Original article: World's Largest Study of Human Flourishing Opens Its Data to the Public
Baylor University News, April 8, 2026
Read the full story at Baylor University →
The world's largest study of Human Flourishing is now open to everyone. The Global Flourishing Study, led by Baylor University and the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard with Gallup and the Center for Open Science, follows about 200,000 people in 22 countries. Its first two waves of data are now free to download, with no registration required.
What the Global Flourishing Study found
The study measures six areas of life: happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, close relationships, and financial stability. Early findings include:
- Young adults now report lower wellbeing than older people.
- National wealth is negatively related to meaning and purpose.
- Religious participation is among the strongest predictors of wellbeing.
Why it matters for your organization
Flourishing is not something a pay cheque or a perk can deliver on its own. The research points to what people build together: purpose, strong relationships and a community to belong to. Organizations that make room for those things give their people a better chance to thrive.
How IHUBApp helps your people flourish
IHUBApp gives your organization one connected Hubsite for communication, events, content and community. Instead of scattered emails, apps and group chats, your people have one place to stay informed, take part and belong. Churches, associations, networks and teams have launched more than 12,000 Hubsites to turn good intentions into everyday connection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Global Flourishing Study?
The Global Flourishing Study is the world's largest study of Human Flourishing. Launched in 2018, it follows about 200,000 people in 22 countries and is co-directed by Byron R. Johnson of Baylor University and Tyler J. VanderWeele of Harvard, with Gallup and the Center for Open Science as partners.
Is the Global Flourishing Study data free to use?
Yes. Waves 1 and 2 are free to download through the Center for Open Science with no registration. Wave 3 is available by pre-registering through the Global Flourishing Registry.
How can an organization help its people flourish?
Start with the areas the study measures, especially meaning, close relationships and community. Give people regular ways to connect, a shared sense of purpose and a place to belong. A connected Hubsite makes that part of everyday life, not a once a year event.
What is one thing your organization does today that helps your people flourish? Share it in the comments.