Understanding Holistic Wellness from a Midlife Perspective: A Factor Analytic Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the dimensions of holistic wellness that would emerge in a sample of midlife adults (N= 269, M_age = 52 years) using the Perceived Wellness Survey and to assess if these dimensions related to developmental theories of midlife. Results from an exploratory principal-axis factor analysis indicated a four-factor solution of wellness for midlife adults (i.e., Physical Wellness, Affiliative Security, Cognitive Competence, and Optimism). Individuals who scored higher on these factors showed greater perception of cognitive and physical capacity, optimism, and greater social interaction. These results are compared to previous results with other developmental cohorts. Implications for how these findings relate to wellbeing, successful aging, and social support theory are discussed, as well as suggestions for clinical practice and future research. By gaining a better understanding of how midlife adults perceive holistic wellness, mental health professionals can synthesize this with their clinical approach.