Well Being is a complex and multi-dimensional construct that is shaped by our actions, thoughts and experiences. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a state of health, happiness and comfort.” Although there are many types of well-being, a number of areas are important, including emotional wellbeing, physical wellness and social wellbeing.
A recent study used data from the European Social Survey to explore the ten dimensions of good mental health. They developed a composite measure of well-being that is designed to be standardized to the population. This method provides more insight than a single item measure, and allows for a more robust approach for policy purposes.
A single score based on ten dimensions is also useful for targeting interventions. It allows for a broad assessment of national patterns and helps to provide an accurate representation of individual well-being.
However, a more detailed method would be more appropriate for capturing well-being as a multi-dimensional construct. These approaches can help identify strengths and weaknesses within a population, and improve the efficiency of interventions.
For example, they can be used to determine which dimensions are well-understood and which are not, a task that is difficult to accomplish with a single item measure. Moreover, they can be used to find at-risk populations and provide additional insight.
Another useful tool for measuring well-being is a composite score based on ten individual well-being dimensions. This method is particularly useful for investigating and exploring the different ways in which people’s well-being varies over time. In addition, it provides a standardized score that can be used as a macro-indicator for a nation’s overall well-being.