the many
synergies associated with group efforts. By performing or participating in positive
activities, our societal outlook is enhanced as well as our physical and mental
health (Kun, 2017). Having hope and
optimism for the future sustains us during harder times.
Being engaged may be represented as many cogs working together in
an integrative manner to maintain a productive flow, not unlike the gears of a
common mechanical clock. When we are in
the flow, things run smoothly, we lose track of time and we get things
done. Concentrating on work, recreation
and hobbies brings us into a blissful immersion which makes us happy (Kun,
2017). Being engaged is being absorbed
and present in the moment. Doing things
that we love to do or that we are good at brings about engagement, both at a
personal and societal level; this collective learning and interaction is
fundamental to well-adjusted citizens.
Relationships bring us joy, happiness stability and support; they
help us maintain positive emotions, and can facilitate engagement as we do
things together with our friends and family.
Social support from close, intimate relationships are good for our
psychological, emotional and mental health (Kun, 2017). Sharing happiness, and laughter with those we
love brings satisfaction and contentment to our lives. Having friends allows us to be true to
ourselves within a healthy and safe environment. Being in a loving home surrounded by people
who care for us is the most basic foundation of a healthy life, and is without
question, all we could ever ask for.
Obtaining a college degree, or creating an art portfolio are examples
of activities that would bring meaning and purpose to one’s life. Volunteering to help at a homeless shelter is
a perfect example of how we could add meaning to our lives. Our actions should portray an understanding
that our communities are more important than individual concerns; our goals in
life should be bigger than we are. Developing
meaning requires time, patience and sacrifice.
Reaching goals that are aspirational inspires others; we are at our best
when we selflessly do things for others (Kun, 2017). People who are both spiritually and community
minded have an innate sense of belonging, and have holistic compelling reasons
to act and speak in the manner that they do.
Accomplishments may be big or small, but we need to have goals to
keep us in the happiness zone. As we
strive to complete our goals, we build resilience, which helps us learn persistence
in the face of adversity. Having a
productive life requires a certain amount of effort; but that work can be
joyful if we maintain a positive outlook on life. Each of the PERMA components are integrated
and interplay with one another; positive emotions help us to accomplish great
things! Being engaged in a passion
allows us to easily flow from a wishful consideration, to the activity that
builds the dream, into a finished product that resonates with the positive
emotional stage of fulfillment.
Relationships cheer us on as we navigate roadblocks and setbacks; and
they are the basis of the need to achieve greater things. The meaning and accomplishment that comes from
our collective efforts brings happiness, satisfaction and joy into our lives.
References
