Human Flourishing Architecture: Eight Wellbeing Domains That Shape Our World

A domain is an area, territory or field over which we have some level of interest, control or influence. When thinking about wellbeing domains it is useful to apply the following principles:

1. Universally Applicable

A true wellbeing domain must transcend cultural, geographical, and socioeconomic boundaries. It should be relevant whether someone lives in a bustling metropolis or a remote village. This is important if we want to compare the wellbeing of people across places, organisations, or in one country with another. While universal, the domain should allow for cultural interpretation and expression.

For this reason work/employment and education are not domains of wellbeing. Across the world not everyone works and not everyone goes to school. They may influence our wellbeing if we partake in them, but they are not domains. The domain should also apply throughout the human lifespan, from childhood through elder years, regardless of occupation, education, or social status.

2. Representative of the Full Human Experience

Each domain should represent a fundamental aspect of human existence with clear boundaries that cannot be reduced to or fully explained by other domains. However, while domains must be distinct enough to stand alone, they should also naturally connect with other domains in meaningful ways. This is why it is so important to include emotional and spiritual domains. These domains are often excluded from many wellbeing frameworks but the way we feel and what we believe often have a big influence on our actions and behaviours!

3. Clear and Accessible

The domain should be easily understood across different educational levels and cultural backgrounds, avoiding technical or academic jargon. People should be able to readily identify and relate to the domain based on their lived experience.

4. Measurable and Actionable

When we examine domains individually, we can identify specific areas for improvement and develop targeted interventions. There should be clear ways to influence or improve wellbeing within the domain through intentional action. However, the domains also create a dynamic system where changes in one area ripple through to others.

5. Scaleable

The domain should be applicable at both individual and collective levels, from personal wellbeing to community and societal wellbeing. Scalable wellbeing domains seamlessly transition from individual to societal levels, ensuring interventions maintain their effectiveness while expanding from personal development to organisational and community-wide transformation.

A comprehensive framework for positive change

This framework ensures that wellbeing domains are both theoretically sound and practically useful for creating positive change across diverse human contexts. Understanding wellbeing through interconnected domains provides a comprehensive framework for creating positive change in our lives and organisations. This is how the the framework we use at Improveon and outlined in The Age of Wellbeing was developed.

Mental wellbeing is our ability to manage THOUGHTS so we can respond effectively to the ups and downs of everyday life. If we are thriving in this area we’ll probably be thinking more creatively, whilst if suffering our thoughts may be causing distress.

Emotional wellbeing is the ability to manage our response to FEELINGS and EMOTIONS so we can deal effectively with the ups and downs of everyday life. If we are thriving in this area we’ll most likely feel calm and composed, whereas if we are suffering we may well feel disturbed and ‘highly strung’.

Physical wellbeing is the ability to manage our BODY, ACTIONS and BEHAVIOURS so we can deal effectively with the ups and downs of everyday life. If we are thriving physically we will be vital with lots of energy, whereas if we are suffering we might be physically drained.

Spiritual wellbeing is based on things that relate to our SPIRIT or SOUL such as purpose, character, personality, beliefs, values and motivations, rather than material or physical things. When we live our lives in alignment with these things we will be more likely to thrive and feel fulfilled. If our lives are out of alignment with these things we may experience suffering and feel unfulfilled.

Social wellbeing is based on our ability to establish connections, relate to and maintain positive RELATIONSHIPS with other people. If we are thriving our relationships will be highly engaging and supportive, whereas if we are suffering we may feel unsupported and isolated.

Cultural wellbeing is about the WAY we live our lives in balance with others around us. It is based on inclusion, diversity and integration of people who may have different ideas and ways of doing things, including, but not limited to, traditions, religion, art, music, food, language, governance and technology. If we are thriving we will often feel in harmony with our own and other cultures, whereas if we are suffering we may experience greater conflict.

Environmental wellbeing is based on the two way impact between us, our SPACES, PLACES, other SPECIES and the PLANET. With thriving environmental wellbeing we will often feel a strong sense of affinity at home, work or play. We will be living sustainably. With suffering environmental wellbeing we might feel like a ‘fish out of water’ at home, work or play and be living in a way that is unsustainable for people, species and the planet.

Economic wellbeing is based on the two way impact between what we give and what we get as a result of our career, trade or what we do, including volunteering, caregiving, homemaking and retirement. If we are thriving economically we will feel prosperous. If we are suffering economically we may feel destitute.

Find out more

If you would like to know more about how this framework can be applied to help improve personal, team or organisational wellbeing get in touch or feel free to book a meeting to discuss your requirements.