Lycka och livskvalitet ? Vägen till välbefinnande
En studie om den subjektiva upplevelsen av psykiskt välbefinnande
The main purpose of this study was to examine how people who have felt mentally bad, describe their subjective experience of what leads to a mental well-being. The overall research questions were; how does the individual define mental well-being, how does the individual describe the turning-point during her tough period, and in what way does the individual consider that her own effort has influenced her well-being? In order to answer these questions, qualitative research interviews were conducted with persons who?ve felt mentally bad and who?ve got some kind of professional help, and who think that they have a mental well-being today. The empirical material was analyzed from a theoretical resilience perspective. The study?s result showed first of all, that there are different ways to define well-being. The most significant factors to achieve well-being, seemed to be positive, quality relations and a supportive social network. This appeared to be strengthening and creates resilience. Other factors that appeared to be strengthening for the development of resilience and well-being, are for example high self-esteem and competence. The result also showed that professional help seemed to have been important. Risk-factors that were found in the study are for example an unfavourable childhood environment, insecurity and early unhealthy relations. The study indicated that resilience in individuals can have different strength.