Well-being is not reducible to happiness: new global study reveals worrying trends

That's the conclusion reached by researchers from Harvard and Baylor University, presenting the results of a large-scale Global Flourishing Study published in Nature Mental Health. The survey included more than 207,000 people from 22 countries and Hong Kong, offering new insights into what constitutes a fulfilling life.

Details: Tyler J. VanderWeele et al, The Global Flourishing Study: Study Profile and Initial Results on Flourishing, Nature Mental Health(2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44220-025-00423-5

Instead of the usual focus on happiness levels, the study assessed six components of well-being:

• life satisfaction and emotional well-being;

• physical and mental health;

• a sense of meaning in life;

• personal qualities and ethics;

• quality of social ties;

• financial security.

The paradox of well-being: economically developed countries are not in the lead

The expected leaders of happiness ratings - such as the USA and Sweden - found themselves in the middle of the list in terms of flourishing. The leaders are Indonesia, Mexico and the Philippines, where the level of economic development is significantly lower.

According to Harvard University professor Tyler Vanderwil, economic development is not always accompanied by an increase in inner satisfaction, meaning and quality of social ties. This calls into question existing public and social policy guidelines.

"It's important to figure out how to grow the economy without losing meaning, relationships and moral guidance," Vanderwil said in an interview with CNN.

Young people in a vulnerable position

The position of young people is of particular concern. According to the researchers, young respondents show the lowest levels of well-being, especially in developed countries.

Lack of purpose, anxiety and the pressures of social success are increasingly characteristic of younger generations. This requires a systemic approach from both educational institutions and mental health services.

How was mental health measured?

Participants were asked questions reflecting key aspects of life, from satisfaction levels and physical health to sense of meaning and quality of relationships. For example:

• How much of your life feels worthwhile to you?

• Do you understand your purpose?

• How satisfied are you with your relationships?

• How often do you worry about housing, security, or monthly expenses?

Based on the responses, a flourishing index was compiled that reflects a person's overall state of internal and external well-being.

Why it matters

Understanding the difference between "being happy" and "flourishing" can change the approach to social policy, education, health and culture. Simple economic indicators or subjective feelings of happiness no longer provide the full picture.

As one of the project participants, Baylor University professor Byron Johnson, emphasises, the study covers about 64 per cent of the world's population and will continue for five years to identify long-term trends and factors affecting quality of life.