The Science
Our work draws upon the landmark study, the Global Flourishing Study (GFS)—the most comprehensive, cross-cultural research initiative ever undertaken on human flourishing.
Conducted in partnership with leading institutions, including Harvard University, Baylor University, Gallup, and the Center for Open Science, over 200,000 people in 22 countries and one territory were interviewed. Initial findings provide an unprecedented view into the factors that enable people and communities to flourish, or as defined by Tyler VanderWeele, Director of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, “Flourishing is the relative attainment of a state in which all aspects of a person’s life are good, including the contexts in which that person lives.”
The Six Dimensions of Human Flourishing
These six domains were developed by Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University.
1. Happiness and Life Satisfaction
Overall sense of contentment, joy, and satisfaction with life.
2. Physical and Mental Health
Well-being of the body and mind, including both physical health and psychological resilience.
3. Meaning and Purpose
The sense that life is purposeful, significant, and directed toward valued goals.
4. Character and Virtue
Living according to moral and ethical principles, such as honesty, kindness, and integrity.
5. Close Social Relationships
The presence of supportive, loving, and trusting relationships with family, friends, and community.
6. Financial and Material Stability
Having the resources and security needed to support life and pursue aspirations.
Research on flourishing may also incorporate the five core domains of Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of positive psychology: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
Advancing Human Flourishing Globally
Flourishing goes beyond well-being or engagement. It is a whole-system condition in which people can perform, grow, connect, and feel fulfilled across all areas of life, making it a powerful predictor of resilience, innovation, and long-term organizational and societal success.