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Languishing: An Overview of Causes, Impacts and Interventions

Author : Indhu Priya D and Dr. Nithya R

Abstract :

Languishing, a term coined by Corey Keyes (2002), refers to the psychological state lying between flourishing and depression. While not technically a diagnosis, languishing has become an important mental health issue, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. People who languish report feeling low on energy, emotionally numb, less motivated, and generally stagnant. This article presents a descriptive account of the etiologies, effects, and interventions pertaining to languishing. It draws on empirical research and theoretical constructs to discuss major contributors such as chronic stress, social isolation, interrupted routines, and structural disparities. The effects of languishing are discussed on psychological, occupational, educational, and physiological levels and show its correlation with decreased productivity, academic disengagement, and long-term health consequences. Although common, languishing is still under-documented in diagnostic guides and public health literature. Successful interventions like mindfulness, positive psychological practices, social reconnecting, and policy reforms are framed within the context of Keyes' Five Vitamins of Flourishing model. This review calls for the identification of languishing as a public mental health imperative and suggests multi-level interventions for early detection, prevention, and recovery.

Keywords :

Languishing, mental health continuum, flourishing, psychological well-being, positive psychology.