The question of what constitutes a good life has been contemplated since the time of the ancient philosophers and continues to be a central focus of Positive Psychology. This field has provided numerous studies on the topic, giving us valuable insights and practical interventions that can enrich our coaching practices. However, a common critique of much of this research is its overreliance on participants from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
As a Positive Psychology coach working with clients around the world, I’ve observed that interventions and techniques can resonate quite differently depending on a client’s cultural background. This raises an important question: What variables must I consider to effectively support the flourishing of culturally diverse clients?
Defining and Measuring Flourishing
I was particularly excited to learn about the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), involving over 200,000 participants across 22 countries and six continents. This ambitious project is a collaboration between Harvard University, Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion, Gallup, and the Center for Open Science. What distinguishes this study from much of the existing research on Flourishing is its cross-cultural scope and its longitudinal design, which allows for tracking changes within the same individuals over time.
In their flagship paper discussing the initial findings from the first wave of data, VanderWeele et al. (2025) define flourishing as 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. So flourishing is multidimensional and covers both objective and subjective aspects of life.
This definition emphasizes that attainment of a good life is relative, not perfect and that flourishing includes not just individual wellbeing but also environmental and community wellbeing are part of flourishing.
In the (GFS), flourishing is measured by looking at six key domains: life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing; physical and mental health; meaning and purpose; character and virtue; close social relationships; and financial and material stability. In the results these domains are discussed both individually as well as a composite score for total flourishing.
The survey employed by GFS to collect data has been developed in collaboration with scholars from various disciplines. Cross-cultural survey development methods were utilized to ensure validity across different contexts. The data encompasses both global flourishing levels and potential determinants, such as marital status, age, employment status, among others. Participants were also queried about their childhood experiences to assess their impact on adult flourishing.
Highlights from the Study
So, what are some interesting highlights from the report and the initial data? And what might be the implications of these findings for Positive Psychology Coaches?
Exploring the dimensions of Flourishing in coaching
First, the results indicate that different cultures seem to emphasize different dimensions of Flourishing. Indonesia, which came out as the number one flourishing country, thrives in all the dimensions. Some other countries, such as Mexico or the Philippines, may flourish less in the financial stability dimension, but report strong flourishing in the dimensions of close social relationships, for example. This fits within the holistic view of flourishing, meaning that someone may thrive in one area while struggling in another. The study emphasized that flourishing should be seen not as a perfect or fixed state, but as the relative attainment of “goodness” across the many areas of life, and that this goodness is always shaped by the cultural context in which a person lives.
Possible coaching implications: As we know from Positive Psychology interventions, one size does not fit all, so exploring the different dimensions with the client can help the coach tailor their approach to find the ones that fit the client’s background and cultural values. Also, there is flexibility to work on dimensions that are under the client’s control at any given time.
Cultural Variability in Flourishing Determinants
While certain life circumstances, such as stable employment or being married, are generally associated with higher levels of flourishing, the strength and nature of these associations vary across cultures. The GFS provides evidence that although these determinants often predict wellbeing, their meaning, value, and psychological impact are shaped by local norms, societal structures, and cultural worldviews. For example, in the U.S., employment had a strong positive association with flourishing. However, the difference between employed and unemployed individuals was minimal in Kenya.
Possible coaching implications:One way a coach could explore the impact of determinants such as marriage or employment would be to explore the client’s values, what is important to them, and how much weight they put on different values.
Religion and spirituality in Flourishing
The Global Flourishing Study found that individuals who attend religious services at least once a week generally report higher levels of flourishing than those who never attend. Religion and spirituality often serve as significant sources of meaning, resilience, and social connection. However, this relationship is not universal; cultural differences matter. In some African contexts, for example, the association between religious service attendance and flourishing was weak or negative, highlighting the importance of understanding spirituality within its cultural and societal framework.
Possible coaching implications:It’s essential for coaches to recognize that spirituality is perceived and experienced differently across individuals and cultures. What provides a deep sense of meaning or support for one client may be irrelevant—or even uncomfortable—for another.
To explore this topic respectfully and openly, a coach might ask:
“Do you have any spiritual or philosophical practices that support you during difficult times?”
This kind of question invites reflection without assuming religiosity. Based on the client’s response, the coach can tailor the approach accordingly. For clients who draw strength from spirituality, consider exploring how they can use it as a strength to enhance their goal setting or resilience, for example.
Social Relationships Are Central but Differently Valued
Across cultures, the quality of social relationships is consistently one of the strongest predictors of flourishing. This includes intimate relationships, friendships, and broader social support networks. However, the way relationships are experienced, prioritized, and valued differs significantly depending on cultural context.
In collectivist cultures (e.g., many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America), strong emphasis is placed on family bonds, group harmony, interdependence, and community obligations.
In individualist cultures (e.g., most of North America and Western Europe), personal autonomy, self-expression, and chosen relationships are central.
Possible coaching implications: These findings align with wellbeing theories, highlighting Positive Relationships. Coaches might explore clients’ relationship quality and help set goals aligned with their values. For some clients, deepening a few close friendships might be a goal. For others, reconnecting with extended family, serving their community, or feeling more at ease in social spaces.
The effect of age to Flourishing is changing
Earlier research on age and wellbeing typically suggested a U-shaped curve—wellbeing tends to be higher in youth and older adulthood, with a noticeable dip in midlife. However, findings from the Global Flourishing Study present a shifting narrative: today’s younger generations are flourishing less than previous ones. While cultural variations persist—with some countries still showing a U-shaped trajectory and others reporting a steady decline in flourishing with age—the overarching global trend is clear: young people seem to be facing greater challenges to their wellbeing.
Possible coaching implications: Recognizing that younger clients might need different tools for flourishing than older generations. Fostering hope, practicing self-compassion, getting clear on values, and mapping purpose could be possible ways to start a coaching conversation.
Overall, the first report on the Global Flourishing Study has revealed some interesting trends and differences in how we humans experience flourishing around the globe. While things like connection, purpose, health, and meaning matter to everyone, how people experience and value them can look very different depending on their culture, background, and generation. For Positive Psychology coaches, this means adopting a thoughtful and flexible approach—one that honours each client’s unique context, values, and worldview. Whether you’re supporting a young person feeling stuck, someone drawing strength from their faith, or a client navigating complex family expectations, the key is to listen deeply, remain curious, and help them define what flourishing looks like for them. There’s no one-size-fits-all path; our role is to walk alongside them as they discover their own.
References:
VanderWeele, T. J., Johnson, B. R., Bialowolski, P. T., Bonhag, R., Bradshaw, M., Breedlove, T., … & Yancey, G. (2025). The Global Flourishing Study: Study profile and initial results on flourishing. Nature Mental Health, 1-18.
