by Magda Baczkowska
Research that focuses on psychological well-being reveals that there are two dimensions that are the most crucial for an optimal psychological functioning: purpose in life and personal growth.
The purpose in life dimension deals with the meaning of life. High scorers on that dimension, compared to low scorers, have many goals and possess a sense of direction that allows them to alertly connect to life. They hold beliefs or viewpoints that give their lives structure. Moreover, their experiences, past and present ones, are imbued with meaning.
The personal growth dimension deals with self-development. High scorers on that dimension, compared to low scorers, are continuously evolving. They are interested in and proactively engaged in life, they endlessly work on expanding their potential, they are open to new experiences, and they participate in self-understanding and self-improvement.
In addition, there are other dimensions that are also particularly relevant to psychological well-being. These are: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy and environmental mastery.
Therefore, it seems that the key to life satisfaction and thus to happiness is to live life with a purpose in mind and to develop along that purpose. It is also having a positive, accepting attitude towards the self and its good and bad qualities, engaging in warm, honest, empathetic relationships with others, being self-determining instead of succumbing to social pressures as well as feeling competent in dealing with one’s environment.
How would you score on these six dimensions?
** Information for this blog is based on research by Carol Ryff
Filed under: Sense of Purpose and Meaning
