Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle by Myers, Sweeney & Witmer

A holistic model of wellness

Jane E. Myers, Thomas J. Sweeney & Melvin Witmer

About the WEL * WEL for Researchers *WEL Workbook * WEL Web Version * Scales * Wheel of Wellness graphic

The purpose of the Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle (WEL) is to help respondents make healthy lifestyle choices based on their responses to each of the five life tasks and subtasks defined in the Wheel of Wellness. The life tasks of spirituality, self-direction, work & leisure, friendship, and love interact with a variety of life forces and global events. The instrument consists of 131 items generated as self-statements to which respondents reply using a five-point Likert scale.

Sweeney and Witmer (1991) presented a holistic model for wellness and prevention across the lifespan which is based in psychological theory and empirical research on characteristics of healthy persons. Specifically, the authors incorporated cross-disciplinary research and theoretical concepts from a variety of disciplines that supported certain human characteristics as related to health, longevity, and quality of life. In organizing this literature, the authors defined wellness as “a way of life oriented toward optimal health and well-being in which the body, mind, and spirit are integrated by the individual to live more fully within the human and natural community”. Eighteen characteristics were identified and presented in a circular model, the Wheel of Wellness, to symbolize a pattern of relationships among these characteristics.

The Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle or WEL Inventory was developed to measure each of the components of wellness depicted in the Wheel. It is based on the major life tasks and subtasks that enable healthy persons to interact effectively with environment and ecological life forces. In the WEL, one score is provided for each of the life tasks and sub-tasks, as well as a composite score for “total wellness.” Scores are presented in a profile that allows for interpretation based on individual scores as well as patterns. The WEL can be used as an adjunct to counseling to help people develop and maintain healthy lifestyles that promote well being over the lifespan, quality of life, and longevity.

The WEL for Researchers	Paper by mail		Online pdf
WELL Manual/Sampler Set		$30.00
WELL Bulk Permissions
Bundle of 150 ($0.80 each)		$120.00
Bundle of 200 ($0.75 each)		$150.00
Bundle of 300 ($0.70 each)		$210.00
Bundle of 400 ($0.65 each)		$260.00
Bundle of 500 ($0.60 each)		$300.00
For larger quantities, please contact us

Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle Workbook

The WEL Workbook is a guide to assessing personal resources for wellness and developing a plan for living life more fully. It can be used independently or in conjunction with the Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle (WEL) inventory. Exercises help determine personal goals and objectives for achieving greater wellness in any or all of the areas depicted in the Wheel of Wellness. In addition, a comprehensive list of resources helps to increase knowledge of wellness behaviors and benefits of a wellness lifestyle.

	Paper by mail		Online pdf
WELL Workbook		$25.00
WELL Workbook Bulk Permissions
Bundle of 25 copies ($2 each)		$50.00
Bundle of 50 ($1.50 each)		$75.00
Bundle of 100 ($1 each)		$100.00
For larger quantities, please contact us

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Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle--Web Version

Respondents can elect to take the WEL inventory on the Web. A Wellness and Life Challenges Profile is then generated by Mind Garden and a link to the pdf report is sent to you via e-mail. The personal profile is a graphic picture of the various components of wellness as rated by the respondent when taking the WEL. Each of the components of the Wheel of Wellness is included in the profile, along with several additional scores which will contribute to the understanding of one's own resources for wellness.

See a sample report of the Web-based WEL (pdf)


WELL Web-Based Administration
Individual Report		$9.00
Bundle of 10 copies ($8 each)		$80.00
Bundle of 20 copies ($7 each)		$140.00
Bundle of 50 ($5 each)		$250.00
Bundle of 100 ($4 each)		$400.00
For larger quantities, please contact us

Scales

The instrument consists of 131 items generated as self-statements to which respondents reply using a five-point Likert scale. WEL Life Task Scales are: