PSY 211 Module Two Milestone Template
Choose one of the wellness dimensions and explain whether you feel it is guided more by nature
or nurture. Explain your response.
The social dimension of wellness is shaped by both nature and nurture, which influence our
behavior and mental well-being (Xelhua, 2023). Social wellness is affected by nature because
certain social behaviors, such as antisocial tendencies, may have a genetic basis. Humans have
an innate desire to be part of a group and form friendships. We all seek acceptance. Additionally,
social wellness can be nurtured; we can learn to communicate effectively, navigate social
situations, and build relationships with family, friends, and peers. These social skills,
communication patterns, and the ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships contribute
to who we are today and who we will become.
Explain how one dimension of wellness influences cognitive well-being during a specific stage
of development.
Maintaining a social life can enhance mental health and physical well-being. Being inclusive and
feeling included in social groups boosts cognitive function and reinforces a person’s positive
emotions. In contrast, those who lack social connections are more likely to feel depressed and
isolated. Previous research indicates that individuals may be more vulnerable to developing a
mental disorder when under stress due to certain genetic variations and that "individuals with
specific genetic variations may be at risk of developing a disorder when faced with particular
environmental stressors” (Xelhua, 2023). Positive social groups have been shown to improve
overall health and self-esteem significantly.
Identify the wellness dimension that you feel most in control of. Explain your response.
I feel most in control of my emotional wellness. Therapy and self-help books have taught me to
be aware of both my emotions and those of others. I believe I can read a room quite easily.
Throughout my life, I have faced struggles, and to overcome them, I needed to learn about
myself and how to cope with various positive and negative situations. I understand that my life is
far from perfect, and I don't subscribe to the notion of a perfect life. I have hope for my future
and look forward to it, regardless of what happens. I don’t let challenges deter me from my
goals, even in the face of failure. I am easy to get along with, and I feel that many people come
to me for advice, which is a wonderful feeling.
Identify the wellness dimension that you feel least in control of. Explain your response.
I feel the least in control of the spiritual dimension. As humans, we seek meaning and purpose
through this aspect of life. My appreciation for life and the natural forces in the universe is
growing as I develop a deeper understanding of them. For a significant period, I struggled with
inconsistencies in my values and beliefs, leading to a sense of disconnection from my true self. I
felt pressured by my family and other social influences to conform to certain religious beliefs.
Growing up, I participated in these practices because everyone else was doing so, and it was
what was expected of me. I want to focus on my spiritual well-being and nurture it through
practices like meditation, reflection, and connecting with a community. I realize that external
forces can have a significant impact on this journey.
2
Choose one dimension that you believe to be predominant in development. Explain your
response.
I believe that the intellectual aspect of well-being is vital for personal development. As you
acquire knowledge, your ability to make better decisions improves. Intellectual wellness involves
continually learning and growing by engaging your mind with stimulating activities. It
encompasses developing critical thinking skills, exploring new ideas, and utilizing creativity to
solve problems (Stride, 2025). With increased knowledge, you can make positive choices that
enhance your life rather than negative ones. As you gain more insights, other areas of your life
also improve. For example, understanding that high cholesterol can lead to heart issues has made
me more mindful of my cholesterol intake. As a child, I didn’t understand this and ate whatever I
wanted without considering the long-term effects. However, as I learned more about nutrition,
my eating habits changed. Overall, intellectual wellness can enhance focus, memory, and mood,
improve learning capabilities, strengthen organizational skills, support brain development, and
provide a sense of achievement (Stride 2025).
Explain how emotional intelligence and resilience factors affect your well-being.
Emotional intelligence and resilience are essential for my well-being. Emotional intelligence
involves being aware of and expressing emotions, thinking clearly, understanding feelings, and
managing emotions to grow (Landry, 2019). Resilience is my ability to cope with difficult
situations. Together, these traits enable me to adapt to challenges and enhance my personal and
intellectual skills. By recognizing my emotions, I can manage them effectively and create a
healthy emotional environment in my life. This contributes to a happier and healthier life,
allowing me to feel in control of my emotions. I practice wellness techniques to uphold my well-
being. When I experience strong emotions, whether happiness or sadness, I acknowledge them.
For instance, if I'm sad, I remind myself that it's perfectly okay to feel that way and that I should
not dwell on negative feelings, which can influence my mood later. To cope with sadness, I
allow myself to feel upset and cry, but I also ensure that I uplift myself after taking the time to
feel better and maintain emotional balance. In summary, emotional intelligence and resilience
significantly enhance my well-being by strengthening self-control and creating opportunities for
personal growth.
2
3
References
Landry, Lauren. (2019, April) Why Emotional Intelligence is Important in Leadership. Harvard
Business Insights. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/emotional-intelligence-in-
leadership#:~:text=The%20technical%20skills%20that%20helped,popularized%20by
%20psychologist%20Daniel%20Goleman
Stride (2025). What Does Intellectual Wellness Mean? Stride for better mental health.
https://stride.com.au/dimensions-of-wellness/intellectual-wellness/
Xelhua, Keanneyi (2023, August 24) Unlocking the Path of Genetic Nurture: Bridging Nature
and Nurture in Mental-Health. Columbia University Libraries.
https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/cusj/blog/view/557#:~:text=While%20the
%20assumption%20is%20that,and%20our%20mental%20well%2Dbeing
3
