Uniwellsity | well-being

Univerzitní výuka na téma well-beingu dostupná všem.

In our research on student well-being at Uniwellsity we build on the foundational work of Martin Seligman who introduced the PERMA model in 2011 as a comprehensive framework for understanding human flourishing. His work showed that positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment form the essential pillars that allow individuals to grow and thrive. This model became one of the most influential approaches to well-being within education and psychology.

Later, Donaldson and colleagues expanded this model into PERMA+4 in 2019 by adding the critical areas of physical health, mindset, environment and financial well-being. Their work offered a more complete understanding of the everyday realities that shape the lives of students and demonstrated that well-being is influenced not only by internal psychological processes but also by the external conditions in which students live and learn.

In our long term collaboration with university students we saw that their well-being is deeply connected to a sense of living truthfully and in alignment with who they are. Many of the challenges students face come from pressure to meet expectations, adapt to external demands or disconnect from their own values. For this reason, Jana Kočí extended the existing models in 2022 by introducing the dimension of authenticity. This led to the creation of the PERMA5 model which reflects the essential components of flourishing in the lives of students today.

The PERMA5 model brings together emotional, cognitive, relational and contextual aspects of well-being and adds the ability to live as one’s true self. This integrative approach provides students with a clear pathway to understand how their thoughts, emotions, habits, relationships, environment and core identity come together to shape their daily well-being. This approach is also developed in the book Well-being and Success for University Students Applying PERMA+4published by Routledge which presents practical and evidence based strategies for students, educators and universities.

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What is PERMA and why we follow this structure of well-being

Through our experience with university students we learned that well-being grows most naturally when we begin with stability and then move step by step toward deeper psychological and personal development. This understanding is aligned with the work of Abraham Maslow who described human needs as a beautifully layered structure, beginning with physiological foundations and gradually expanding toward higher levels of personal meaning and self-realisation.

When basic needs are met, students gain the clarity and energy to explore relationships, cultivate positive emotions, strengthen their mindset and develop resilience. As they continue on this path, they build the capacity for achievement, purpose and ultimately authenticity. This natural progression allows students to flourish in a way that is sustainable, grounded and deeply human.

By following this logic we support our students in building well-being that does not rely on momentary techniques but grows from a stable foundation of understanding, awareness and self-leadership. Each building block prepares the way for the next one which creates a sense of flow, safety and direction.

Connection to Maslow’s perspective

Abraham Maslow described human needs as interconnected layers that unfold gradually as the individual grows. We support this perspective by helping students understand that their well-being begins with their bodies, their sense of safety and their ability to function in daily life. Once these foundations are strong, students naturally open to connection, joy, engagement, resilience, achievement, purpose and authenticity.

This approach empowers students to see their development as a journey where each level of growth builds on the previous one and makes the next one possible. It is a compassionate and science based way to help students navigate their lives, especially in a world that is complex, fast and sometimes overwhelming.

The ten building blocks of your well-being

1. Physical Health Your ability to take care of your body in a way that supports your energy, balance and overall functioning. You pay attention to movement, posture, sleep, nutrition and healthy routines, and you avoid behaviours that drain your well-being.
2. Environment Your ability to create and use surroundings that support your comfort, focus and sense of safety. You choose spaces that help you feel calm, grounded and able to study or relax.
3. Economic Security Your ability to manage your financial situation in a stable and confident way. You understand your income and expenses, you plan wisely and you feel safe when thinking about your financial future.
4. Relationships Your ability to build and maintain supportive, healthy and meaningful relationships with the people around you. You feel connected, respected and safe with family, classmates, friends or colleagues.
5. Positive Emotions Your ability to experience joy, gratitude, interest, appreciation and calm moments throughout your day. You find small moments that make you feel good and you allow yourself to enjoy them.
6. Engagement Your ability to be fully absorbed and interested in the activities you do. You experience focus, curiosity and a sense of flow in school, in your hobbies or when spending time with others or alone
7. Mindset Your ability to think in ways that support optimism, hope, perseverance and growth. You approach challenges with confidence, you stay open minded and you believe in your capacity to learn and improve.
8. Achievement Your ability to work toward meaningful goals and make progress that feels satisfying. You notice your accomplishments, celebrate small steps and feel proud of how you grow in your studies and life.
9. Meaning Your ability to connect your daily activities with your inner values and sense of purpose. You understand why something matters to you and you feel that your life has direction and depth.
10. Authenticity Your ability to live in alignment with who you truly are. You express your values, preferences and personality with honesty and kindness, you stay true to yourself and you take responsibility for your choices.

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