The 8 domains and scoring approach are grounded in decades of research on what actually drives long-term health, performance, and decision quality. Here's the backbone, in plain terms.
✅ Strong Harvard Study of Adult Development (80+ years)
The longest-running study of its kind found that close relationships are the strongest predictor of long-term health and life satisfaction — more than income, status, or IQ. This grounds the Close Relationships and Community domains.
✅ Strong WHO-5 Wellbeing Index
Simple self-report scales validated across countries and decades. Confirms that brief, honest self-assessment is both measurable and meaningful — which is what this tool does.
✅ Strong Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan)
Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are fundamental human needs — when any are chronically unmet, motivation and wellbeing deteriorate. Grounds the Livelihood and Community domains.
✅ Strong Sleep & Fatigue Research (Pilcher et al. 2015)
Good sleep does not automatically translate to good energy if work stress is high. This paradox is why the tool looks at patterns across domains, not isolated numbers.
⚠️ Emerging Adult Development Theory (Kegan)
Used with appropriate framing — not overclaimed. The stage-based model of meaning-making informs how the Meaning & Growth domain is framed.
⚠️ Emerging PERMA (Seligman)
A useful framework — applied here as a reference lens, not a clinical tool. Replication in real-world contexts is mixed; treated accordingly.
⚠️ Emerging Polyvagal Theory (Porges)
The neuroanatomical claims are contested. Nervous system language is used carefully here — the framing is conservative and consistent with what is well-established.
This tool is evidence-informed, not evidence-based — a meaningful distinction. It is a reflective snapshot, not a diagnostic instrument. It does not replace medical, financial, or psychological advice.