Regional Differences in Traditional and Existential Wellness in the United States

A recent study highlights significant regional variations in wellness types across the United States, emphasizing how cultural history influences health-related well-being today. Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed survey data from over 325,000 U.S. residents collected between 2009 and 2016 to examine dimensions of traditional and existential wellness. Traditional wellness, which includes factors like social support, community trust, and economic security, was found to be higher in the Northeastern and Midwestern regions. Conversely, residents in the Southern regions exhibited higher levels of existential wellness, reflecting a strong sense of purpose and community identity.

The study is grounded in the "American Nations" model, which classifies the U.S. into distinct cultural regions based on early settlement patterns. These patterns, originating from different colonization histories, appear to have long-lasting impacts on residents' well-being. The findings suggest that the stable health infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest contribute to higher traditional wellness. In contrast, the South's cultural emphasis on personal autonomy, loyalty, and social reputation fosters higher existential wellness.

Further analysis revealed that racial and ethnic minorities, such as Black and Hispanic populations, also follow similar regional wellness trends. They tend to have higher traditional wellness in the North and Midwest but still face disparities, particularly in higher socioeconomic regions. Notably, systemic social disparities may be mitigated in the South by strong community support networks.

These insights into regional and cultural influences on wellness could inform public health strategies by aligning them with local cultural values and histories. The researchers emphasize that these enduring cultural patterns highlight how centuries-old settlement traditions continue to shape modern Americans' feelings and functioning, suggesting that policy development should consider local cultural ecologies for more effective health promotion.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-traditional-existential-wellness-vary-significantly.html