Understanding Wellbeing Models — Different Lenses, Shared Purpose

There’s no single roadmap to wellbeing—just like no two individuals are the same. That’s why educators and psychologists have developed a range of evidence-informed models to help us understand and support mental, emotional, and physical health in different ways. At youHQ, we believe that no model is better than another—each offers a unique lens through which to view and nurture wellbeing.

Here are some of the most widely recognised wellbeing frameworks, all of which inform how we shape student support through the youHQ platform:

PERMAH (Positive Psychology – Martin Seligman)

This model defines wellbeing as a combination of six elements: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. PERMAH is holistic and strengths-based, helping students explore what makes life feel fulfilling and worth living. At youHQ, our Wellbeing Framework is based on PERMAH, supporting students to develop balance and purpose across all six areas.

Five Ways to Wellbeing (New Economics Foundation)

Simple and actionable, this model encourages five daily behaviours: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give. It’s widely used in public health and education because it’s easy to understand and adapt across age groups. These five actions underpin many of the reflection tools and prompts in the youHQ platform.

SPIRE (Spiritual Wellbeing – Dr. Dan Tomasulo & Wholebeing Institute)

SPIRE focuses on Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional wellbeing. It adds a dimension often under-explored in traditional models—spirituality, not in a religious sense, but in terms of meaning, values, and connection to something bigger than oneself. This model is particularly valuable in supporting deeper self-reflection and purpose-driven development.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

ACT blends mindfulness with action. It encourages individuals to accept thoughts and feelings without judgment, commit to values-based goals, and take meaningful action. ACT is especially helpful for managing anxiety, building resilience, and supporting emotional regulation—skills we help develop through student workshops and journaling tools within youHQ.

One Platform, Many Pathways

Every model has merit. What matters most is how they’re used to support real students, in real schools, with real lives. That’s why at youHQ, we draw from the best of all approaches—offering tools and content that are flexible, inclusive, and grounded in research. Whether your school leans into PERMAH, the Five Ways, or ACT principles, youHQ can help you bring wellbeing to life, one small step at a time.