Conceptual framework of determinants well-being of orang asli in Malaysia

Abstract

The study of well-being is important to evaluate the benefits of policies and set a potential national indicator of policy success. The objective measure of well-being index is not capable to capture the subjective assessment of citizens regarding their own life. Thus, subjective measurement is required to evaluate citizen’s life comprehensively. Subjective well-being either in individual level or society focus on life satisfaction as well as emotional experiences. Achieving good subjective well-being can create benefits in many areas but it must first be measured using appropriate methods. The determinants of well-being are set as an indicators and measurement items in this study. It is based on the theory of aboriginal worldview and medicine wheel that accentuates connectedness and interdependence among all things in the universe. The medicine wheel derived from aboriginal worldview has been practiced by aborigines for a very long time as guidelines of healing and prosperity. The population discussed in this study is Orang Asli, aborigines from Malaysia that inhibited this land for thousands of years. Their well-being is essential to ensure survival of their heritage and culture. This study proposed conceptual framework of determinants of well-being and its effect on subjective well-being. © 2017 American Scientific Publishers. All rights reserved.