An interview with Corey Keyes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into mental health, flourishing and languishing from a pioneer in these areas: Emeritus Professor Corey L.M. Keyes. Design/methodology/approach This article presents an interview with Corey Keyes. At the heart of this article is Keyes’ written answers to eight questions. A short Introduction and a commentary on Corey Keye’s responses is provided by the second author. Findings Corey Keyes explains why he uses the term flourishing, what he means by it and how taking flourishing seriously can benefit our lives. Keyes describes the continuum between languishing and flourishing, and how languishing acts as an “existential alarm clock” to alert us to the need to take stock of our lives and address the many challenges that can burden our lives. Research limitations/implications Findings from interviews represent personal viewpoints, in this case the views and experiences of Corey Keyes, and as such cannot be generalized. Practical implications This interview offers practical insight from a pioneer in the field who talks not only theoretically about mental health, but also with deep personal understanding due to his own challenges with depression and alcoholism. Corey Keyes shares the 14 risks of languishing that could be prevented if we were to focus more on the presence of good (flourishing) mental health. Social implications Corey Keyes is a sociologist whose work is closely linked to social well-being. Keyes stresses that flourishing is enhanced with purposeful, warm and trusting relationships and the acceptance of other people. He recommends fostering a sense of community belonging and contributing to society and community to make it a better place for everyone. Originality/value In this original paper, Emeritus Professor Corey Keyes shares highlights of his research on mental health, languishing and flourishing, and also his own personal experiences of mental health challenges including his battle with alcoholism during the Covid-19 pandemic.