Eudaimonia and Modern Psychology
Models of eudaimonia in psychology emerged out of early work on self-actualisation and the means of its accomplishment by researchers such as Erikson, Allport, and Maslow. The psychologist C. D. Ryff highlighted the distinction between eudaimonia wellbeing, which she identified as psychological wellbeing, and hedonic wellbeing or pleasure. Building on Aristotelian ideals of belonging and benefiting others, flourishing, thriving and exercising excellence, she conceptualised eudaimonia as a six-factor structure :
- Autonomy
- Personal growth
- Self-acceptance
- Purpose in life
- Environmental mastery
- Positive relations with others.
Importantly, she also produced scales for assessing mental health.
This factor structure has been debated, but has generated much research in wellbeing, health and successful aging.
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