In this article we will teach you what is socio-affective well-being. You will discover that quality of life does not only depend on the material resources that the person possesses, but in principle, on the emotional health that allows him to value every aspect of life.
What is socio-affective well-being?
It is undeniable that human beings are social creatures. By virtue of this, personal well-being is not only achieved by feeling good about oneself; Also, it is necessary to have a social environment with which we can relate satisfactorily.
However, achieving this balance between internal emotions and the relationship with our environment is not a simple decision. Generally, the way people are raised will be the determining factor in responding to the challenge of achieving adequate socio-affective well-being.
Socio-affective well-being are the biological, emotional, contextual and social elements that allow us to have a satisfactory interaction with ourselves, our way of being, of thinking and with the social environment that surrounds us. In short, it is the proper relationship with ourselves and with others.
These elements that affect our emotional quality of life and the way we relate to others are determined by certain components. Self-esteem, socioeconomic environment, emotional profile, character and sentimental needs influence the facility to obtain adequate socio-affective well-being.
Socio-affective well-being is a fairly complex state in which society plays an important role. By virtue of this, the issue has been of concern for the management of public administration, to the point of establishing itself as a fundamental right of individuals for a dignified and healthy life.
By virtue of the above, it can be considered that socio-affective well-being has two aspects. The first corresponds to internal socio-affective well-being, determined by self-esteem, psychological well-being and the fulfillment of their affective needs; the second, external socio-affective well-being, determined by the role that the individual plays in a certain social group.
If you wish to complement the information, we invite you to read our article on the character strengths, where you will have a description of the elements that will help you strengthen it.
What elements influence our socio-affective well-being?
As noted above, parenting affects our emotional quality of life. When referring to this, we not only delimit it to direct contact with our parents, but also to the different elements and environments with which we interact during our development. Next, we can mention the most common and direct:
Parental abuse and environment
During the process of emotional development, especially during childhood, the presence of abuse can develop negative emotional elements and inhibit those of self-worth.
Many studies have determined that children copy the attitudes of their parents and become multiplying agents. The presence of abuse usually generates psychological trauma that will lead to the development of withdrawn, petty or violent personalities.
It is worth noting that the abuse can not only come from the parents nor is it usually only physical; it can be emotional and provoked by social groups where the child must be related, such as schools and sports teams. Bullying is the most reliable example of social abuse.
The discrimination
In addition to the above, discrimination by social groups is usually one of the elements that influence socio-affective well-being. Rejection for reasons of particular differences, be it age, race, sexual orientation, creed or economic status, generates self-inhibition of personality development; consequently, the impossibility of obtaining adequate socio-affective well-being.
Social pressure
Social pressure often affects socio-affective well-being, generally in adolescents. The need to belong or be recognized in a certain social group can affect self-esteem and generate emotional difficulties.
psychopathological disorders
Many times, socio-affective well-being depends on predisposed conditions in the mental health of the individual. Some people have conditions that affect thinking, behavior, and moods.
By virtue of this, emotional health is usually conditioned to medical treatments that can influence the interactions of the individual with the environment.
environmental stimuli
Social coexistence usually generates a number of stimuli to our emotional health. The clear example of this type of incident is the way of life that people in the city lead in contrast to those who live in rural areas.
Likewise, we can differentiate that people who receive higher levels of social stimuli as a result of the development of their work, tend to develop greater ease of adaptation to certain social groups. However, they also tend to have greater consequences of stress compared to the mental health of those who live in quiet spaces with little social interaction.
The culture of solidarity
Societies with greater roots in their culture tend to develop higher levels of tolerance and solidarity. This affects the perception of people to adapt to social environments.
In these cultures, the need to meet the emotional needs of others develops. An example of this is found in the warmth of the inhabitants of certain towns that we visit, where hospitality is present and this is a sign of the socio-affective well-being of the population.
Emotional needs and socio-affective well-being
Socio-affective well-being is closely linked to the satisfaction of the individual's emotional needs. Therefore, these can vary in the course of our lives, being during adolescence the most critical point.
during childhood
In the first years of life, the child feels the need mainly to feel loved and protected. Physical contact through expressions of affection such as kisses and hugs are comforting for the development of emotional security.
Likewise, expressions of protection such as taking the infant by the hand when crossing a street or holding him in his arms while he cries, develops the instinct to have the emotional support of those around him.
During adolescence
Adolescence is usually considered the most difficult stage of life as it is the emotional stage in which new emotions are discovered and those learned during childhood are consolidated. Here, the need arises to belong to a group, to be recognized and accepted to guarantee validation and respect for emotions and feelings.
Likewise, sexuality and the emotions of identification with it are discovered. This determines in a certain way the external socio-affective well-being of the individual.
during adulthood
It implies a maturation of emotions and the need for stabilization and balance in the socioeconomic environment. This implies the need to have faithful people who meet the needs of affection.
during old age
During this stage, socio-affective needs are reduced to respect, authority and independence. The external implications are limited to the family environment and the need to feel useful to loved ones.
The importance of socio-affective well-being in adolescence
We have observed that during adolescence the emotional elements that forge the personality of the individual are developed. Having adequate socio-affective well-being during this stage will allow the person to have the necessary skills to face difficulties during adulthood.
The deficiencies in the coverage of the needs of the adolescent can lead to personalities of insecurity, distrust and dependence that can be enhanced by the lack of affective relationships within the family circle. In this sense, it is important to ensure that the necessary skills are obtained to develop stable emotional health and, consequently, a high level of socio-affective well-being.
How to promote socio-affective well-being in adolescence?
Socio-affective well-being can be achieved if we become aware that this is a balance between internal and external elements. Although there are some things that cannot be changed, it is no less true that we can improve them according to our effort and creating a routine of both physical and mental habits that will provide us with the tools to achieve it.
internally
Strengthen self-esteem and that of our environment. Whether through the permanence of positive thoughts or self-help readings, this will allow us to have control over emotions and maintain motivation.
Appreciate a healthy lifestyle. From a proper diet to an exercise routine, this can strengthen a positive attitude in the face of conflicts and difficulties in life.
Permanent personal care. Setting aside the necessary time for health care, hygiene and personal presentation; as well as an adequate schedule of rest and self-reflection.
externally
Maintain a healthy environment and surround yourself with positive people, in which respect and solidarity must prevail to ensure the acceptance of the individual. Likewise, practicing some extracurricular activity helps to strengthen social relationships with others.
