Centrality and Dimensionality of 14 Indicators of Mental Well-Being in Four Countries: Developing an Integrative Framework to Guide Theorizing and Measurement

The primary objective of this research is to develop an integrative framework for distinguishing and classifying well-being variables. Towards this end, rigorous data-descriptive methods are used to examine the centrality of well-being variables and to explore the underlying dimensions along which these variables differ. The study uses 14 well-being variables as postulated in the tripartite model of mental well-being, including variables from 3 clusters of hedonic, psychological and social well-being. Samples from Korea, Canada, Iran and the USA are used. Centrality is conceptualized and examined under a latent variable framework. Multidimensional scaling is used to examine the underlying dimensions in the structure of well-being variables. Results show that self-acceptance, environmental mastery and purpose in life are the most central variables, whereas the most peripheral variables are autonomy, social actualization and social coherence. Multidimensional scaling uncovered 2 dimensions underlying the well-being variables: “hedonic versus eudaimonic” and “personal versus social”, facilitating a dimensional understanding of well-being. The results contribute to building a consensus in the field of well-being to advance knowledge while avoiding reductionism. The findings have implications for creating, refining and broadening well-being theories, clarifying some of the conceptual and empirical confusions in the field, selecting well-being variables for different research purposes, developing new well-being scales and constructing well-being interventions.