Reference no: EM133777972
Assessment: Mapping academic theories of wellbeing
This assessment brings together perspectives on wellbeing from different academic disciplines and philosophical positions to develop a holistic view of wellbeing. It uses a mind map to help you visually connect and contrast two wellbeing theories and their associated wellbeing practices.
Choose one of the followingacademic theories covered in Modules 9, 10 and 11:
a. Compare two of the philosophers: Aristotle, Epicurean, Stoic
b. Compare a philosophical approach (Aristotle, Epicurean, Stoic) and existential positive psychology
c. Compare subjective well-being (SWB) and objective wellbeing (specifically, Nussbaum's capability theory of wellbeing)
Then:
1. Create a mind map of these theories and their related wellbeing practices. Your mind map should include:
a. Your central concept, which is wellbeing
b. 2 main branches each representing a theory
c. Child branches showing the key concepts of each theory
d. Further child branches for each concept showing the practices of wellbeing connected with that concept
For example:
A key concept from Aristotle's theory of wellbeing is living a virtuous life. A practice that would help us live virtuously would be helping others.
A key concept from objective wellbeing is the need for equitable access to opportunities like education. A practice that would help this is government policies for equitable distribution.
2. Use this mind map to develop a written critical reflection (1,000 words +/- 10%) of the similarities and differences between the theories, and the research support for each.
The Mind Map
The mind map should help you organize the theories and the associated wellbeing practices each suggests. The aim is to use this map to gain a clearer perspective on wellbeing that highlights the different ways it is conceptualized and practiced.
Presentation of the mind map:
You can draw by hand or use a computer program to design your mind map.
Use images to help you illustrate the words you have used to summarise each element of the theory and its associated practices. For example, if enjoying sensory pleasure is part of the theory, then a related practice could be eating good food - and you would include both ‘eating well' in the node and a related image of food.
We're aiming for clarity and interest in the mind map. Keep it as simple or complex as you like, just bear in mind that I will need to be able to identify the key elements I've set out above in order to grade the mind map.
Mind map theory:
There are several of these and each has slightly different ideas about how to set up a mind map and what to include. If you are already using mind maps and you have a particular style that you like, please feel free to use this. If you're new to mapping thinking in this way then explore a little to find what works for you.I don't mind which tool you use to develop the mind map, nor which mind mapping theory you use, as long as it includes the information outlined in the task description above.
The Critical Reflection
In the critical reflection, you will:
1. Compare and contrast the definitions and practices of wellbeing from each theoretical perspective:
a. What are similarities and differences (at both the surface and worldview/ideological level) between the theories of wellbeing?
i. That is, in what ways do these theories conceptualise wellbeing using similar ideas and suggesting similar practices?
ii. Where do they contradict/challenge each other?
b. This section must include references for the theory which reflect the quality criteria for academic work, and, where contemporary theories are used, must include the original theorist's work as a resource.
2. Use research evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested wellbeing practices from each theory:
a. What does the research evidence tell us about which of these practices are associated with increasing wellbeing?
b. This section must draw upon a minimum of 6 quality research references which are relevant to the topic.
3. Bring the theories together:
a. Using the research evidence you've summarized, decide which ideas and practices from both theories are important for improving wellbeing?
b. Are there places where the surface/worldview differences make them incompatible?
c. What insights does bringing the theories together create for you in understanding wellbeing more holistically?