Enjoyment and Wellbeing
John Haworth
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Abstract
The paper introduces modern perspectives on well-being, work and leisure, as a context for presenting research on the importance of enjoyment for well-being, with comments on the implications for public policy In-depth interviews show that high enjoyment, ‘optimal experience’ or ‘flow’ can occur when challenge is met with equal skill. Research using the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), shows the importance of enjoyment for well-being; and an empirical model is presented linking individual and situational factors. The importance of enjoyment, visual interest and the aesthetics of everyday life for well-being are also highlighted.