Wellbeing literacy: A language-use capability relevant to wellbeing outcomes of positive psychology intervention

Abstract

ABSTRACT We introduce the concept of wellbeing literacy, a capability (what we can be and do), that involves intentional language use about and for wellbeing. Wellbeing literacy is a capability, rather than a positive psychology intervention (PPI) per se. Wellbeing literacy may provide novel ways to consider two key challenges to PPIs justified by randomised controlled trials: (1) the problem of generalizability of skills and knowledge claims across contexts; and (2) the problem that gains from interventions are not sustained. The five necessary conditions for wellbeing literacy are outlined to stimulate discussion of ways to operationalise and measure this construct to enable better PPI implementation and evaluation. In the context of PPIs, the empirical question remains: Is wellbeing literacy a mediator or moderator of wellbeing outcomes?