Il ruolo del benessere psicologico in medicina psicosomatica - The role of psychological well-being in psychosomatic medicine The psychosomatic approach may be defined as a comprehensive framework for the assessment of psychosocial factors affecting individual vulnerability, evaluation of psychosocial correlates of medical disease, application of psychological therapies to medical disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The multidimensional model of psychological wellbeing proposed by Carol Ryff consists of six dimensions (self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life and personal growth) which describe the concept of human optimal functioning, according to a biopsychosocial consideration of the patient, with therapeutic and preventive implications. Recent studies suggested the influence of psychological well-being in altering individual vulnerability to disease and quality of life. Psychological well-being points to important components in evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and represents a new challenge for promoting positive health, rather than simply preventing disease. Key words: psychological well-being, psychosomatic medicine, Well-Being Therapy.