🍀 4 Modes of Human Well-Being
A comprehensive, research-based framework for understanding the structure of well-being
Understanding and measuring human well-being is an important challenge for researchers, policymakers, and communities. However, defining it in a way that captures its complexity isn’t so easy. A recent review paper by researcher Frank Martela offers a simple framework by identifying four core "modes of existence" that together form the foundation of human well-being: having, loving, doing, and being.
These four modes reflect different aspects of what it means to live a fulfilling life and provide a practical model for improving mental health.
💡 Having, Loving, Doing, Being
Based on a review of scientific evidence, Martela suggests the following four constructs are key to understanding human well-being:
1. Having: Our Material Needs
At the most basic level, humans need certain physical resources to survive and thrive. This includes essential needs like food, water, shelter, and safety. Martela's model stresses that the having mode encompasses not just survival but also access to material conditions that ensure comfort and security—like income, housing, and employment. A lack of these resources can severely undermine well-being.
2. Loving: Our Social Nature
Humans are inherently social beings, and our relationships play a crucial role in our overall well-being. We need people to care for and we need to feel cared for by others. The loving mode captures the deep human need for connection, belonging, and acceptance. Whether through family, friends, or broader community, social relationships provide emotional support, intimacy, and mutual care—essential elements for mental health and happiness.
3. Doing: Our Active Nature
We are not passive observers of life but active participants. The doing mode reflects our need to set goals, make choices, and take action toward achieving personal aspirations. This includes our sense of autonomy—our ability to make self-directed decisions—and competence, or the ability to effectively accomplish tasks. Fulfilling these needs gives us a sense of agency, purpose, and motivation.
4. Being: Our Existential Experience
Finally, the being mode captures the most fundamental aspect of our existence: our lived experience. This dimension is concerned with how we feel about our lives—our emotions, reflections, and overall life satisfaction. It includes both positive feelings, such as joy and contentment, and evaluative aspects, such as life satisfaction and a sense of meaning.
The overall framework provides a holistic lens through which to view human flourishing. The four modes—having, loving, doing, and being—do not operate in isolation; they interact dynamically to shape our overall well-being. For instance, material security enables us to focus on fostering deep social relationships and engaging in meaningful goals. In turn, these activities contribute to a richer emotional life and a more fulfilling sense of existence.
Well-being is a balance between fulfilling biological, social, motivational, and experiential needs. It’s not just about material wealth or emotional happiness but about balancing all aspects of human existence. By addressing each of these areas thoughtfully, we can create environments that promote a robust sense of well-being.
⭐️ Takeaway tips
#1. Reflect on having, loving, doing, and being
With the framework above in mind, reflect on how the four modes of existence relate to your own life. Are there particular modes that you feel particularly satisfied with? Are there other modes that could do with more care? Evaluating your life according to the four categories may reveal interesting new insights about how you’re living your life and what may be driving areas of weaker well-being.
#2. Consciously design your material world to reflect your core values
Don't just meet your basic needs—design your environment in a way that aligns with your personal values and ambitions. Create spaces that promote well-being, whether that means investing in meaningful experiences or physical surroundings that reinforce your goals. When your external world reflects your inner structure, it reduces friction and makes it easier to live happily.
#3. Seek meaningful social connection
Rather than maintaining passive connections or superficial social networks, actively seek out groups or communities where you can engage in shared goals, ideas, or causes that matter to you. Whether through volunteer work, shared hobbies, or collaborative projects, focusing on group activities that align with your values will foster deeper, more purposeful social bonds that contribute to your overall well-being.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Another well written, thought provoking read Erman, well done.
Modern life appears so stressful to so many but sometimes simple acts of kindness, simple pleasures and just appreciating what we have would go a long way to addressing poor mental health.