The Well-Being Index WHO-5: hedonistic foundation and practical limitations

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amalie Oxholm Kusier ◽  
Anna Paldam Folker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Philosophical Foundation ◽  
Philosophical Theory ◽  
Satisfaction Theory

Research and policymaking on positive mental health and well-being have increased within the last decade, partly fueled by decreasing levels of well-being in the general population and among at-risk groups. However, measurement of well-being often takes place in the absence of reflection on the underlying theoretical conceptualisation of well-being. This disguises the fact that different rating scales of well-being often measure very different phenomena because rating scales are based on different philosophical assumptions, which represent radically different foundational views about the nature of well-being. The aim of this paper is to examine the philosophical foundation of the Well-Being Index WHO-5 in order to clarify the underlying normative commitments and the psychometric compromises involved in the translation of philosophical theory into practice. WHO-5 has been introduced as a rating scale that measures the affective and hedonistic dimensions of well-being. It is widely used within public health and mental health research. This paper introduces the philosophical theory of Hedonism and explores how two central assumptions that relate to hedonistic theory are reflected in the construction of WHO-5. The first concerns ‘the hedonic balance’, that is the relation between positive and negative emotions. The second assumption concerns ‘the value of emotions’, that is, how to determine the duration and intensity of emotions. At the end, Hedonism is contrasted with Life Satisfaction Theory, an alternative foundational theory of well-being, in order to clarify that the outlook of WHO-5 is more a rating system of positive affect than a cognitive judgement of overall life satisfaction. We conclude that it is important to examine the philosophical foundation of rating scales of well-being, such as WHO-5, in order to be fully able to assess the magnitude as well as the limits of their results.

scholarly journals Black women and COVID-19: The need for targeted mental health research and practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 247-255
Author(s):  
Quenette L Walton ◽  
Rosalyn Denise Campbell ◽  
Joan M Blakey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Women’S Mental Health ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Women's Mental Health ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Health And Well Being

COVID-19 has significantly impacted a substantial number of Black Americans. Black women, in particular, are facing challenges financially, physically, and mentally during this unprecedented time. Between serving as frontline workers, being concerned about contracting the virus, contributing to their families financially, and worrying about their loved ones’ health, Black women are experiencing great strain on their mental health and well-being. These stressors illustrate the need for social work researchers and practitioners to address Black women’s mental health. This paper presents our reflections, experiences, and response to COVID-19 as Black women and scholars. Guided by our reflections and personal experiences, we put forth suggestions and reflexive thoughts for social work researchers and practitioners to prioritize Black women’s mental health during and after these unprecedented times.

Comparisons of Narrative Psychotherapy to Conventional CBT for the Psychotherapy of Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s779-s779
Author(s):  
L. Mehl-Madrona ◽  
B. Mainguy
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Narrative Therapy ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Young Mania

IntroductionThere is ongoing debate about about both the value of psychotherapy in psychotic disorders and the best type of psychotherapy to use if necessary.MethodsWe conducted narrative psychotherapy with 18 adults, all diagnosed as having bipolar disorder with psychotic features and/or schizo-affective disorder. Outcome data consisted of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, the Clinical Global Impressions Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales, the My Medical Outcome Profile, Version 2(MYMOP2), and the Outcome Rating Scales of Duncan and Miller. We compare the outcomes of our patients to those of a matched comparison group receiving conventional psycho-education and cognitive behavioural therapy. Patients were seen for a minimum of 16 weeks over an average of 22 weeks. Average age was 31.5 years with a standard deviation of 8.1 years.ResultsThe narrative therapy group showed statistically significant reductions in all outcome measures compared to the conventional treatment group. They continued treatment significantly longer and had fewer re-hospitalizations. They were less distressed by voices.ConclusionsA narrative psychotherapy approach using dialogical theory and therapy ideas is a reasonable approach for the psychotherapy of psychosis. Review of psychotherapy notes showed that narrative approaches allowed the therapist to align with the patient as collaborator in considering the story presented and was therefore less productive of defensiveness and self-criticism than conventional approaches. The therapy included techniques for negotiating changes in illness narratives, identity narratives, and treatment narratives that were more conducive of well-being and recovery.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Exploring the antecedents of the mental health of business professionals in Sweden

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 665-669
Author(s):  
Timur Uman ◽  
Pernilla Broberg ◽  
Torbjörn Tagesson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Welfare ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Business Professionals ◽  
Mental Strain ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND: Business professionals are an important occupational group that carries responsibility for the economic welfare of organizations and of society at large. These professionals have recently been reported to be experiencing increased mental strain, which may have a significant effect on the role they play in organizations and in society. Understanding the causes of this strain is thus an important endeavour. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the antecedents of the mental health of business professionals. METHODS: Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between business professionals’ mental health and its demographic, work-related, and other triggers. T-tests and descriptive statistics were used to explore the gender of the respondents in relation to these triggers and mental health. RESULTS: Compared with their male counterparts, female business professionals report poorer mental health; however, no gender differences were found in job satisfaction or life satisfaction. According to this study, age, overtime pay, higher salary and position as a manager have a positive relation with mental health, whereas working overtime has a negative relation with mental health. Job satisfaction and life satisfaction are important determinants of the mental health of business professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Business professionals are important to the economic welfare of their organization and of society as a whole. Our study suggests that demographic characteristics, work-related aspects and subjective dimensions of well-being have a profound effect on the mental health of business professionals.

scholarly journals Subjective Well-being, Mental Health and Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From the Global South

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Lina Martínez ◽  
Valeria Trofimoff ◽  
Isabella Valencia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global South ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Study Results

COVID-19 pandemic is harming many social and economic spheres beyond physical health. The subjective well-being of the population (positive emotions and life satisfaction) and the prevalence of stressors affecting good mental health like worry, depression, and anxiety are increasing worldwide. This analysis presents evidence of subjective well-being and mental health in Colombia, South America, during the current crisis. The data for this analysis comes from an online survey released after one month of quarantine. In total, 941 adults participated in the study. Results show that women are more affected by their well-being and experience more often worry, depression, and anxiety than males. In particular, younger women and from the lower socioeconomic strata. Respondents identify three primary concerns because of the pandemic: i) financial consequences, ii) health (personal and loved one's health), and iii) productivity. Respondents are, on average, more concerned for the health of loved ones than their health. 49% of study participants report having an income reduction as a consequence of the pandemic, but women in all subgroups analyzed are more affected than males. In terms of productivity –working remotely-, educated people, and from 50+ age range, feels more productive working from home. Evidence from this analysis contributes to the broader research of the consequences of COVID-19 on the well-being of the population. Evidence comes from a country in the global South with high population ratings of subjective well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction before the pandemic. 

scholarly journals Mediating Effect of Personal Meaning in the Prediction of Life Satisfaction and Mental Health Problems Based on Coronavirus Suffering

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gökmen Arslan ◽  
Murat Yıldırım ◽  
Mega M. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Personal Meaning ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Health And Well Being

Research Problem: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a multi-faceted crisis worldwide. Researchers and health authorities in various parts of the world echoed the dire condition of the public's mental health. This study sought to examine the mediating effect of personal meaning on the association between coronavirus (COVID-19)-related suffering, mental health problems, and life satisfaction. Participants included 231 adults (mean age = 46.65 ± 13.98; 68% female) and completed measures of suffering related to COVID-19, meaning, life satisfaction, and mental health problems online.Results: Findings from mediation analysis showed that suffering had significant associations with personal meaning, mental health, and well-being. Furthermore, personal meaning was significantly associated with adults' mental health and well-being and mediated the negative effect of suffering on mental health and well-being.Discussion: Overall, results from this study indicate that personal meaning is an important promotive factor that may help to understand the negative effect of coronavirus-related suffering on mental health and well-being amid the public health crisis.

scholarly journals Emotional Intelligence: Continuing Controversies and Unresolved Issues

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 12-24
Author(s):  
Hassan Mohebbi ◽  
Christine Coombe ◽  
Robert Kirkpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Emotional Information ◽  
Occupational Success

Emotional Intelligence (EI), defined as the “capacity to process emotional information accurately and efficiently” (Mayer & Salovey, 1995), has recently become one of the most discussed issues in different fields. There has been a great deal of discussion both for and against its potential role in education. In fact, it is argued that there is a significant relationship between EI and success in various aspects of life, including life satisfaction, mental health, self-efficacy, psychological well-being, occupational success, and academic achievement. However, there is a gap with regard to EI and its potential role and application in various fields and contexts. The intention of this paper is to stimulate debate and encourage further research about EI through discussing its definitions, constituents, theoretical framework, measurements, and the criticisms leveled against its alleged unfulfilled promise. Furthermore, we elaborate thoroughly on the directions for future research in this field of study.

High levels of anxiety and psychological well-being in college students: A dual factor model of mental health approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-41
Author(s):  
Katherine Carver ◽  
Hajar Ismail ◽  
Christopher Reed ◽  
Justin Hayes ◽  
Haifa Alsaif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Positive Rumination ◽  
High Life Satisfaction

Anxiety disorders are prevalent among college students and contribute to problems in social and academic functioning. The primary focus in the anxiety literature has been on symptoms and deficits in functioning rather than psychological well-being. The present study investigated the extent to which high levels of anxiety co-occurred with self-reported psychological well-being using a dual-factor model of mental health approach. Participants (n = 100) were categorized into two groups (high anxiety crossed with low and high life satisfaction), and groups were compared on several psychological well-being indicators. Supporting a dual-factor approach, students reporting high levels of anxiety and life satisfaction reported higher levels of hope, grit, gratitude, self-focused positive rumination, and savoring of positive emotions than students reporting high levels of anxiety and low levels of life satisfaction. Groups did not differ in emotion-focused positive rumination or in dampening of positive emotion. These results highlight well-being heterogeneity within individuals reporting high levels of anxiety, with implications for treatment and prevention efforts.

Effects of Perceived Public Regard on the Well-Being of Military Veterans

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-304
Author(s):  
Fred E. Markowitz ◽  
Sara M. Kintzle ◽  
Carl A. Castro ◽  
Steven L. Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Civilian Life ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Public Regard

Many military veterans face considerable challenges reintegrating into civilian life. Evidence suggests the general public holds conflicting attitudes toward veterans. This study examines how perceived public attitudes play a role in veterans’ mental health and well-being. Drawing from and extending interactionist theories of self-concept, stigma, and mental health recovery, we develop and estimate models for the relationships between internalized public attitudes toward veterans (perceived public regard), military identity–related self-worth (private regard), and well-being (depression, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction). Using survey data from the Chicagoland Veterans Study, we found that perceived public regard is negatively related to depression and positively related to self-efficacy and life satisfaction. The relationship between public regard and self-efficacy is fully mediated by private regard, and a significant part of the relationship between perceived public regard and both depression and life satisfaction is mediated by private regard. The study suggests avenues for extending theory and research related to military identity and public understanding of veterans as well as other groups where there may be conflicting public sentiment toward them.

scholarly journals Mental Health & Resiliency: Designing Participatory Nature Dependent Environments and Communities for a Sustainable Future

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Beam ◽  
Nawari O. Nawari ◽  
Bill Tilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Community Planning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Natural Environments

Sustainable design trends have historically wended down a road that supports the idea of densely populated urban planning as a strategy for mitigating sprawl. Creation of dense urban areas aims at the reduction of carbon emissions. However, studies show that densely populated areas often come with a panacea of mental health, resiliency, and quality of life ails for a community.The following research explores the possibility of combining densely populated design approaches with ancient community planning methods that encourage relationship building: close contact with natural environments and social interchange. Community planning that also creates a day to day contact with nature could be a crucial strategy for both sustaining healthy ecosystems and the development of sustainable communities. The potential for integrating dependence upon nature within built urban environments, as well as the possibility of positive place-making by harvesting nature dependent cultural and social assets in communities and neighborhoods, is, therefore, a wealthy area worthy of exploration.To explore these areas, mental health research on the effects of nature on the brain, as well as the three leading determinants of social, environmental and economic well-being, worldwide, and the founding cultures of these determinants were reviewed. Resilient indigenous groups and case studies of the happiest nation, of Norway and two leading environmentally sustainable and resilient countries, Costa Rica, Cuba, and New Mexico are examined. The paper provides recommendations for improving mental health and resilience by integrating strategies for nature and community needs in urban planning and built environments design.

scholarly journals Check the effects: systematic assessment of antipsychotic side-effects in an inpatient cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 204512532095711
Author(s):  
Caroline Hynes ◽  
Stephen McWilliams ◽  
Mark Clarke ◽  
Ita Fitzgerald ◽  
Larkin Feeney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Adherence Assessment ◽  
Dose Combination ◽  
Antipsychotic Side Effects

Background: Antipsychotics are associated with a range of side-effects that can influence patients’ subjective well-being negatively resulting in poor adherence. In order to limit the negative consequences of side-effects, they should be regularly systematically assessed. The aim of this study was to systematically assess antipsychotic side-effects in an inpatient cohort using validated rating scales. Methods: Eligible individuals prescribed an antipsychotic for at least 2 weeks were invited to have their side-effects assessed systematically. Results: A total of 208 individuals were assessed systematically for antipsychotic side-effects; 71.5% ( n = 138) stated that they had not reported side-effects to their clinician prior to the assessment. The most commonly reported side-effects were daytime drowsiness (75%), dry mouth (58.2%) and weight gain (50.0%), while the most distressing side-effects reported were erectile dysfunction (35.0%), sexual dysfunction (26.3%) and amenorrhoea (26.3%). There was no evidence of an association between side-effect severity/number of side-effects reported/distress caused by those taking high dose/combination antipsychotics versus standard dose monotherapy. Conclusion: Side-effects must be regularly and systematically assessed using a validated rating scale. As distress caused by side-effects plays a major role in non-adherence, assessment should examine distress and data on distressing side-effects should be available to those choosing an antipsychotic. Given the lack of correlation between high dose/combination antipsychotics and side-effects, treatment should be tailored to the individual based on response/tolerance and dose reduction/avoidance of polypharmacy should not be recommended to minimise side-effects.

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