Promoting Well-being: Positive Psychology & Behavior Change

Understanding Well-being and Health

Contrary to popular belief, illness is not merely the absence of health, and being healthy does not necessarily mean that a person is well in all respects, both psychologically and physically. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

The Rise of Positive Psychology

In the last 60 years, psychologists have used the Disease Model to help alleviate suffering. However, a contemporary challenge in psychology is discovering how to promote health and improve people's lives. This is the central focus of positive psychology.

Techniques for Enhancing Well-being

Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, proposes various techniques to enhance well-being, such as:

• Performing altruistic acts
• Reflecting on loved ones and expressing gratitude
• Planning a "beautiful day" and using savoring and mindfulness to enhance pleasure

These actions can significantly improve an individual's sense of well-being.

The Impact of Behavior on Health

Our actions can have profound consequences on our health. Unhealthy behaviors can increase the risk of illness. Therefore, health psychologists must develop techniques to modify these behaviors.

The Theory of Planned Behavior

One effective approach to changing behavior is the Theory of Planned Behavior. This model suggests that our choices are influenced by our attitudes and beliefs. For a person to adopt a new behavior, three conditions must be met:

1. Positive Attitude: The individual must have a positive attitude towards the behavior.
2. Social Pressure: They must perceive social pressure to engage in the behavior (normative beliefs and subjective norms).
3. Perceived Control: They must feel in control of the behavior (perceived behavioral control).

By influencing these factors, psychologists can encourage behavior change.

Applying the Theory: An Example

Consider the example of a smoker. To encourage them to quit, one could:

• Highlight that most people do not smoke, creating a social norm against smoking.
• Emphasize the positive outcomes of quitting, such as a longer lifespan, improved fitness, financial savings, and the absence of unpleasant odors.
• Boost their confidence in their ability to quit by sharing success stories and offering support, such as nicotine patches or gum.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Health

Promoting health involves various techniques. We can enhance well-being by reinforcing positive attitudes, as suggested by Martin Seligman's work. Alternatively, we can discourage risky behaviors using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Regardless of the specific method, the ultimate goal of health psychologists is to increase health and reduce illness, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.