Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Feeling Good, Functioning Well, and Being True: Reflections on Selected Findings from the FORT Research Programme

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Well-Being Research in South Africa

Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 4))

Abstract

In this chapter, we reflect on selected findings from the FORT research programme (forté = strength) through the lens of the constructs feeling good, functioning well, and being true. We selected subprojects that included measures of these constructs along the following themes: validation of measures, clarification of the nature of psychological well-being, patterns of well-being in cultural contexts, prevalence of levels of well-being in various South African contexts, the dynamics of psychological well-being, biological correlates, and outcomes of interventions. Feeling good and functioning well were both applicable as high-level constructs, operationalized in various measures, and validated in the SA context. These phenomena overlap empirically, but also operate dissimilarly in terms of associations, dynamics, contexts, and patterns of well-being in individualistic and collectivistic cultural contexts. Feeling good and functioning well are well-integrated across life domains in high functioning people, but not in low functioning people. Being true, as manifested in character strengths and reflecting a virtue-ethics perspective, are patterned differently in an African context than reported in western literature. Explicit reflection on meta-theoretical assumptions and philosophical ethical perspectives on the relationship between values and behaviour is largely absent in the studies reviewed. More research on being true, and on meaning and meaning making as a facet of functioning well, is necessary in the African context. More cooperation between psychologists and philosophers is indicated. It is also of critical importance that more interventions promoting functioning well and expressing the best virtues within us should be developed and evaluated on community and society levels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Allik, J., & McCrae, R. R. (2004). Toward a geography of personality traits: Patterns of profiles across 36 cultures. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 35(1), 13–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amirkhan, J. (1990). A factor analytically derived measure of coping: The coping strategy indicator. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(5), 1066–1074.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antonovsky, A. (1987). Unravelling the mystery of health: How people manage stress and stay well. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Antonovsky, A. (1993). The measure and properties of the sense of coherence scale. Social Science & Medicine, 36, 725–733.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-On, R. (1997). Bar-on emotional quotient inventory administrator’s guide. Toronto, ON: Multi-Health Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Block, J., & Kremen, A. M. (1996). IQ & ego-resiliency: Conceptual & empirical connections and separateness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70, 349–351.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Botha, E. M., Wissing, M. P., Ellis, S. M., & Vorster, H. H. (2007). Psychological well-being and the metabolic syndrome in African and Caucasian women. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 17(1), 85–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradburn, N. M. (1969). The structure of psychological well-being. Chicago: Aldine.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brdar, I., Delle Fave, A., Engeser, S., Freire, T., Vella-Brodrick, D., Wissing, M. P., & Zaccagnini, J. L. (2008, July). Eudaimonic happiness and the Eudaimonic Happiness Inventory: A cross-­cultural investigation. Paper presented at the 4th European Conference on Positive Psychology, Opatje/Rijeka, Croatia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, C. (2002). Klarifikasie van die kognitiewe komponent van psigologiese welsyn [Clarification of the cognitive component of psychological well-being]. Unpublished maters dissertation, Potchefstroom University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Weintraub, J. K. (1989). Assessing coping strategies: A theoretically based approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(2), 276–283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christopher, J. C. (1999). Situating psychological well-being: Exploring the cultural roots of its theory and research. Journal of Counseling and Development, 71, 149–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coetzee, H. K., Wissing, M. P., & Temane, Q. M. (2010). Die belewing van betekenisvolheid deur ʼn groep Suid-Afrikaners (Meaningfulness as experienced by a group of South Africans). Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe/Journal of Humanities, 50(3), 293–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24, 385–396.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Delle Fave, A., Brdar, I., Freire, T., Vella-Brodrick, D., & Wissing, M. P. (2011). The eudaimonic and hedonic components of happiness. Social Indicators Research, 100(2), 158–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., Emmons, R., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., & Suh, E. M. (2000). Measuring subjective well-being to compare the quality of life of cultures. In E. Diener & E. M. Suh (Eds.), Culture and subjective well-being (pp. 4–12). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Du Toit, M. M., Wissing, M. P., & Randall, P. B. (1998). Sense of coherence (SOC), personality and mental health. In L. Schlebusch (Ed.), South Africa beyond transition: Psychological well-­being. Proceedings of the Third Annual Congress of the Psychological Society of South Africa (pp. 61–66). Pretoria, South Africa: PsySSA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ebigbo, P. O., Oluka, J. I., Ezenwa, M. O., Obidigbo, G. C., & Okwaraji, F. E. (1996). Clinical psychology in Sub-Saharan Africa. World Psychology, 2(1), 87–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellsworth, R. B. (1981). Profile of adaptation to life: Clinical scale manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Epstein, S., & Meier, P. (1989). Constructive thinking: A broad coping variable with specific components. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(2), 332–350.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eriksson, M., & Lindström, B. (2005). Validity of Antonovsky’s sense of coherence scale: A systematic review. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 59, 460–466.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flores, L. Y., & Obasi, E. M. (2003). Positive psychological assessment in an increasingly diverse world. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Positive psychological assessment: A handbook of models and measures (pp. 41–54). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Forgeard, M. J. C., Jayawickreme, E., Kern, M., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Doing the right thing: Measuring well-being for public policy. International Journal of Well-Being, 1(1), 79–106. doi:10.5502/ijw.v1i1.15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowers, B. J. (2008). From continence to virtue: Rediscovering goodness, character unity, and character types for positive psychology. Theory & Psychology, 18, 629–653.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fowers, B. J. (2012). Placing virtue and the human good in psychology. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 32(1), 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson, B. L., & Joiner, T. (2002). Positive emotions trigger upward spirals toward emotional well-being. Psychological Science, 13(2), 172–175.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, D. P., & Hillier, V. F. (1979). A scaled version of the general health questionnaire. Psychological Medicine, 9, 139–145.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guse, C., Wissing, M. P., & Hartman, W. (2006). The effect of a prenatal hypnotherapeutic program on postnatal maternal psychological well-being. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 24(2), 163–177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hobfoll, S. E., Dunahoo, C. L. Y., & Monnier, J. (1994/5). Preliminary test manual: Strategic approach to coping (SACS). Kent, OH: Applied Psychology Center, Kent State University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ikuenobe, P. (1998). Moral education and moral reasoning in traditional African cultures. Journal of Value Inquiry, 32, 25–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ingram, R. E., & Wisnicki, K. S. (1988). Assessment of positive automatic cognition. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56(6), 698–902.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, L. A., & Jeffers, D. L. (1989). The attitudes about reality scale: A new measure of personal epistemology. Journal of Personality Assessment, 53(2), 352–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kammann, N. R., & Flett, R. (1983). Affectometer 2: A scale to measure current level of general happiness. Australian Journal of Psychology, 35(2), 259–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kashdan, T. B., Biswas-Diener, R., & King, L. A. (2008). Reconsidering happiness: The costs of distinguishing between hedonics end eudaimonia. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 3(4), 219–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M. (2006). The subjective well-being of America’s youth: Towards a comprehensive assessment. Adolescent & Family Health, 4(1), 3–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M. (2007). Promoting and protecting mental health as flourishing: A complementary strategy for improving national mental health. American Psychologist, 62(2), 95–108.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M., & Annas, J. (2009). Feeling good and functioning well: Distinctive concepts in ancient philosophy and contemporary science. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(3), 197–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M., Myers, J. M., & Kendler, K. S. (2010). The structure of the genetic and environmental influences on mental well-being. American Journal of Public Health, 100(12), 2379–2384. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.193615.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M., Shmotkin, D., & Ryff, C. D. (2002). Optimizing well-being: The empirical encounter of two traditions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82(6), 1007–1022.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M., Wissing, M. P., Potgieter, J., Temane, Q. M., Kruger, A., & Van Rooy, S. (2008). Evaluation of the mental health continuum short form (MHC-SF) in Setswana speaking South Africans. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy: International Journal of Theory and Practice, 15, 181–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khumalo, I. P., Temane, Q. M., & Wissing, M. P. (2010). Development and initial validation of a general psychological well-being scale (GPWS) in an African Context. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 20(1), 13–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khumalo, I. P., Temane, Q. M., & Wissing, M. P. (2011). Well-being in the Batswana cultural context: Constructs and measures. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 21(2), 277–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khumalo, I. P., Wissing, M. P., & Temane, Q. M. (2008). Exploring the validity of the VIA-­inventory of strengths in an African context. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18(1), 133–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kruger, A. (2001). Protocol of the FLAGH study. Unpublished document. PU for CHE, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kruger, A. (2005). Prospective urban and rural epidemiological study (PURE): Instruction manual for South Africa (2nd draft). Potchefstroom, South Africa: North-West University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyobomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malan, L., Malan, N. T., Wissing, M. P., & Seedat, Y. K. (2008). Coping with urbanization: A cardiometabolic risk? The THUSA study. Biological Psychology, 79, 323–328.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malan, L., Schutte, A. E., Malan, N. T., Wissing, M. P., Vorster, H. H., Steyn, H. S., et al. (2006). Specific coping strategies of Africans during urbanization: Comparing cardiovascular responses and perception of health data. Journal of Biological Psychology, 72(3), 305–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malan, N. T., Wissing, M. P., Schutte, A. E., Van der Merwe, H. J., Scholtz, C. F., Van Rooyen, J. M., et al. (2003). Die Psigofisiologiese gesondheidsprofiel van personeel aan die PU vir CHO soos blyk uit die SOPP-projek [The psycho-physiological health profile of staff members of the Potchefstroom University as indicated in the SOPP-project]. Internal report to the Management Committee.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maré, L., Wissing, M. P., Watson, M., & Ellis, S. M. (2011). Psychosocial health of an African group before awareness of HIV status: A comparative study. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 21(1), 7–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, M. M., & Rubin, R. B. (1995). A new measurement of cognitive flexibility. Psychological Reports, 76, 623–626.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McMahan, E. A., & Estes, D. (2011). Hedonic versus eudaimonic conceptions of well-being: Evidence of differential associations with self-reported well-being. Social Indicators Research, 103, 93–108. doi:10.1007/s11205-010-9698-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R. H. (1993). Coping responses inventory: Youth form manual. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R., & Moos, B. (1994). Life stressors and social resources inventory: Youth form professional manual. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oosthuizen, C. M., & Wissing, M. P. (2005). Prevalence of violence against women: Distress, coping and psychological well-being – Surviving the fire? South African Journal of Psychology, 4, 637–656.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patel, C. J., Ramgoon, S., & Paruk, Z. (2009). Exploring religion, race and gender as factors in the life satisfaction and religiosity of young South African adults. South African Journal of Psychology, 39(3), 266–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paunonen, S. V., & Ashton, M. C. (1998). The structured assessment of personality across cultures. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 29(1), 50–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (2008). The satisfaction with life scale and the emerging construct of life satisfaction. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 3(2), 137–152. doi:10.1080/17439760701756946.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York: American Psychological Association/Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Procidano, M. E., & Heller, K. (1983). Measures of perceived social support from friends and from family: Three validation studies. American Journal of Community Psychology, 11(1), 1–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141–166.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069–1081.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1987). Dispositional optimism and physical well-being: The influence of generalized outcome expectancies on health. Journal of Personality, 55(2), 169–210.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schutte, A. E., Kruger, H. S., Wissing, M. P., Underhay, C., & Vorster, H. H. (2005). The emergence of the metabolic syndrome in urban obese African women: The POWIRS study. South African Journal of Science, 101(1/2), 61–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the content and structure of values: Theoretical advances and empirical tests in 20 countries. In M. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 25, pp. 1–66). New York: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. H. (1994). Packet for participation in cross-cultural research on values. Jerusalem, Israel: Department of Psychology, Hebrew University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shostrom, E. L. (1974). Manual: Personal orientation inventory: An inventory for the measurement of self-actualization. San Diego, CA: EdITS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stapelberg, R., & Wissing, M. P. (1999, July 18–23). The psychometric properties of the COPE and strategic approach to coping scale (SACS) in a Setswana speaking group. Paper delivered at the first International Psychology Congress in Africa (IU PsyS, IAAP, IACCP, PsySSA).

    Google Scholar 

  • Strümpfer, D. J. W. (1990). Salutogenesis: A new paradigm. South African Journal of Psychology, 20(4), 265–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strümpfer, D. J. W. (1995). The origins of health and strength: From salutogenesis to fortigenesis. South African Journal of Psychology, 25(2), 81–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strümpfer, D. J. W., & Wissing, M. P. (1998, September). Review of South African data on the sense of coherence scale as a measure of fortigenesis and salutogenesis. Paper presented at the Fourth Annual Congress of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Temane, Q. M., & Wissing, M. P. (2006a). The role of subjective perception of health in the dynamics of context and psychological well-being. South African Journal of Psychology, 36(3), 564–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Temane, Q. M., & Wissing, M. P. (2006b). The role of spirituality as a mediator for psychological well-being across different contexts. South African Journal of Psychology, 36(3), 582–597.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Temane, Q. M., & Wissing, M. P. (2008). The role of personality factors in the dynamics of context and psychological well-being. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18(1), 105–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiberius, V. (2004). Cultural differences and philosophical accounts of well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 5(3), 293–314. doi:10.1007/s10902-004-8791-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tipton, R. M., & Worthington, E. L. (1984). The measurement of generalized self-efficacy: A study of construct validity. Journal of Personality Assessment, 48(5), 545–548.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Walt, T. S. P. (1997). Die dinamiek van persoonlikheidsfaktore, coping-prosesse en psigologiese welsyn by jeugdiges [The dynamics of personality factors, coping processes and psychological well-being in youths]. Unpublished master’s dissertation, Potchefstroom University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Wateren, E. (1997). Die dinamiek van waardes, coping style en psigologiese gesondheid by ‘n groep jeugdiges [The dynamics of values, coping style and psychological well-being in a group of youths]. Unpublished master’s dissertation, Potchefstroom University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Eeden, C., Wissing, M. P., Dreyer, J., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2008). Validation of the values in action inventory of strengths for youth (VIA-Youth) among South African learners. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18(1), 145–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Schalkwyk, I., & Wissing, M. P. (2010). A mixed method study of psychological well-being in a group of South African adolescents. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 20(1), 53–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Straten, W., Temane, Q. M., Wissing, M. P., & Potgieter, J. (2008). Validation of a community collective efficacy scale in an African context. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18(2), 237–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vorster, H. H. (1996). Transition and health during urbanization of South Africans (THUSA). Unpublished research protocol, Potchefstroom University for CHE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vorster, H. H., Wissing, M. P., Venter, C. S., Kruger, H. S., Kruger, A., Malan, N. T., et al. (2000). The impact of urbanization on physical and mental health of Africans in the Northwest Province of South Africa: The THUSA study. S.A. Journal of Science, 96, 505–514.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, H. (2000). Clarification of the affective component of psychological well-being. Unpublished master’s dissertation, Potchefstroom University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, A. S. (2007). Doing well: The relationship of identity status to three conceptions of well-being. Identity: International Journal of Theory and Research, 7, 289–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, A. S., Schwartz, S. J., & Conti, R. (2008). The implications of two conceptions of happiness (hedonic enjoyment and eudaimonia) for the understanding of intrinsic motivation. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9, 41–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, A. S., Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., Ravert, R. D., Williams, M. K., Bede Agocha, V., et al. (2010). The questionnaire for eudaimonic well-being: Psychometric properties, demographic comparisons, and evidence of validity. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(1), 41–61. doi:10.1080/17439760903435208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, S.-A., Wissing, M. P., Rothmann, S., & Temane, Q. M. (2009). Emotional intelligence, work, and psychological outcomes in a public service context. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 19(4), 531–540.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, S.-A., Wissing, M. P., Rothmann, S., & Temane, Q. M. (2010). Self-efficacy, work, and psychological outcomes in a public service context. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 20(1), 43–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, J. A. B. (1997). Die dinamiek van stres, bronne, coping en psigologiese welsyn by jeugdiges [The dynamics of stress, resources, coping and psychological well-being in youths]. Unpublished master’s dissertation, Potchefstroom University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, J. A. B., Wissing, M. P., Du Toit, M. M., & Temane, Q. M. (2008). Psychometric properties of various scales measuring psychological well-being in a South African context: The FORT 1 project. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18(4), 511–520.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P. (1986). Psigologiese gesondheid en optimale funksionering [Psychological well-­being and optimal functioning]. Potchefstroom, South Africa: Wesvalia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P. (1998). Clarification and advancement of psychosocial well-being and strengths (FORT1). Unpublished research protocol, Potchefstroom University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P. (2000, May 2–5). Wellness: Construct clarification and a framework for future research and practice. Keynote address presented at the 1st South African National Wellness Conference, UPE, Port Elizabeth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P. (2005). Understanding and promoting psychosocial health, resilience and strengths in an African context (FORT2). Unpublished research protocol, Funded by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P. (2008). The prevalence of levels of psychosocial health: Dynamics and relationships with biomarkers of (ill)health in the South African contexts (FORT3). Unpublished research protocol, Funded by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., & Coetzee, H. (2011, July 23–26). Well-being: Perspectives of people who are flourishing or languishing. Paper presented at the Second International Positive Psychology Conference, Philadelphia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Khumalo, I. T., Oosthuizen, C. M., Nienaber, A. W., Kruger, A., Potgieter, J. C., et al. (2011). Coping self-efficacy as mediator in the dynamics of psychological well-being in various contexts. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 21(2), 165–172.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Pretorius, T., & Heyns, M. (1997). A Trans-University research programme in Fortology. Unpublished research protocol, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., & Temane, Q. M. (2008). The structure of psychological well-being in cultural context: Towards a hierarchical model of psychological health. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18(1), 45–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., & Temane, Q. M. (2013). The prevalence of levels of well-being revisited in an African context. In C. L. M. Keyes (Ed.), Mental well-being: International contributions to the study of positive mental health (Chapter 4: pp. 71–90). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Temane, M., Khumalo, T., Kruger, A., & Vorster, E. (2010, June 23–26). Urbanization and psychosocial well-being: The case of rural versus urban health. Paper presented at the 5th European Conference on Positive Psychology, Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Thekiso, S., Stapelberg, R., Van Quickelberge, L., Choabi, P., Moroeng, C., et al. (1999, July). Psychometric properties of scales measuring psychological well-being in an African group. Paper presented at the first International Psychology Congress in Africa (IU PsyS, IAAP, IACCP, PsySSA), Durban.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Thekiso, S. M., Stapelberg, R.,Van Quickelberge, L., Choabi, P., Moroeng, C., et al. (2010). Validation of three Setswana measures for psychological well-being. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology/SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 36(2), Art. #860, 1–8. doi:10.4102/sajip.v36i2.860

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., & Van Eeden, C. (1997a, July 14–18). Facing the challenge to explicate mental health salutogenically: Sense of coherence and psychological well-being. Paper delivered at the 55th Annual Convention of the International Council of Psychology, Graz, Austria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., & Van Eeden, C. (1997b, September 10–12). Psychological well-being: A fortigenic conceptualization and empirical clarification. Paper delivered at the 3rd annual congress of Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., & Van Eeden, C. (2002). Empirical clarification of the nature of psychological well-being. South African Journal of Psychology, 32, 32–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Wissing, J. A. B., Du Toit, M. M., & Temane, Q. M. (2006). Patterns of psychological well-being and satisfaction with life in cultural context. In A. Delle Fave (Ed.), Dimensions of well-being: Research and intervention (pp. 14–33). Milano, Italy: Franco Angeli.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wissing, M. P., Wissing, J. A. B. & Temane, Q. M. (2004, July 5–8). Psychological well-being: identifying a G-factor in various cultural contexts. Paper presented at the 2nd European Conference on Positive Psychology, Verbania Pallanza, Italy.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (1999). Definition of health. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/aboutwho/en/definition.html

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychosocial Behavioural Sciences and The Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Marié P. Wissing

  2. School of Psychosocial Behavioural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Q. Michael Temane

Authors
  1. Marié P. Wissing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Q. Michael Temane
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marié P. Wissing .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Africa Unit for Transdis. Health, Research, North-West University:, School of Psychosoc. Behav. Scs. and, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Marié P. Wissing

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wissing, M.P., Temane, Q.M. (2013). Feeling Good, Functioning Well, and Being True: Reflections on Selected Findings from the FORT Research Programme. In: Wissing, M. (eds) Well-Being Research in South Africa. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6368-5_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation