Thriving in Life

  • Margaret L. Kern
  • , Jessie Sun

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Thriving refers to subjective and objective success—feeling and functioning well—across multiple domains of life (e.g., physical, mental, cognitive, social, functional, economic). It goes beyond success at a single point in time, as well-being is dynamic in nature, and is affected by numerous factors, including one's personality, habitual behaviors, social relationships, socioeconomic status (SES), the environment, and cultural aspects. A growing body of literature suggests that proactively supporting and building individual and communal well-being allows people to not only survive but to truly thrive in life. At the individual and organizational level, various interventions and activities have been developed to support and build well-being. Public health and public policy are well suited to target the external context—creating the conditions needed for members of the community to prosper. As a whole, thriving in life is a complex, multiply-determined phenomenon.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Wiley Encyclopedia of Health Psychology
Subtitle of host publicationBiological Bases of Health Behavior: Volume 1, The Social Bases of Health Behavior: Volume 2, Clinical Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: Volume 3, Special Issues in Health Psychology: Volume 4
Publisherwiley
PagesV2:763-V2:771
ISBN (Electronic)9781119057840
ISBN (Print)9781119057833
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

Keywords

  • flourishing
  • health promotion
  • life trajectories
  • lifespan perspective
  • positive psychology interventions
  • public policy
  • socioecological perspective
  • well-being

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thriving in Life'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this