Psychological health and well-being: A research agenda for the Eastern Townships

Whether conceived of as a momentary state or as an ongoing process of growth and adaptation to changing life circumstances, well-being has become the focus of much research in recent years. Quality of life, wellness, happiness, and thriving are related terms used by researchers that similarly convey the notion of experiencing life as something positive and satisfying. The term psychological health and well-being further delineates this idea by suggesting that psychological health is central to the experience of well-being. In 2009, Bishop’s University identified psychological health and well-being as one its four strategic research areas which focuses on finding ways to improve the health and well-being of individuals and the communities. The Psychological Health and Well-being Research Cluster is the research group with members from the Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Business, whose activities are aligned with this aim. Their overall objective is to produce knowledge regarding how people and groups within the community can pursue their goals in ways that support health and well-being, and to identify the tools to help them achieve this. As the recently appointed Tier II Canada Research Chair for the Psychological Health and Well-being research cluster at Bishop’s University it is my pleasure to have this opportunity to present and discuss this important topic. In this paper I will outline current conceptualizations of psychological health and well-being, and why it is an important goal both for individuals and communities. More specifically I will discuss the possible ways that the recently created Psychological Health and Well-being Research cluster at Bishop’s University proposes to study the means to ensure that the people of the Eastern Townships thrive and remain healthy and vibrant.