130
M. Ranˇ ci´ c Demir et al.
2.3 The Definition of Well-Being
There is no universally accepted definition of well-being in the literature (Dodge et al.
2012), since the way in which the concept of well-being is understood depends on the
discipline, such as philosophy, theology, sociology, and economy (Voigt 2016). The
definition formed by Dodge et al. (2012) focuses on the need for a balance: stable wellbeing is when individuals have psychological, social and physical resources, which
should suffice certain psychological, social and/or physical, needs and challenges.
This definition conceptualizes well-being, which means that individuals simultaneously possess skills and challenges, i.e., that it is a set of balanced activities that
lead to the feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction (Csikszentmihalyi 1990). The definition also entails cognitive satisfaction (accomplished through goal achievement)
and the existence of positive effect (and insufficient negative feelings), combined
with the psychological needs of competence (personal ability), the ability to relate
(social connections), and autonomy (personal control and resilience) (Watson 2018;
Schwartz 2020). Gilbert and Abdullah (2004), in their study on rest, used the construct
of subjective well-being. They notice that there are several other terms that are used
to describe well-being, including happiness, quality of life, and satisfaction with life.
Well-being or welfare is usually based on the terms ‘eudemonia’ and ‘hedonia’,
and it can be assessed on the global, experiential/activistic, and motivational levels
(Voigt 2016). Eudemonia is the idea that comprises activities that reflect virtues,
excellence, the best in us, and the total development of our potentials. Contrary to
that, hedonia focuses on happiness as satisfaction, enjoyment, and the absence of
uneasiness. Eudemonia is therefore an objective and not a subjective state, characterized by a well-lived life, regardless of the emotional state of the individual
who experiences it. Hedonia comprises the three following elements: personal satisfaction, enjoyment and satisfaction with life (Huta and Waterman 2014). Enjoying
oneself in some activities or in other people’s company is also an element of hedonia;
though it is a paradox, it has been recognized that the search for enjoyment sometimes
spoils the enjoyment experience. In the context of tourist travels, this could include
an escape from a difficult situation or getting rid of a life trauma or pain (Huta and
Waterman 2014; Laing and Frost 2017). It is considered that both eudemonia and
hedonia are equally important components of well-being. However, in the context
of tourism, the hedonistic aspect of tourism experiences is highlighted (Filep 2014;
Voigt 2016).
Psychological and subjective well-being can be distinguished. New research
shows that subjective well-being, i.e., factors such as satisfaction with life and
enjoying life, can have an impact on physical health (Cooke et al. 2016). There
are numerous definitions of subjective well-being, and one of them is the subjective optimistic assessment of one’s own life, including elements such as satisfaction,
positive emotions, engagement, and purpose (Diener and Seligman 2004). It is also
explained as the state of a person who is satisfied and contributes to the development
of the community. This concept of well-being is applied in many fields, including
philosophy, public health, economy, politics, education and psychology. Besides the
M. Ranˇ ci´ c Demir et al.
2.3 The Definition of Well-Being
There is no universally accepted definition of well-being in the literature (Dodge et al.
2012), since the way in which the concept of well-being is understood depends on the
discipline, such as philosophy, theology, sociology, and economy (Voigt 2016). The
definition formed by Dodge et al. (2012) focuses on the need for a balance: stable wellbeing is when individuals have psychological, social and physical resources, which
should suffice certain psychological, social and/or physical, needs and challenges.
This definition conceptualizes well-being, which means that individuals simultaneously possess skills and challenges, i.e., that it is a set of balanced activities that
lead to the feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction (Csikszentmihalyi 1990). The definition also entails cognitive satisfaction (accomplished through goal achievement)
and the existence of positive effect (and insufficient negative feelings), combined
with the psychological needs of competence (personal ability), the ability to relate
(social connections), and autonomy (personal control and resilience) (Watson 2018;
Schwartz 2020). Gilbert and Abdullah (2004), in their study on rest, used the construct
of subjective well-being. They notice that there are several other terms that are used
to describe well-being, including happiness, quality of life, and satisfaction with life.
Well-being or welfare is usually based on the terms ‘eudemonia’ and ‘hedonia’,
and it can be assessed on the global, experiential/activistic, and motivational levels
(Voigt 2016). Eudemonia is the idea that comprises activities that reflect virtues,
excellence, the best in us, and the total development of our potentials. Contrary to
that, hedonia focuses on happiness as satisfaction, enjoyment, and the absence of
uneasiness. Eudemonia is therefore an objective and not a subjective state, characterized by a well-lived life, regardless of the emotional state of the individual
who experiences it. Hedonia comprises the three following elements: personal satisfaction, enjoyment and satisfaction with life (Huta and Waterman 2014). Enjoying
oneself in some activities or in other people’s company is also an element of hedonia;
though it is a paradox, it has been recognized that the search for enjoyment sometimes
spoils the enjoyment experience. In the context of tourist travels, this could include
an escape from a difficult situation or getting rid of a life trauma or pain (Huta and
Waterman 2014; Laing and Frost 2017). It is considered that both eudemonia and
hedonia are equally important components of well-being. However, in the context
of tourism, the hedonistic aspect of tourism experiences is highlighted (Filep 2014;
Voigt 2016).
Psychological and subjective well-being can be distinguished. New research
shows that subjective well-being, i.e., factors such as satisfaction with life and
enjoying life, can have an impact on physical health (Cooke et al. 2016). There
are numerous definitions of subjective well-being, and one of them is the subjective optimistic assessment of one’s own life, including elements such as satisfaction,
positive emotions, engagement, and purpose (Diener and Seligman 2004). It is also
explained as the state of a person who is satisfied and contributes to the development
of the community. This concept of well-being is applied in many fields, including
philosophy, public health, economy, politics, education and psychology. Besides the