The prevalence of levels of well-being revisited in an African context

Abstract

Little is known about the prevalence of levels of psychosocial well-being in various contexts. This chapter considers some conceptual challenges and reports on findings with regard to the prevalence of levels of psychosocial well-being against the theoretical backdrop of Keyes' mental health continuum model in several groups in an African context. The percentages of flourishing in most of these South African groups are higher than those in the United States, particularly in students and black African participants, whereas the percentages of languishing are similar. Further empirical research is required to establish the role of contextual, historical, and sociodemographic variables in psychosocial well-being. Further conceptualization and exploration with regard to possible patterns of well-being are indicated.