Psychological Well-Being: Panacea for Social-Cohesion and Peace Building

Psychological Well-Being: Panacea for Social-Cohesion and Peace Building

Michael Mbiriri

Mama Ngina University College, Kenya

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.903SEDU0336

Received: 12 June 2025; Accepted: 16 June 2025; Published: 18 July 2025

ABSTRACT

Psychologically health individuals form the bedrock and foundation for any society. Psychological well-being is conceptualized as amalgamation of positive affective state such as happiness and functioning with optimal strength and effectiveness in individual and social life. It is the combination of feeling good and functioning effectively. Psychological distress is an obvious risk and predictive factor for conflict and violation of societal values. Individuals who experience psychological ill-health are exposed to crime, violence and individualism. In addition, persons experiencing psychological disorder may be grossly selfish, callous, irresponsible, and impulsive and sometimes they are unable to feel guilty or learn from events and encounters. The modern society is experiencing decline of psychologically health individuals despite the public campaign efforts by World Health Organization (W.H.O) and various governments.  The stigma, social exclusion and discrimination that occurs around people with psychological distress compound the situation. Mental health illness is highly prevalent through the world and are major contribution to wars, conflicts and poor socio-economic growth. This paper will evaluate various forms of psychological well-being that can enable an individual to improve social cohesion and peace. The main trajectory of this article is that by neglecting various forms of mental health, advocates of peaceful co-existence will fail to understand one of the primary root causes of poor social cohesion and conflict. The paper is informed by methodology of close reading, exploratory survey as well as content analysis. This review showed that improving and enhancing individual’s psychological well-being can play a significant role in achieving social cohesion and establishing sustainable peace.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The importance of psychological well-being cannot be overemphasized. When psychological wellness is negatively affected it can cause negative behaviours that may not only affect mental health but can compromise interpersonal relationships and stability as well as peace in the society (Kim, S., & Esquivel, G. B., 2011). When mental well -being thrives, one’s quality of life may improve tremendously. This can give opportunity for greater participation in peace building as well as community development. Mental health impacts how one feels, think and behave each day (Katz, I., Eilot, K., & Nevo, N. (2014).

Our mental wellness also contributes to our decision making and thought processes, how we cope with stress and how we sustain peace in the community. Any form of negative or distress is likely to increase the likelihood of aggression. Stressful life events could produce aggression and violence because they create negative affect (Lederach,  P. 2012). Many acts of aggression are expression of grievances and informal social-control.

The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes psychological well-being as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities to cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make contributions to his or her community (Bhullar, N., Hine, D., & Phillips,J. (2014).Psychological well-being is a core feature of mental health , it includes hedonic (enjoyment and pleasure and happiness) and eudemonic (fulfilment ) and resilience as well as emotions regulations and health problem solving skills (Andrews, A., & Chong, J. (2011). Psychological well-being comprises of two components (high positive affect and low negative affect) and cognitive components (satisfaction with life). (Dona  T., & Knorr, A. ,2013). Sustainable psychological well-being does not require an individual to feel good all the time. They experience painful and negative emotions, to manage negative feelings is essential for the long term well-being. Psychological well-being is compromised when negative and painful emotions are extreme and last for a longer period and interferes with person’s ability to manage conflicts, maintain peace and function effectively (Theron,  C., & Theron,  C. 2014). Functioning effectively involves development of one’s potential and having self-control. These will go a long way in creating enabling   environment for peace ( Donais, T., & Knorr, C.,2013).Psychological well-being generally refers to positive mental wellness ,it can increase with age  and education  as well as extraversion and consciousness. The definition of the term peace has occupied the mind of great philosophers on non-academic level. The concept of peace has been in use in every day speech across culture from time to time. Nevertheless, peace is not a concept with generally acceptable definition because it varies from culture to culture. It depends on each cultural criterion, Peace is a mental constructs and cognitions. It is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. It is mainly used to refer to lack of conflict and freedom of violence between individuals or groups. Presence of peace normally leads to greater economic interactivity and prosperity. Psychological peace such as peaceful thinking and emotions is often a necessary precursor of behavioral harmony  (Gleditsch, P., Nordkvelle, J., & Strand, H. ,2014). The term peace originates from French word pais, which means harmony and absence of hostility (Chuma, A., & Ojielo, O.,2012). Peace theoretician John Gaithing often distinguishes between negative and positive peace. Negative is absence of violence. Positive peace is a state of complete physical, mental and social-well-being, negative peace (direct violence refers to act that impose immediate harm on a given subject or groups (Newman E., 2010). Positive peace refers to the absence of both direct violence as well as structural violence. Structural violence refers to the way the systems or institutions in society causes, reinforce or perpetuate direct violence. Psychological well-being enhancement aims at addressing structural violence by promoting peace building, mitigating harmful conflicts, exploitation and repression which negatively affects psychological health.  Psychological health and peace are interdependent in a fundamental causal fashion. Health and peace are linked and the two entities need to be addressed in integrated inter-dependence fashion (Visser, A., Garssen, B., & Vingerhoets, A., 2016). Psychological well-being is often termed as inner peace which refers to a state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the potential presence of stressors and distress (Acikgoz Cepni, S., & Kitis, Y., 2016). Peace of mind is often associated with happiness and contentment. In some cultures, inner peace is considered as a state of consciousness that may be achieved through various training such breathing exercises, prayer and meditation.  Through inner peace, genuine world peace can be achieved. An atmosphere of peace must be created within ourselves then gradually move to include families, communities and eventually the entire world. Peace building is an activity that aims at to resolve and develop psychological health persons, groups and political relationship across ethnic, class, national, and racial boundaries (Donais, T., & Knorr, A.,2013). Strategic peace building activities addresses the root causes of violence, creates a social expectation for peaceful conflict resolution and stabilizes society politically and social economically. Successful peace building activities normally enhances psychological well-being. Successful peace building activities creates an environmental supportive or self-sustaining activities, reconcile opponents, prevent conflicts from restarting and address underlying structural and societal issues (Amat, S., Subhan, M., Jaafar, W., Mahmud, Z., & Johari, K.,2014). Peacemaking on the other hand involves stopping an ongoing conflict, where’s peace building occurs before the conflict starts or once it ends. Mental health is viewed as state of psychological well-being, where an individual is able to cope with normal stresses of life. This state permits maintenance of peace, productive work as well as peace development and meaningful contribution to society (Brown, S., & Raddatz, R. ,2014). Different circumstances exist that may affect the ability of an individual to handle life challenges and curve balls. These factors may also fragment peace in the community, apart from disrupting daily activities and capacity to manage conflict.

When a child is subjected to sexual violence, physical assault and emotional abuse while growing up it can lead to psychological ill health. Childhood abuse normally increases the risk of developing anti-social personality disorder which is a risk factor for poor management of conflict in the society as well as precursor for violence (Clark, J.,2010). Schools can incorporate programs that promote positive mental health in students. This will enable them to build good coping strategies and resilient that they can use through their lives to deal with stress and other factors which may trigger violence and conflicts

The literature provides theoretical guidance in understanding the concept of psychological wellness. Life span developmental psychologist Erick Erickson offers numerous depiction of wellness conceived as progression of continued growth across life span which is referred as eight model stages of psycho-social development ( Gladdings ,S 2021).  Clinical psychologists offer multiple formulation of well-being such as Abraham Maslow conceptualization of self-actualization (Smith, 2021). Carl Rogers view of full function person. Carl Jung formulation of individuation and Allports conception of maturity (Smith, 2020). Certain aspects of psycho-social well-being such as environmental mastery and autonomy increace  with age especially from young adulthood to middle life. Other aspects such as personal growth and purpose in life decreased especially from middle life to old age (Gladdings ,2020).

Problem Statement

Psychologically wounded person is likely to injure and bruise other people hence destabilizing peace and creating conflict in the society. Sustainable peace remained elusive without the attention of the psychological well-being even when all the structures, formal peace building blocks are in place. Sustainable peace is hampered if an individual is depressed and do not have hope. Our inner world is disturbed, our impact on society is more likely to be negative in terms of engagement, frustration, anger, radicalization, disrespect, violence and resistance. Individuals who are well established in themselves and empowered are more likely to bring positive contribution to different aspects of society and to play a peace enhancing role within community. The development of peaceful society, healthy and prosperous societies would be proportionate to the number of individuals who are psychologically health.

Comprehension of psychological well-being persistently lags behind knowledge of psychological dysfunction and ill-health. The imbalance is evident in magnitude of research and emphasizes of studies based on psychological problems and disorders. Studies of psychological wellness and psychological functions is limited.  A person is viewed as mentally sound if he does not suffer from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and personality disorders among others.  This prevailing formulation does not get to the heart of psychological wellness as the presence of mental health and wellness. Mental health is essential to a persons’ well-being, health family and interpersonal relationship and the ability to live full and productive life. People including children and adolescents with untreated mental health conditions and disorders are at a higher risk for many unhealthy and unsafe behaviour including violence, self-destructive behaviours and suicide.  Assessing and addressing various aspects of psychological health is important to ensure peace, stability and development of society. Psychological well-being is a state of complete mental and social-well-being and not merely absence of mental disorder. Mental health problems affect society as whole. Psychological health is a major challenge to sustainable global peace. Psychological well-being is crucial to the overall peace and progress of individuals, societies and countries.

In most parts of the world psychological wellness is not accorded the same importance as physical health, rather psycho-social health has been largely ignored or neglected. Very few studies have been done in the field of psychological-wellbeing as a predictor for sustainable peace to address the resolution and transformation of conflict at psychological health level. This paper will address relationship between psychological wellness and sustainable peace as well as range of resources from psychological perspective. In addition, this article will also address various aspects of psychological well-being of an individual which can assist in enhancement of peace and contribute to the overall of the development of societal peace.

METHODOLOGY

Desk research will provide contextual information and theoretical ideas of the research in question. Desk review activities will include scanning the literature, analyzing secondary data. Researcher will review previous research findings to gain broader understanding of the study. When using secondary data, researcher will familiarize himself with the secondary data set, including how the data was collected. Secondary data will afford the researcher an opportunity to investigate research questions using large scale data that are often inclusive of under-presented groups hence saving time and resources. Researcher will leverage secondary data analysis in an attempt to find out components of psychological-well-being that can enhance peace building and social cohesion in our contemporary society. The following components of psychological well-being will be analyzed; Unconditional Self-acceptance, Positive interpersonal relationship, autonomy, Purpose in life and personal growth and development.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

Intrapersonal Development

Intrapersonal relationship is the communication done with oneself. It Includes contemplations and feelings that are associated with one’s inner communication. One’s own self-concept is at the center of interpersonal communication. It includes an assessment of one’s beliefs, values and attitudes and how evaluation plays into what occurs in outer world. Perception of how people interpret what is going on around them can influence intrapersonal communication.  (Georgakapoulus, et al., 2017).

An understanding of self as a relationship make it possible to apply the basic concepts and methods of conflict resolution and transformation to inner conflict.

Reflection of the nature of basic human needs in relationship to self and identity can provide the means to address the deepest routed inner conflict (Coleman et al., 2014). It is widely believed that peaceful relations in families as well as interpersonal relationship must begin with a level of peaceful existence.

An understanding of self as a relationship make it possible to apply the basic concepts and methods of conflict resolution and transformation to inner conflict (Coleman et al., 2014). It is widely believed that peaceful relations in the international sphere, in- inter group relations, in families as well as interpersonal relationship must begin with the level of peaceful relationship with self or interpersonal peace (Coleman et al., 2016). Despite the importance of cultivating internal peace within individuals there is lack of interpersonal conflict discourse within conflict resolutions field (Georgakapoulus et al., 2017). The need for advancing intrapersonal conflict is vital for continued building sustainable peace.

Interpersonal Relationship

Interpersonal relationship refers to reciprocal social and emotional interactions between self and other persons in the environment. Positive interpersonal relationship is important for one’s emotional happiness. Relationship helps to fight loneliness while also giving a sense of purpose in life ( D’Ambrosio, C., Anand, L., &  Katzman,  A., 2013). Interpersonal relationship is built on loyalty, support and trust. The need to build strong interpersonal relationship and inter-groups relation thought out the society is a key principle in peace building efforts (Coleman, T., Deutsch, M., & Marcus, C., 2014). The idea of peace is a negative concept which assumes that we would have an ideal society, if we could magically stop being at war (Zaum, D. 2012 )with each other   Khadiagala, G, 2010). Peace cannot be maintained for long without health relationship with each other. Sustainable peace should include harmonious relationships at diverse levels of society from large scale system to relationship between families, couple and friends (  Komarraju, M., & Dial, C.,2014).

Interpersonal peacemaking is part of both sustainable peace making and building in that it helps in maintain positive social environment that prevent larger scale violence. Its concerned with informing and assisting interpersonal relationship to have sustainable peace (Mac Ginty, R.,2012).  Conflict emerges at various levels –each level having the potential to feed higher levels of conflict which can lead to discord within a group and can feed between group conflicts (Mesurado, B., Richaud, C., & Mateo, J. ,2016).

Existential Wellness

Existential well-being refers to person’s present state of subjective well-being across various domains such meaning, purpose satisfaction in life and feelings of comfort regarding death and suffering. Danish philosophers Soven Kierkegaard (1813-55) is commonly refereed as the author of existentialism philosophy while Roll May is regarded as the father of existential psychology. Existential psychology is closely related and linked to the field of philosophy.  Existential wellness is a psychological world view that emphasizes existence freedom of choice. It is a view that emphasizes existence freedom of choice. It is a perspective that individual should define their own meaning in life and try to make rational decisions despite existing in irrational universe. Existential well-being emphasizes that people are freed agents who should have control of their choices and actions existentialist psychologists believe that society should not restrict an individual life or actions and these restrictions inhibit free will and development of personal potential. The goal of existential psychologists is to psycho-educate clients to develop their own unique understanding of life, hence freedom and urgency to choose their future. Human beings seem to need a deep and dependable sources of meaning in their lives. Existential health affects every aspects of a person’s life. What we believe in, how we treat others, what we love and how we live is determined by our world view of existentialism (Ghahremani, Y., Dean, C., Mouzakis, K., Wilson, D., & London,  D. , O’Sullivan, G. 2011) .Anxiety of meaningless is one of the major causes of conflict.  Gollwitzer, M., Meder, M., & Schmitt, M. (2011) argued that without meaning in our lives, we experience feelings of emptiness. This feeling may create instability within an individual. Regrettably wars have been sources of meaning in human lives. It has been supported by spiritualism, patriotism and desire to participate in something larger than personal life.

Self -Acceptance

Self-acceptance is an individual satisfaction and fulfilment with oneself and is thought to be necessary for psychological well-being (Henriques, G, 2014).

Self-acceptance is considered the prerequisite for positive change to occur in an Individual. It can be achieved through tolerating Oneself to be imperfect in some areas. (Jimenez, Sherlyn S.; Niles, Barbara L.; Park, Crystal L. 2010). An individual who Score high in self-acceptance is not overly self-critical, has a positive self-attitude, does not wish to be different from who they already are. (Henriques, G. 2014). Self-acceptance is a component of eudemonic well- being. It also an indicator and a measure of psychological well-being (Michael.2014).

Alfred Adler the author of individual psychology observed that people who thought of themselves as inferior as observed by others are likely to develop psychological-ill health. Psychosocial benefits of self –acceptance includes decrease in depressive symptoms, increase in negative emotions, diminishing negative emotions (Michael, 2014). Study which was done by Michael in 2014 on affective profiles individuals who score high on self –acceptance tendered to score high on psychological –well-being (Jimenez etal, 2010). In addition, the result indicated the self –acceptance decrease fear of failure and desire to win approval of others as well as more desire to life for one –self. Individuals who have effective and positive social problem solving approach have a high levels of self-acceptance (Mesurado, B., Richaud, C.., & Mateo, N.2016). It can be expected that one with high self-esteem may confront, express his emotions and disclose himself more freely and easily because of his confidence and positive stance towards himself. Self -acceptance causes positive feelings thus happiness.. High levels of self-acceptance increases self-esteem and harmonious living with other people.

Psychological Growth And Development

Personal growth and development is a lifelong and continuous process. It is an undertaking of analyzing one’s behaviour, skills and qualities in order to better and maximize their potential. Personal development affects every aspect of our lives ( Rapske,.L., Boon, D., Alibhai, M., & Kheong,J., 2010).Self-development is the process of realizing deepest desire and capacities as well as attainment of satisfying and worthwhile life well lived ( Theron, C., & Theron, C., (2014). The extent to which people achieve self-development influences how well they treat other people. When people achieve high level of self-growth and development they are likely to make health decision and avoid ethical transgression and wars.

Personal growth and development involves mental, physical,Social, emotional and spiritual growth that allows a person to live a productive and satisfying life within customs and regulations of society. Personal development consists of activities that increase personal’s capabilities and potential. In addition, personal growth and development builds human capital, enhance quality of life as well as realization of dreams and aspirations (Odendaal, A.,2012). Proper psychological health involves a normal emotional behavioral and social maturity to a person. This means such a person is in a health state of mental well-being. (McGeown, . P., Putwain, D., Geijer Simpson, E., Boffey, E., Markham, J., & Vince, A. ,2014). When children experience strong frequent or prolonged adversity without adequate adult support can disrupt development of the brain and organs and increase psychopathology as well cognitive and emotional impairment, furthermore effects are likely to continue into adulthood even after violence stops  (Donais, T, 2012).

Children must be supported to have appropriate psychological development so as to heal from the effect of toxic stress to break the cycle of violence in which the next generation struggles to re-build the society after trauma of war (Clark, N., 2010). Children and young people who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse will often have low-self-esteem and lack confidence, further more they are likely to engage with violence as well.

Emerging Issues

Despite the high prevalence of behavioral and emotional disorders and immense pain and human suffering they cause, majority of the people with psychological -well-being needs do not seek for assistance.  These is mainly caused by ignorance and attitudinal barrier to seeking and receiving mental health attention. Furthermore, this is compounded by limited behavioral health professional trained in evidence based therapies. Technology based intervention have the potential to significantly improve the efficient and assessment and treatment of psychological illness. To date path ways of wide spread adoption of those technologies have been filled with numerous barriers and challenges. Mental health technologies that provide behavioral health consultations, assessment, treatments and support using real –time electronics and information technologies from a distance is limited.

On the other hand, there are a number of well-known sites which provide a starting point to find mental health resources.  Mental health resources include immediate access to information about clinical management, clinical journal books and other informative articles. The internet supports sophisticated search engine which can locate information pertaining to mental health. Clinical assessment tools are also available online. Practioners may wish to subscribe to or use online assessment tools.  Two major issues normally emerge when using internet for information. First there is too much information, and secondly there is no quality control, hence one has to wade through huge amount of uncensored information of low quality, hence its time consuming and frustrating.

A pneumonia of unknown origin, later identified as corona virus (C0VID-19) was first identified in Wuhan China in 1919, within months it has spread globally and later declared a pandemic by World Health Organization. To curb the sporadic spread most countries used containment measures like lock down, travel restrictions as well as border closure and also wearing of face mask. Such large scale pandemic had a negative impact in an individual’s psychological well-being. It can also lead to domestic violence, suicidal tendencies, and societal conflicts which impact on family bonding and societal cohesion.

CONCLUSION

Psychological well-being includes personality traits such as positive style of thinking, intrinsic motivation, resilient, positive emotions. To a larger extent these beneficial attributes can be learned or taught through school –based programme, community or work place initiative. Psychological well-being is the core feature of mental health. Improvement of individual’s psychological well –being can go a long way in improving peace in the society. Psychological well-being includes functioning within oneself and in relationship with others. People who are psychologically unwell struggle with self-identity, loss of friendship and also experience higher rates of conflicts and anxiety.

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