A psychological-enriched version of Tiberius’ value-fulfillment theory of wellbeing

Abstract

This paper integrates Valerie Tiberius’ theory of wellbeing as value-fulfillment with a range of complementary theories from psychology, especially the psychology of the self. These theories include self-discrepancy theory, self-determination theory, self-verification theory, theories of multiple selves from developmental psychology, and the notion of contingencies of self-worth. Tiberius argues that wellbeing consists in the fulfillment of “appropriate” values, which are those values that are “emotionally, motivationally, and cognitively suited to a person.” The psychological theories and empirical results integrated herein provide a great deal of depth regarding how emotions, motivations, and cognitions fit together to guide processes of goal achievements and self-actualization, which is how psychologists speak of value-fulfillment. This depth allows Tiberius’ theory to respond more forcefully to a range of critiques, and also to explain the process by which appropriate values are identified, refined, and affirmed.