The Enhancement of Psychological Wellness: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This reprinted chapter originally appeared in American Journal of Community Psychology, 1994(Apr), 22(2), 149-179. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1995-10817-001). Develops the concept of psychological wellness and argues that proportionally more resources should be directed to the pursuit of this goal. Five pathways to wellness are considered, implicating aspects of individual development and the impact of contexts, settings, and policies. The 5 pathways are as follows: forming wholesome early attachments; acquiring age- and ability-appropriate competencies, engineering settings that promote adaptive outcomes, fostering empowerment, and acquiring skills needed to cope effectively with life stressors. Although these noncompeting pathways have differential salience at different ages and for different groups and life conditions, each is an essential element in any comprehensive social plan to advance wellness. Examples of effective programs are cited in all 5 areas, including recent comprehensive, long-term programs embodying multiple pathways to wellness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)