Basic psychological needs: a self-determination theory perspective on the promotion of wellness across development and cultures

The concept of wellbeing concerns a person's capacity for optimal functioning, and encompasses not only the issue of physical health, but also a sense of interest in one's surroundings, a confidence in being able to formulate and act to fulfil important goals, and the motivation and energy to persist in the face of obstacles. A 'well' being is able to maintain its vitality and to thrive within its everyday ecological context. Accordingly, there is increasing recognition that the study of human wellbeing must consider more than merely the physical requirements of persons, but it must also address the nutriments and processes entailed in psychological and social fitness.