Patterns of National Flourishing: Multidimensional Clusters of Well-Being and Psychosocial Resources Across 22 Countries

Abstract National well-being reflects multiple psychological dimensions, yet cross-national research often relies on single indicators or economic proxies. Using two waves of the Global Flourishing Survey across 22 countries (Wave 1 N = 202,898; analytic sample N = 182,354), country-level profiles were identified based on nine indicators of well-being and psychosocial resources (happiness, life satisfaction, life worthwhileness, autonomy, competence, relatedness, gratitude, hope, life balance). Hierarchical and k-means clustering supported a three-profile solution in both waves. Profiles differed meaningfully in both well-being and psychosocial resources, revealing patterns not captured by GDP or geographic groupings. Several middle-income countries (e.g., Argentina, Philippines, Indonesia) exhibited high well-being and resource levels, whereas some high-income countries (e.g., Germany, Hong Kong) showed moderate profiles. Approximately 86% of countries maintained their profile across waves, with a minority shifting clusters, reflecting potential contextual change. These findings suggest that national flourishing reflects the interaction of economic, cultural, and psychosocial factors, highlighting the value of multidimensional approaches to global well-being.

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Publication Details

Journal
Applied Research in Quality of Life
Published
2026-05-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-026-10610-w
Primary Topic
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Patterns of National Flourishing: Multidimensional Clusters of Well-Being and Psychosocial Resources Across 22 Countries

Applied Research in Quality of Life
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
article

Patterns of National Flourishing: Multidimensional Clusters of Well-Being and Psychosocial Resources Across 22 Countries

article en

Abstract

Abstract National well-being reflects multiple psychological dimensions, yet cross-national research often relies on single indicators or economic proxies. Using two waves of the Global Flourishing Survey across 22 countries (Wave 1 N = 202,898; analytic sample N = 182,354), country-level profiles were identified based on nine indicators of well-being and psychosocial resources (happiness, life satisfaction, life worthwhileness, autonomy, competence, relatedness, gratitude, hope, life balance). Hierarchical and k-means clustering supported a three-profile solution in both waves. Profiles differed meaningfully in both well-being and psychosocial resources, revealing patterns not captured by GDP or geographic groupings. Several middle-income countries (e.g., Argentina, Philippines, Indonesia) exhibited high well-being and resource levels, whereas some high-income countries (e.g., Germany, Hong Kong) showed moderate profiles. Approximately 86% of countries maintained their profile across waves, with a minority shifting clusters, reflecting potential contextual change. These findings suggest that national flourishing reflects the interaction of economic, cultural, and psychosocial factors, highlighting the value of multidimensional approaches to global well-being.

Applied Research in Quality of Life
University of Dundee (GB)
Decent work and economic growth
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
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