Socio-affective well-being: what it is and how it influences us

One of the worst traps we can fall into when deciding how we want to live is to assume that only we influence our own well-being. That is why the concept of socio-affective well-being is so important.

Throughout this article we will see what socio-affective well-being consists of, and why it is a central concept of both psychology and the social sciences.

• Related article: "Psychological well-being: 15 habits to achieve it"

What is socio-affective well-being?

Socioaffective well-being is the set of biological, contextual and relational factors that allow us to feel goodin a global and holistic sense. In short, it is feeling good about yourself and the material and social context in which you live.

It is important to note, for example, that people who have all basic needs covered (that is, those that have to do with maintaining a good state of health in real time, or in the very short term) They can feel very bad for various reasons: a punishing work environment, a poor social life, etc

That is why, in the same way that mental disorders are not experienced simply "from inside out”, but the environment also influences how we live, the same happens with our welfare.

The concept of socio-affective well-being makes happiness and health go from being phenomena that must be treated individually to much more complex phenomena, for which the public and collective management of the around. Consequently, the public administration also has a duty to be concerned about this issue.

• Article by psychologist Bertrand Regader: "Metacognition: what it is, concept and theories"

Contextual elements that influence this

To help better understand what socio-emotional well-being consists of, it is good to review some examples of aspects of our environment that influence this. Let's see them.

1. Presence or absence of abuse

This is a very important element, and more taking into account that abuse is not always physical or involves injuries, but it can become psychological and very subtle.

• Related article: "The 9 types of abuse and their characteristics"

2. Amount of social and environmental stimuli

It is not the same to live in a place with a very rich variety of novelties and stimuli, than to do it in a lonely cabin in the middle of a desert. In the long run, monotony and lack of news leave a mark on mental health.

3. Presence or absence of discrimination

Discrimination continues to be a very present social problem that is suffered by various groups in vulnerable situations. For this reason, it has an impact on the socio-emotional well-being of the people who suffer this discrimination in their own flesh and, to a lesser extent, on that of the rest of the citizens, who have proof of the fragility of the social fabric in which they live.

• You may be interested in: "The 16 types of discrimination (and their causes)"

4. Presence of solidarity culture

Solidarity allows less favored people to receive help from those who are in a better situation. Due, It is a logic that runs in the opposite direction to individualism, and part of a collectivist conception of society in which socio-affective well-being is of great importance.

Socioaffective well-being in vital stages

The needs to which socio-affective well-being must respond evolve as we go through the stages of life. Let's look at several examples of this.

Childhood

During childhood, physical contact with the father or mother is especially important, as well as the existence of a rich communication both in content and in the affective charge that is expressed through gestures and language.

In addition, it is important to have a rich environment that promotes learning and the development of curiosity.

Adolescence

In adolescence, the fact of having healthy relationships with peer group members (friends and classmates). Our own identity and self-esteem develop, to a large extent, depending on how other people treat us.

Post-adolescence

From the age of 15 to 20, approximately, the need for develop an independent life and perceive their own self-efficacy. Knowing that they are capable of doing everything that adults do allows them to feel part of society.

Adulthood

From approximately 20 to 45 years of age, social problems and intellectual concerns become more important. access to culture, to be able to learn in a self-taught way, they gain strength, since they seek to cultivate their own knowledge. In turn, one stops giving so much importance to the opinions of others about oneself, since the self-concept is much better consolidated than before.

Mature age

At this stage, stability tends to be valued more in relation to what has been achieved over the years. In the same way, the risk of isolation due to a frequent decline in the number of friendships it is also worrying and can jeopardize socio-affective well-being.