Experiencing Yourself: Existential Well-Being as a Pathway to Inner Growth

Tetiana Danylova; Nataliia Kryvda; Ihor  Hoian; Olena  Pavlova; Iryna  Matviienko; Galyna  Poperechna; Svіtlana  Storozhuk

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.346

Authors

Tetiana Danylova Institute for Social and Political Psychology, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0297-9473
Nataliia Kryvda Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7429-7693
Ihor Hoian Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2548-0488
Olena Pavlova National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0593-1336
Iryna Matviienko National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0606-0544
Galyna Poperechna Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Ternopil, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2191-9908
Svіtlana Storozhuk Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7947-6268

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.346

Keywords:

mental health, well-being, existential well-being, Existentialism, Philosophy, Existential Positive Psychology, Happiness, Identity, Existential Guilt, Social Exclusion, Existential Loneliness, Meaning In Life, Culture, Death Anxiety

Abstract

Introduction: Positive mental health has been recognized as a key element of well-being; therefore, mental health professionals increasingly focus on its positive dimensions – optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, self-acceptance, purpose in life and self-efficacy. However, interpretation of mental health and well-being through this lens faces challenges, since humans still cannot solve complex existential problems and overcome painful human experiences as they are a part of human life.

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the concept of existential well-being from the perspective of philosophy and mental health.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. We conducted a systematic search in the electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Relevant studies were identified using search terms: well-being, existential well-being, existential positive psychology, mental health, philosophy, existentialism, culture, death anxiety, meaning in life, existential loneliness, social exclusion, existential guilt, identity, happiness. The authors used phenomenological philosophical and hermeneutic approaches, as well as the interpretive research paradigm.

Results: Being a human, it is impossible to avoid existential challenges and to maintain unchanging positive mental and emotional states. Facing and dealing with a borderline situation such as illness, suffering, struggle, guilt or death, people tend to reflect more intensely on existential questions. Within the framework of existential psychodynamics, the basic conflict of an individual is determined by his/her confrontation with the givens of existence: death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness, identity, pursuit of happiness. Existential conflicts, which are linked to depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, personality disorders, are generated by the individual’s confrontation with any of these givens. Thus, the search for existential well-being has become inevitable, as existential well-being can act as a predictor of quality of life and may be seen an internal coping resource to deal with borderline life situations.

Conclusion: In the modern world, in which the aggravation of existential problems has reached monstrous proportions, and more and more people, terrorized by wars, catastrophes, economic, environmental, social, political, cultural problems, reject traditional ideas and feel cut off from the integral fabric of existence, existential well-being becomes especially important. The concept of existential well-being expands our understanding of overall well-being, enhances our abilities to achieve sustainable well-being by addressing the deepest layers of human nature and providing awareness of the need for existential growth.

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