Summary: For decades, \u201cmental wellbeing\u201d has been a fuzzy, catch-all term that meant different things to different people. A landmark study has finally provided the world\u2019s first international consensus.<\/p>\n
By surveying 122 global experts across 11 disciplines\u2014from economics to theology\u2014researchers identified 19 dimensions of positive mental health. The core takeaway? Being \u201cwell\u201d isn\u2019t just about the absence of sadness; it is a specific combination of how we feel, how we function, and how we connect.<\/p>\n
Key Facts<\/p>\n
The \u201cBlood Pressure\u201d Comparison: Lead researcher Dr. Matthew Iasiello notes that defining wellbeing is like measuring blood pressure\u2014without a standardized definition, the results of studies and policies are meaningless.Wellbeing vs. Illness: The study confirms that positive mental health is separate from mental illness. This means a person can have high mental wellbeing even while managing a condition like depression or anxiety.Drivers vs. Definitions: Factors like physical health, income, and housing were classified as drivers of wellbeing, but not the definition of it. You can have money and a house but still lack the psychological factors of \u201cbeing well.\u201dBeyond \u201cFeeling Good\u201d: The consensus emphasizes that positive mental health isn\u2019t about being happy all the time; it\u2019s about having the psychological tools to live a meaningful life even when things are difficult.A Taxonomy for Policy: This new \u201cblueprint\u201d allows governments, workplaces, and schools to design programs that target specific, agreed-upon areas of human flourishing.<\/p>\n
Source: University of Adelaide<\/p>\n
For decades, \u2018mental wellbeing\u2019 has been one of the most used, but least agreed upon, terms in mental health. Now, a landmark study led by Adelaide University and\u00a0Be Well Co\u00a0has brought alignment to one of mental health\u2019s most fundamental questions \u2013 what does it actually mean to be well?<\/p>\n
Conducted in partnership with Australian and international academics, and published in\u00a0Nature Mental Health\u00a0today, the study is the first to achieve international consensus on what constitutes positive mental health and what does not.<\/p>\n
Surveying 122 global experts across 11 disciplines, researchers achieved agreement (75%+ consensus) on 19 dimensions, with near\u2011unanimous agreement (90%+ consensus) on six factors that are essential to positive mental health:<\/p>\n
Meaning and purpose \u2013 feeling life is worthwhile and goal\u2011directedLife satisfaction \u2013 overall evaluation that your life is goodSelf\u2011acceptance \u2013 positive and non\u2011judgemental view of selfConnection \u2013 close, caring relationships with othersAutonomy \u2013 feeling in control of choices and self\u2011expressionHappiness \u2013 frequent positive mood and cheerfulness.<\/p>\n
The definition is designed to inform how mental wellbeing is measured, supported and promoted across healthcare, workplaces and public policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy agreeing that positive mental health isn\u2019t a single feeling, but a combination of how we feel, how we function and how we connect with others, the study brings much\u2011needed clarity to the field,\u201d said Adelaide University researcher\u00a0Dr Matthew Iasiello.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor too long, mental wellbeing has been defined in different ways across research, healthcare and government, making it almost impossible to compare evidence or design effective policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cImagine if there were 150 different ways of measuring blood pressure \u2013 the results would be meaningless. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to agree on what positive mental health is, and what it isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Factors such as physical health, income, housing, coping strategies and spirituality were determined not to define positive mental health, instead being considered important drivers of it.<\/p>\n
Importantly, the study confirms that positive mental health is separate from mental illness, meaning people can experience mental wellbeing even while living with a mental health condition.<\/p>\n
Across 11 disciplines (Economics, Medicine, Nursing, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Positive Psychology, Public Health, Sociology and Theology), researchers confirmed a total of 19 dimensions of mental wellbeing*, including the six dominant factors.<\/p>\n
\u201cPositive mental health isn\u2019t about feeling good all the time,\u201d Dr Matthew Iasiello said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about having a combination of emotional wellbeing, psychological functioning, and social connection that helps you live a meaningful, manageable life, even when things might be hard.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this way, positive mental health is less about feeling good all the time, and more about having the right combination of factors to cope, live well, and experience life as meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people can better recognise which parts of their wellbeing are strong, and which might need support it gives them a clearer sense of where to focus their efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Co-researcher, Adelaide University and Be Well Co\u2019s\u00a0Dr Joep van Agteren\u00a0said the research is not only about advancing scientific understanding, but essential to guide mental health policy, programs and measurement tools.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorkplaces, government organisations and community groups often need help to build the conditions that help their people to thrive,\u201d Dr van Agteren said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstanding what makes up positive mental wellbeing helps individuals and organisations focus on what can really makes a difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s government departments creating spaces for connection, or teachers building optimism in kids at school, many of us are already contributing to wellbeing without realising it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope that this taxonomy can further strengthen the efforts of anyone who is trying to do their part in making people feel their best, in Australia and beyond, is worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n
The findings underscore the importance of a shared definition for guiding research, policy and practice going forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t build what you can\u2019t define,\u201d said senior author and Associate Professor Dan Fassnacht, University of the Sunshine Coast.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the first time, we have a scientifically agreed blueprint for what good mental health actually looks like \u2013 and that changes everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Key Questions Answered:Q: If I\u2019m not \u201chappy\u201d today, does that mean I don\u2019t have positive mental health?<\/p>\n
A: Not at all. Happiness is just one of the six core pillars. If you feel a strong sense of meaning, have close connections, and feel in control of your life (autonomy), you can still have high mental wellbeing even during a sad or stressful week.<\/p>\n
Q: Why was \u201cincome\u201d or \u201cspirituality\u201d left out of the definition?<\/p>\n
A: The experts categorized these as drivers, not the state itself. Think of it like a car: Gasoline (income) and a GPS (spirituality) help the car run and find its way, but they aren\u2019t the \u201ccar\u201d (the mental state) itself. The definition focuses on the internal psychological engine.<\/p>\n
Q: How will this change my workplace or doctor\u2019s visit?<\/p>\n
A: Until now, a workplace \u201cwellbeing\u201d program might have just meant a free yoga class. With this new blueprint, organizations can target specific gaps\u2014like increasing employee autonomy or fostering deeper social connection\u2014leading to programs that actually move the needle on how people feel.<\/p>\n
Editorial Notes:This article was edited by a Neuroscience News editor.Journal paper reviewed in full.Additional context added by our staff.About this mental health research news<\/p>\n
Author:\u00a0Annabel Mansfield<\/a>
Source:\u00a0Adelaide University<\/a>
Contact:\u00a0Annabel Mansfield \u2013 Adelaide University
Image:\u00a0The image is credited to Neuroscience News<\/p>\n