Well-being Theme Definition

Our well-being theme explores what it means to live a good life and thrive as individuals and communities, recognizing cultural differences in what it means to live a good life. It encompasses emotional experiences such as happiness, contentment, life satisfaction, self-esteem, relational harmony, identity and belonging, a sense of meaning and purpose, and other indicators of personal and collective growth. Our research further considers the importance of thriving relationships, financial and physical security, adaptive responses in the wake of adversity, and character traits including wisdom and morality. We also examine well-being within communities, institutions, and social structures, emphasizing that it extends beyond clinical or health indicators. We note that no single measure can fully capture well-being; instead, we aim to understand how various factors shape well-being within or across individuals and communities.