The Whole Well-Being Model: A Layered Framework for Thriving People, Systems, and Planet

The Whole Well-Being Model offers a layered framework for understanding and supporting health across multiple levels, from individual experience to systems and the environment. As terms like whole health, whole person health, and integrative health gain traction, their overlapping use can create confusion. This model brings clarity by organizing existing domains, from integrative health to planetary health, into a coherent structure. It organizes these domains in a way that clarifies their connections and highlights their distinct contributions. It is rooted in the recognition that well-being does not happen in isolation and requires attention to both personal and systemic factors. The model was developed conceptually to help leaders, practitioners, and educators align strategies with a broader vision of human and planetary thriving. While not yet tested through formal feedback or empirical study, it is designed as a practical tool to inform design, collaboration, and innovation. This article introduces the model, explores its structure, and considers real-world applications. By linking individual needs with broader systems and environmental contexts, the Whole Well-Being Model supports more integrated and intentional approaches to advancing health.