ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2021, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (3): 481-491.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2021.00481

• Regular Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Homeostasis and transition of well-being: A new integrative perspective

SUN Junfang1,2, XIN Ziqiang3, BAO Hugejiletu1,4, LIU Min1, YUE Heng1   

  1. 1School of Psychology, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 011517, China;
    2School of Educational Science, Jining Normal University, Wulanchabu 012000, China;
    3School of Sociology and Psychology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China;
    4School of Physical Education, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China
  • Received:2020-06-24 Online:2021-03-15 Published:2021-01-27

Abstract: Previous empirical and theoretical studies hold different views on the stability and variability of well-being (or subjective well-being). Set-point theory holds that well-being usually remains at a set-point, and dynamic equilibrium theory (and its variant—subjective well-being homeostasis theory) further emphasizes that well-being fluctuates in a dynamic equilibrium state within a certain set-point range. Similarly, hedonic adaptation theory considers the reasons for the stability of well-being from the perspective of emotional adaptation based on dynamic equilibrium theory. In sum, all three theories focus on how a certain equilibrium level of well-being is maintained. In contrast, sustainable happiness theory emphasizes that well-being can be improved and can undergo long-term changes. The essence of the difference between these theoretical perspectives lies in how the stability and variability of well-being are viewed. On the basis of the concepts of homeostasis and allostasis in biology and the concept of transition in physics, we believe that well-being has not only homeostasis, but also allostasis which can cause well-being homeostasis to adjust. This integrated perspective provides a new explanation framework for well-being research and has enlightening implications for the continuous improvement of well-being.

Key words: well-being, homeostasis, allostasis, transition, stability, variability

CLC Number: