An Original Contribution to Counselling Psychology: A Postcolonial Critique and African Reconstruction of Psychological Wellbeing Theory

Dominant psychological wellbeing theories including Ryff's multidimensional model, Seligman's PERMA framework, and the hedonic-eudaimonic distinction were developed in Western philosophical and cultural traditions that may systematically misconstrue or undervalue the dimensions of psychological flourishing most central to African and specifically Nigerian ways of living well. This study developed an original postcolonial critique and African-centred reconstruction of psychological wellbeing theory for Nigerian counselling contexts. A constructive philosophical and empirical methodology was employed. Phase one conducted a systematic critical analysis of dominant wellbeing theories against African philosophy texts (Ubuntu, Yoruba Iwa Pele, Igbo Iwa Oma), identifying seven theoretical limitations: over-individualisation of autonomy, marginalisation of communal belonging as a wellbeing dimension, absence of spiritual flourishing as intrinsic rather than instrumental, inadequate theorisation of ancestral continuity, exclusion of inter-generational wellbeing obligations, cultural insensitivity to shame-based rather than guilt-based moral functioning, and failure to theorise postcolonial identity-based wellbeing challenges. Phase two conducted grounded theory research with 45 adults across six communities in Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, and Borno, exploring indigenous conceptions of living well. Analysis generated eight African wellbeing dimensions: communal harmony, family honour preservation, spiritual alignment, ancestral continuity, material sufficiency, civic contribution, personal dignity, and resilient adaptation. The original Afrocentric Psychological Wellbeing Model integrates these dimensions into a formal theoretical structure with measurement and counselling application guidelines. Expert review by 20 scholars confirmed original theoretical significance.

Keywords: psychological wellbeing theory, postcolonial critique, African counselling, Afrocentric model, original contribution