Eudaimonic well-being builds on the writings of Aristotle and integrates
contemporary theories of positive psychological functioning. The empirically
operationalization is detailed, emphasizing the importance of rigorous psychometric
evaluation. Scientific advances of this model of well-being are noted, showing links
to sociodemographic factors, experiences in work and family life, and health outcomes.
Three future directions for research are considered. The first addresses
growing problems of socioeconomic inequality and their role in undermining the
opportunities of disadvantaged segments of society to experience eudaimonia. These
problems have now been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has
disproportionately impacted those who were already vulnerable. The second new
direction examines the role of the arts and humanities as factors that nurture
eudaimonic well-being. Whether the arts can activate needed compassion and caring
among the privileged is also considered. The third new direction examines the
intersection of entrepreneurial studies with eudaimonic well-being. Conventional
conceptions of entrepreneurial success focus on business profits; a case is made that
eudaimonia, of the entrepreneur as well as his/her employees and surrounding
communities, constitute further measure of success that elevate issues of virtue,
morality, and ethics.
