The Process-Based Model of Wellbeing: Theory, Assessment, and Clinical Applications - Robert P. Nolan

This volume advances a new process-based theory of well-being by guiding readers through a critical review of the theoretical foundations of well-being, to a model of assessment, and finally to intervention protocols to promote well-being across diverse settings, like health and mental health clinics, the workplace, and the architectural design of our living space. It adopts a systems framework that views well-being as a dynamic network that emerges from our complex interactions with bio-psycho-social domains of our living environment. The volume, first, draws from ancient Stoicism and modern existential philosophy to revise existing theoretical frameworks. Second, it presents findings from interview studies and psychometric research that identify prototypical types of activities that are a meaningful part of our effort to live well, even when managing life stressors. This descriptive feedback is applied prescriptively as a guide for self-care or counseling. The volume, finally, outlines future research agenda, from a process-based perspective, to how we might improve our ability to promote well-being across diverse settings.

This volume is for a wide cross-section of readers who are looking for a novel, evidence-based model of well-being that is theoretically informed, and that can be readily applied in assessment and intervention programs. It is practically useful for social workers, program administrators, allied health professionals, and medical personnel involved in programs/services in public health, health care clinics, community-based counseling, and workplace health. It will also be of primary interest to researchers and students interested in health, well-being, health-related quality of life, patient-reported outcomes, and patient-centered care, in the health and social sciences or applied philosophy.