The nature of the relation between mental illbeing and wellbeing

Research on mental health has traditionally separated the study of illbeing—disorder and problems—and wellbeing—life satisfaction and positive affect. While previous reviews of studies primarily employing self-report scales indicate that illbeing and wellbeing are distinct yet interconnected constructs, a deeper examination of their relationship is lacking. This perspective article from the PROMENTA Research Center offers a review and synthesis of findings on the joint and distinct nature of illbeing and wellbeing across multiple levels of analysis. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, we integrate genetic, biological, developmental, psychosocial, societal, cultural, and intervention-based perspectives. Our review reveals substantial genetic overlap and some similar biological underpinnings for illbeing and wellbeing. In contrast, environmental factors and societal changes often have divergent impacts. We propose that future research should systematically assess both positive and negative aspects of mental health to discern their shared and unique determinants, predictors, mechanisms, and consequences.