Beyond us: Building collective wellbeing

Abstract

The mission of positive psychology is to explore and build wellbeing in the lives of individuals the world over; however, like all theoretical frameworks, its evolution propels researchers and practitioners into increasingly complex issues. Developments in the field promote a broader view on wellbeing, focusing on culture, religion, social interactions, and climate action. Global issues have encouraged the need for a systemic view of wellbeing that is beyond the remit of individuals and extends to organizations, governments and societies alike. In short, the time has come for a global, contextual and systemic understanding of wellbeing. Here, we address the development of these frameworks and three emerging areas as examples of their utility; namely, climate change, egalitarianism as an aid to inter-group relations, and the need for purposeful non-Western views of wellbeing.