Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM)
RESEARCH & EVIDENCE
Understanding the underlying determinants of wellbeing to inform better decisions and support primordial prevention.
What Is the Universal Wellbeing Model?
The Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) is a research-informed framework for understanding the interconnected determinants that influence wellbeing across individuals, organisations and communities.
Developed through more than 17 years of applied research, the model identifies six dimensions, 70 determinants and five guiding principles. It supports consideration of the underlying circumstances that may contribute to wellbeing outcomes, rather than focusing only on visible problems.
The UWM informs FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute's approach to primordial prevention: understanding and addressing the conditions that can contribute to harm before it occurs.
The Universal Wellbeing Model
The official diagram shows the model's five principles, six dimensions, sensory inputs and cognitive processing, alongside its 70 determinants. The asterisks on selected determinants indicate items included in the UWET Risk Level Scale, as identified in the official poster.
The image is supplied for on-page educational reference. Please contact FWI for permission to reproduce the diagram. Browser restrictions discourage casual copying but cannot prevent screenshots or extraction.
What Are the Six Dimensions of Universal Wellbeing?
The UWM recognises that wellbeing is influenced by multiple interconnected aspects of human experience.
Social
Relationships, family, friends, community, social acceptance, confidence and safety.
Physical
Sleep, exercise, hydration, physical safety, housing, eating, pain and other physical circumstances.
Intellectual
Thinking skills, problem identification, solution finding, decision-making, achievement and learning.
Spiritual
Belief and value systems, attitudes, intuition, sense of control, resilience and personal value.
Emotional
Emotional recognition, regulation, safety, acceptance, self-esteem, validation and connection.
Ethnic & Cultural
Ethnic and cultural identity, group acceptance, capabilities, confidence and safety.
Five Principles of the UWM
These principles guide consideration of wellbeing as an interconnected experience and support responses that are informed by context and individual circumstances.
What Factors Could Be Affecting Your Wellbeing?
A difficulty at work, at school or in everyday life may involve several contributing circumstances rather than one simple cause.
Why am I struggling at work?
Workload, relationships, safety, support, recognition, financial pressures and confidence can all influence workplace experiences. The UWM offers a framework for examining relevant determinants without assuming a single explanation.
Why is my child disengaged at school?
Belonging, learning challenges, relationships, safety, sleep and circumstances outside school may all matter. The model encourages a broader view alongside appropriate advice from teachers and learning-support professionals.
Why do I feel disconnected from others?
Family, friendships, community connections, social acceptance, cultural safety and emotional experiences can influence wellbeing. The UWM helps organise these factors for consideration.
Could stress be contributing to headaches or migraines?
Stress may be a trigger for some headaches or migraines, but migraines are a neurological condition and can have multiple triggers. The UWM is not a diagnostic or treatment tool. Seek medical advice for new, persistent or concerning symptoms.
Understanding Causes Before Harm Occurs
Primordial prevention considers the underlying conditions and determinants that can contribute to poor wellbeing, before harm develops.
In workplaces, schools and communities, responses often begin after problems become visible. The UWM supports a more systematic consideration of contributing circumstances, helping inform earlier and more appropriate decisions.
Why look beyond symptoms?
Similar problems may arise from different combinations of determinants. Understanding the relevant context is important before choosing a response.
Where Can the UWM Be Applied?
Education and Learning
Understanding factors influencing attendance, engagement, learning, achievement and inclusion.
Workplaces and Organisations
Considering the determinants of engagement, retention, productivity, workplace relationships and organisational wellbeing.
Communities and Social Services
Informing community consultation, inclusion, planning and understanding of local wellbeing needs.
Individuals and Professional Practice
Developing Universal Wellbeing literacy and considering the circumstances influencing personal or professional experiences.
How Does the UWM Relate to the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool?
The Universal Wellbeing Model is the research framework describing dimensions and determinants. The Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) supports its application through structured, confidential evaluation and reporting.
The model and tool serve related but distinct purposes. An evaluation can help identify relevant wellbeing determinants and inform appropriate next steps.
ENQUIRE ABOUT AN EVALUATIONResearch Behind the Universal Wellbeing Model
FWI's long-term research programme includes work by Susan F. Stevenson and Professor Kay Fielden. A related peer-reviewed publication appeared in the Evaluation Journal of Australasia in 2025.
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Explore the research publication, its methodology, findings and limitations through its official DOI.
Common Questions About the Model
What causes poor wellbeing?
Wellbeing can be influenced by a combination of social, physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and ethnic and cultural determinants. The UWM organises 70 determinants across these six dimensions.
Is the Universal Wellbeing Model a medical treatment?
No. The UWM is a research-informed wellbeing framework, not a medical diagnostic or treatment method. Health concerns should be assessed by qualified healthcare professionals.
Can an organisation apply the UWM?
Yes. FWI provides professional education, evaluation and organisational systems services that support the application of Universal Wellbeing in different settings.
What is the difference between the UWM and UWET?
The UWM is the conceptual framework; UWET is the associated evaluation tool used to examine wellbeing determinants through a structured process.
Explore Universal Wellbeing with FWI
Interested in the research, professional learning, evaluations or organisational applications of the Universal Wellbeing Model? Contact FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute.
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