Longitudinal Analyses in the Global Flourishing Study: Wave 1 Predictors of Wave 2 Flourishing

We assess numerous aspects of flourishing and their possible determinants using longitudinal panel data analyses from Waves 1 and 2 of the Global Flourishing Study. The Global Flourishing Study is a longitudinal panel study of more than 200,000 participants in 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries and one territory, spanning all six populated continents, with nationally representative sampling. We report on changes between Wave 1 (mostly 2023) and Wave 2 (2024) across the countries in a composite flourishing index covering the domains of happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial stability. We also report on longitudinal analyses of Wave 2 flourishing regressed on Wave 1 predictors under multivariate confounding control. Flourishing in each of the various domains predicts flourishing in other domains even after adjustment for an extensive set of confounding variables. Among the most prominent of other one-year predictors of flourishing are freedom to pursue what is most important, hope and optimism, showing love/care, social support, a sense of belonging within one’s country, marriage, religious service attendance, loneliness, health limitations, pain, and subjective financial security. The analyses may provide some indication of potential intervention targets to improve societal flourishing. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in effect sizes across countries and the most effective strategies will likely be those tailored to each specific context.