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The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Adopting a proactive and a holistic approach to wellness as a
pathway to optimal living.
WellFolk was created to empower the next generation to take a comprehensive view of their health by actively monitoring and evaluating at least eight dimensions of wellness. Research indicates that each dimension is equally vital and linked to our well-being. Because problems in one area can adversely affect our overall health and significantly decrease our quality of life, we contend that a proactive and a holistic approach can be a helpful preventative health measure. As health researchers and practitioners, we are committed to creating a platform that provides empirically-supported information that is practical and applicable in the lives of young adults today. Join our mission by sharing your research or expertise, or through a creative collaboration.
Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness refers to the development of self-awareness, the ability to regulate our emotions and to cope effectively with stress.
We are currently focused on research trends in mental health,
the most widely used clinical interventions for particular mental health disorders, the effectiveness of mental health awareness programs, and changes in societal discourses regarding mental health.
Environmental Wellness
Environmental wellness involves being aware of the impact of our actions on the environment, understanding the limits of the earth's natural resources and occupying pleasant and invigorating surroundings that support well-being.
Our current interests include global initiatives for biodiversity conservation and environmental preservation practices, and
innovative personal and practical eco-friendly activities that can be applied at home or at work.
Financial Wellness
Financial wellness entails meeting ongoing financial obligations and feeling a sense of satisfaction with current and future financial plans.
We are currently interested in college debt trends, predominant causes of financial stress, innovative personal, and practical eco-friendly activities that can be used at home or at work.
Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual wellness refers to active participation in scholastic activities and the recognition of our creative abilities and skills.
Our current interests include stories that demonstrate the intention and pursuit of lifelong learning; activities, programs, and resources that develop critical thinking and inductive and deductive reasoning; and activities and programs that support continued education in civics, economics, geography, philosophy and the social sciences.
Social Wellness
Social wellness involves developing interpersonal connections that provide a sense of belonging and a well-developed support system. It includes the ability to be assertive, maintain intimacy, resolve conflict and to accept others different from ourselves.
Our current interests are social media's impact on emotional and relational health; implicit bias, intersectionality; relationship trends for cohabitation, marriage, and divorce; and social engagement patterns of single adults 30-40
years of age.
Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual wellness entails the process of developing a set of values that provides a personal framework for seeking meaning
and purpose in life.
We are currently interested in predominant philosophical and spiritual viewpoints and current religious trends; and spiritual / religious distress and coping as related to chronic illnesses and other life challenges.
Physical Wellness
Physical wellness refers to the ability to maintain a healthy body through exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and paying attention to the signs of illness.
We are currently focusing on trends in physical activity, nutrition, and self-care; new and innovative fitness and nutritional programs; and nutritious recipes that include "easy to find" ingredients.
Occupational Wellness
Occupational wellness reflects the extent to which our career provides personal satisfaction, enrichment, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Our current interests include uncommon or underrated career paths, the impact of workplace culture on personal autonomy and values, common approaches used to achieve work-life balance, and experiences of individuals who have changed career paths in the latter years of life.
References
Diener, E., Scollon, C., & Lucas, R. (2009). The evolving concept of subjective well-being: The multifaceted nature of happiness. Social Indicators Research Series, 39, 67-100. doi:
Dolan, P., Peasgood, T. & White, M. (2008). Do we really know what makes us happy? A review of the economic literature on the factors associated with subjective well-being. Journal of Economic Psychology, 29, 94-122.
Gordon, E., & Golanty, E. (2016). Health and wellness, twelfth edition. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2016). The eight dimensions of wellness. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/wellness.gov/wellness-initiative/eight-dimensions-wellness
Swarbrick, M. (2006). A wellness approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29(4), 3311-3314. doi: 10.2975/29.2006.311.314