Homeostasis Theory of Well-being

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Homeostasis

Background:

• Human well-being is a complex construct influenced by various factors.
• Existing theories of well-being offer different perspectives on its underlying mechanisms.
• The concept of homeostasis, or maintaining internal stability, is well-established in biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and provide a proof-of-concept for the Homeostasis Theory of Well-being.
• To explore the biopsychosocial context of this homeostatic modular system.
• To identify empirical support for the homeostatic nature of 16 proposed modules and compare it with existing theories.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of approximately 2000 publications.
• Analysis of studies reporting U- or inverse U-shaped curves in 16 homeostatic domains.
• Application of the Central Limit Theorem to homeostatic systems.

Main Results:

• Prima facie empirical support for the homeostatic nature of the 16 proposed modules.
• Observed Gaussian distribution of outputs in homeostatic systems with multiple inputs.
• Identification of similarities and differences with other homeostasis theories of well-being.

Conclusions:

• The Homeostasis Theory of Well-being offers a novel framework for understanding human well-being.
• The theory is currently speculative and requires further validation through controlled longitudinal studies.
• The theory has significant implications for understanding the human drive for balance and stability.