Wellbeing literacy is defined as the intentional use of wellbeing relevant vocabulary, knowledge and language skills to maintain or improve the wellbeing of oneself, others and the world.[1] The term was originally coined and published by Prof. Lindsay Oades and colleagues in 2017, who described wellbeing literacy as the potential "missing link" or "missing ingredient" in positive education,[2] and now supports systems-informed approaches to education (2020).[3][4]
More broadly, wellbeing literacy relates to how people communicate about and for wellbeing (2021).[5]
Wellbeing literacy is a construct that reflects the intersection between the words that people use to describe wellbeing and the understanding they have of wellbeing, according to Waters and Higgins (2022).[6]
Wellbeing literacy - A capability model for wellbeing science and practice
Wellbeing Literacy is underpinned by a capability model (i.e., what someone is able to be and do), a language use capability and model for communication about wellbeing which has five components: vocabulary and knowledge, comprehension, composition, context and intentionality.[5][7]
Wellbeing Literacy: a capability model for wellbeing science and practice
Wellbeing Literacy - Early Childhood Education
The capability model of wellbeing literacy can be contextualized for early childhood education, with child, educator and family benefits,[8] and offers potential insights into the process of wellbeing gains for children in the early years of education.(2021)[8]
Wellbeing Literacy - University Education
Wellbeing literacy and language use influences meaning making, and plays an important role in proactively influencing wellbeing among university students, including among diverse populations, such as Chinese international students.(2020)[9]