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The Garden and the Orchestra: Generative Metaphors for Conceptualizing the Complexities of Well-Being

Author

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  • Tim Lomas

    (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

  • Tyler J. VanderWeele

    (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

Abstract

Our understanding of well-being, and related concepts such as health and flourishing, is shaped by the metaphors through which we think about such ideas. Current dominant metaphors—including a pyramid, ladder, and continuum—all have various issues. As such, this paper offers two other metaphors which can better do justice to the nuanced complexities of these notions, namely, a garden and an orchestra. Through these metaphors, this paper articulates a comprehensive framework for conceptualizing and appreciating the nature of well-being (and associated concepts), which it is hoped will generate further insights and research into these valued and sought-after phenomena.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Lomas & Tyler J. VanderWeele, 2022. "The Garden and the Orchestra: Generative Metaphors for Conceptualizing the Complexities of Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14544-:d:964485
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tim Lomas, 2019. "The Elements of Eco-Connection: A Cross-Cultural Lexical Enquiry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-16, December.
    2. VanderWeele, Tyler J., 2019. "Suffering and response: Directions in empirical research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 224(C), pages 58-66.
    3. Mireia Gascon & Margarita Triguero-Mas & David Martínez & Payam Dadvand & Joan Forns & Antoni Plasència & Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, 2015. "Mental Health Benefits of Long-Term Exposure to Residential Green and Blue Spaces: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-26, April.
    4. James Larson, 1996. "The World Health Organization's definition of health: Social versus spiritual health," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 38(2), pages 181-192, June.
    5. Tim Lomas & Kate Hefferon & Itai Ivtzan, 2015. "The LIFE Model: A Meta-Theoretical Conceptual Map for Applied Positive Psychology," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(5), pages 1347-1364, October.
    6. Mohsen Joshanloo, 2014. "Eastern Conceptualizations of Happiness: Fundamental Differences with Western Views," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 475-493, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Victor Counted & Richard G. Cowden & Timothy Lomas, 2024. "Multidimensional Flourishing in Africa: An Intracontinental Analysis of 38 Well-Being Indicators in 40 Countries," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(5), pages 1-32, June.
    2. Wilkinson, Renae & Cowden, Richard G. & Chen, Ying & VanderWeele, Tyler J., 2023. "Exposure to negative life events, change in their perceived impact, and subsequent well-being among U.S. adults: A longitudinal outcome-wide analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).

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