The Eudaimonics of Health: Exploring the Promise of Positive Well-Being and Healthier Living

Abstract

With the emergence of positive psychology, researchers and practitioners have developed a greater appreciation for the relevance of subjective experience in the quality of everyday living. Hence, eudaimonia, with its emphasis on optimal functioning, has received more attention due to its potential for understanding and enhancing the human condition. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the role of eudaimonia in enhancing human health. The first part of the chapter presents a conceptual/definitional overview of both health and eudaimonia concepts. In the second part, a selective review examines findings of the research with an emphasis on the dynamic interplay among eudaimonia, hedonia, and health. A significant focus of this section is to explore the nature of the relationship among eudaimonia and hedonia, related constructs such as meaning and purpose, and health outcomes and behaviors across the lifespan. The final section presents a discussion of the key issues involving the eudaimonia-health relationship as well as interventions for enhancing the connection between eudaimonic enhancement and health behavior change.