Well-being Therapy: Theoretical Background, Clinical Implications, and Future DIrections

Abstract

Several studies have suggested that psychological well-being plays a buffering role in coping with stress and has a favorable impact on disease course. A specific psychotherapeutic strategy for increasing psychological well-being and resilience, well-being therapy, has been developed and validated in a number of randomized controlled trials. The findings indicate that flourishing and resilience can be promoted by specific interventions leading to a positive evaluation of one’s self, a sense of continued growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, the possession of quality relations with others, the capacity to manage affectively one’s life, and a sense of self-determination. A decreased vulnerability to depression and anxiety has been demonstrated after well-being therapy in high-risk populations. There are important implications for psychosomatic medicine, with special reference to improving quality of life and resilience to stressful life situations.