ABSTRACT
As already presented in Chapter 1, wellbeing is a composite phenomenon whose multiple components comprise objectively measurable material elements (such as nutrition and shelter), and subjectively evaluated non-material or intangible elements (such as freedom of belief and expression). Various surveys provide information about the importance of a range of factors that affect wellbeing, covering income, health, marital status, employment, and civic trust. 1 Expressed differently, the five essential elements of wellbeing (that differentiate a thriving life from one spent suffering) revealed by Gallup’s research are dependent on the positive conditions of: an attractive career, personal love-relations, financial/ economic prosperity, good health, and engagement within one’s community.
