Publication

Five Ways to Wellbeing: The Evidence

Published on 21 October 2008

Commissioned by the Government’s Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, this report recommends five ways towards wellbeing. It presents the evidence and rationale between each of the five ways, drawing on a wealth of psychological literature.

nef was commissioned by the Government’s Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing to develop a set of evidence-based actions to improve personal wellbeing. In this report, nef presents the evidence and rationale between each of the actions, drawing on a wealth of psychological and economic literature.

The 2008 Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project aims to analyse the most important drivers of mental capital and wellbeing to develop a long-term vision for maximising mental capital and wellbeing in the UK for the benefits of society and the individual.

The concept of wellbeing comprises two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for wellbeing is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing.

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authors
Aked, J., Marks, N. Cordon, C. and Thompson, S.

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