The Tripartite Theory of Wellbeing: finding Phronetic Wellbeing through Platonic Inspiration

We present a unifying Tripartite Theory of Wellbeing. Drawing inspiration from Plato’s conception of Phronesis, we propose “Phronetic” as a third wellbeing component alongside Eudaimonic and Hedonic conceptualizations. Further, we posit the three wellbeing components are first order factors of a higher order factor (evocative of Plato’s notion of ‘Justice’), and collectively necessary for one to optimally function. We psychometrically compare this tripartite and higher order factor model alongside one and two factor models reflecting current wellbeing conceptualizations, using a US general population sample (N = 1,524) and a New Zealand Early Childhood Educator sample (N = 228). The tripartite model yielded the best psychometric qualities with both populations. We then tested the impact of three wellbeing components, and the higher order factor, on basic psychological needs, and workplace specific outcomes. As hypothesized, each wellbeing component had distinctly different relationships with the general and workplace context outcomes. Further, the higher order factor’s collective impact on general and context specific outcomes overall supports our proposition that all wellbeing components are collectively necessary for one to optimally function and thrive. Our theory suggests the multitude of concepts and traits from wellbeing literature, may be interlinked, and apparent contradictions and jingle-jangle fallacies between existent wellbeing models may be resolved through a consistent and unifying framework. The potential of this work to impact a range of arenas, including wellbeing policy, education, and the interdisciplinary methods in psychology and social sciences in general, is discussed.