This paper describes an exploratory study aimed at understanding peoples perceptions and experiences of wellbeing. As health and wellbeing are considered by world and national health authorities to be closely related, occupational therapists along with other health workers need to know more about wellbeing, particularly from the perspective of ‘the people’.
Using a questionnaire, seven cluster samples of 20 people, giving a total of 140 participants, were asked to define their concept of wellbeing, how it felt to them and how often they experienced the feeling. Data were also collected about nationality, marital status, employment, income, religion and levels of education because these have been identified as affecting wellbeing. In this study, wellbeing was described as happiness, peace, mind and body health and self-esteem, and was strongly associated with occupations as varied as work, relaxation and dressing up; relationships; and environments. No particular associations were found with any of the demographic data.
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