Critical Review of Cultural Ethos, Well-being and Psychological Health Measures

Abstract

In this paper, the review of existent literature has been carried to study the cultural ethos influences wellbeing. Cultural ethos is understood as a spiritual, religious, social and an existential wellbeing. Cultural ethos plays a crucial role in shaping the individual’s health and wellbeing. Further cultural ethos highlights the importance of cultural awareness and responsiveness towards wellbeing and holistic health. The studies on cultural ethos, indicates that it influences well-being through various mechanisms. In addition, cultural ethos promotes self-awareness, recognizing how culture shapes one’s identity, positively impacts well-being by enhancing cultural identification. In other words, cultural ethos plays a crucial role in family dynamics, daily lifestyle and mental health. These cultural factors together shape emotions, well-being, and health outcomes. Comprehending and incorporating cultural beliefs and practices into support systems and interventions is crucial for promoting well-being across diverse cultural contexts. The clarity of cultural identity, self-esteem, lifestyle consistently may influence well-being. In addition, by the clarity of self-concept promotes cultural identity and consequently offers psychological benefits for individuals to deal with cultural issues related to well-being. Being self-aware and having a clear sense of identity have been associated with higher self-esteem and better psychological well-being. A strong cultural identity offers individuals a clear model to help them navigate the processes needed to build a solid personal identity, which in turn supports the development of self-esteem and well-being. Research suggests a significant positive relationship between cultural engagement and psychological well-being, particularly among Indigenous adolescents. As the studies revealed that cultural ethos is a multi-dimensional factor that directly or indirectly influences the well-being. As the present study proposed to review the measures that are relevant to measure the well-being in the context of the factors of cultural ethos. The paper will mark the direction of the future research in the context of the cultural ethos by incorporation and administering the appropriate measures for well-being. The implication of the research will set the new direction in the realm of cultural ethos and well-being for holistic health.