The Wellbeing Conceptual Model: Why Identity Deserves Discriminate Consideration

This paper proposes a high-order conceptual model of human wellbeing that isolates identity among other discriminate variables that are constituents and determinants of wellbeing. Drawing on germane literature, the paper understands wellbeing as a dynamic and subjective state that is satisfied when individuals can pursue and achieve their aspired quality of life. Achievement of this state is facilitated by conversion factors that can be summarized into three overarching categories namely environmental, social, and personal conditions. These conversion factors enable individuals to transform resources or opportunities into functionings or their desired outcomes. The paper notes the vital role and magnitude of the influence of identity on human action in the pursuit of wellbeing at individual level and proposes a high-order conceptual model of wellbeing expressed as a function of identity, environmental, social, and personal conditions. Although identity is an element of personal conditions, it is argued here that identity deserves to be considered discriminately in the wellbeing model because of its unique and profound influence on human action, which lends weight to the explanatory power of the conceptual model of wellbeing. The paper appeals for inclusion of identity transformation interventions in the agenda of development practice and recommends areas that need further research.