The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) is a measure of well-being based on aspects of positive mental health (Tennant et al., 2007). It describes well-being principally in terms of whether we are feeling and thinking well. Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy have been found to improve well-being based on the scale (Powell et al., 2013). Despite having been developed in western society, research also suggests that the model is suitable across different cultures (Stewart-Brown, 2013).

The Six-Factor Model of Well-being is a popular tool for measuring well-being that encompasses subjective, social and psychological aspects of wellness (Ryff & Keyes, 1995). The ‘six factors’ include self-acceptance, environmental mastery, positive relations, purpose in life, personal growth and autonomy. High scores for each of these factors may predict relative degrees of well-being. To try a personal survey based on the model, visit here.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing was developed by the London based think tank New Economics Foundation, and is described as “a set of evidence-based actions which promote people’s wellbeing” (NEF, 2008). These five steps can be used as a framework for both personal action and policy-making, and consist of the following: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice, and Give.

To read about ways in which models for well-being such as these are being studied and applied through policy and intervention, visit the Articles section. Alternatively, to share your own personal encounters with well-being, visit the Journey of Mind.