Abstract

*Andrew P. Smith

ABSTRACT

Background: Well-being and health have been shown to be strongly associated. This relationship is bi-directional, with well-being influencing health and health changing well-being. This association was examined here using the well-being process model and a physical health questionnaire. Associations between well-being and health outcomes were examined. In addition, the predictors of well-being and physical health were identified. Methods: An online survey of 120 university staff (76.7% female; mean age: 36.8 years; age range 21-69 years) was carried out. They completed the Well-being Process Questionnaire (WPQ), the WHO-5 well-being scale, and the Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Results: Univariate analyses showed that the three well-being outcomes (positive well-being, negative well-being and WHO-5) were highly correlated. Physical health problems were significantly associated with negative well-being and showed a trend of being negatively correlated with positive well-being measures. Positive well-being was predicted by positive psychosocial variables (psychological capital, social support and positive coping) and negative well-being by negative psychosocial variables (job demands and negative coping). The established predictors of well-being were not significantly associated with physical health. Sleep and gastrointestinal problems were, however, associated with the well-being outcomes. Conclusion: Univariate analyses showed significant associations between well-being outcomes and physical health symptoms. However, factors predicting well-being and physical health were different. The well-being outcomes were associated with established predictors confirming the results of previous studies. Physical health was not associated with the well-being predictors but was correlated with the well-being outcomes.