Our Research

Universal Wellbeing Catalysts

FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute Research Philosophy

At Freedom Wellbeing Institute (FWI), we take great pride in our identity as a research-based institute. Our approach is deeply rooted in a strong foundation of philosophy, theory, traditional and practice-based research. This approach ensures we develop solutions that are practical and highly effective when implemented in the real-world. By consistently aligning our services with the latest advancements in wellbeing research, we ensure that the individuals, and organizations, benefit from strategies that are both innovative and tailored to meet their specific needs. Our commitment to research underpins everything we do, driving meaningful, sustainable wellbeing outcomes for those we serve.

We believe quality research should be:

  • Philosophically aware and open – embracing diverse perspectives.

  • Underpinned by theory – or contributing to the development of new theoretical frameworks.

  • Informed by past research – while continuously seeking new knowledge.

  • Ethnically and culturally respectful – valuing inclusivity, diversity, and equity in our practices.

  • Valid in practice – and respectful of practical, real-world insights, and findings.

  • Significant – contributing meaningful knowledge, and solutions to wellbeing challenges.

  • Robust and critical – challenging assumptions, and providing in-depth analysis.

  • Ethical – adhering to the highest standards of ethical research principles.

  • Accurately disseminated – making knowledge accessible, and available so all can benefit.

Discover how our research can elevate your wellbeing initiatives. Reach out to learn more about our research philosophy or explore opportunities to collaborate with FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute.

Contact us today and be a part of driving impactful, evidence-based change.

Examples of Past Research

Books

  • Bishop, R. & Graham (now Stevenson) S. F. (1997). Implementing Treaty of Waitangi Charter Goals in Tertiary Institutions: A Case Study. Published by the Higher Education Development Association as a Monograph, Victoria University Press. Paper No. 4 December, P. 1-38

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing Model Determinants Handbook. Stevenson, S. F., (2023). Hamilton, New Zealand: Publisher House of Montrose Limited.

Papers

  • Graham, S. F. (2001). Testing Graham’s Teaching Conditions Theory. Australia New Zealand Dance Research Society Journal. Vol. 1 P. 21-37

  • Graham, S. F. (2001). Graham’s Teaching Conditions Theory. (Internationally Referred) Congress of Research on Dance (CORD) Transmigratory Moves Conference Proceedings, New York University, New York.

Book Chapters

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2014). The Organisation. In Edited Book by Mary Panko Developing a Research Culture, Auckland: Dunmore Press.

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2015). Work-integrated Learning (WIL) experience approach in New Zealand. In Edited Book by Sally Brown Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education: Global Perspectives. London: Palgrave Teaching & Learning.

Research Report

Digital Film

 

Universal Wellbeing Model Research Papers & Resources

  • Schofield, A., Walker, L., & Going, N. (2011). Supporting academic success to minority group students in a private tertiary establishment. Wellington, Ako Aotearoa.

  • Fielden, K., Stevenson, S. F., Going, N., Grant, S. & Zagala, K. (2020). Whare Tapa Rima – The Five-Sided Home: A best practice holistic learner support model project. Ako Aotearoa National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence. https://ako.ac.nz/assets/Knowledge-centre/Whare-Tapa-Rima/Whare-Tapa-Rima-Guidebook.pdf

  • Fielden, K., Stevenson, S. F., Going, N., Grant, S., & Zagala, K. (2020). In Digital Video. Whare Tapa Rima. Ako Aotearoa Norther Hub Project Colloquium. Auckland: Ako Aotearoa. https://ako.ac.nz/knowledge-centre/whare-tapa-rima/whare-tapa-rima-the-five-sided-home/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ3WsRfD9h0

  • Stevenson, S. F. & Zagala K. (2021). Future institutional and student services leadership challenges: Implementing a holistic Whare Tapa Rima – Five-sided home model. In Huijser H., Kek M., Padró F.F. (Eds). Student Support Services. University Development and Administration. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3364-4_11-1

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Pastoral Care Perspectives and Māori Health Models. New Zealand 2022 Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Conference, 25th and 26th August 2022 (Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). An Introduction to the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool. New Zealand 2022 Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Conference, 25th and 26th August 2022 (Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). An Introduction to the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool. New Zealand 2022 Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Conference, 25th and 26th August 2022 (Paper). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Research Underpinning the Universal Wellbeing Model. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Paper) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F., (2022). Professional Universal Wellbeing Practitioner Guidelines. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Paper) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Innovative Wellbeing Evaluation Tool Empowers Practitioners. International Mental Health Conference, 5th to 7th September 2022 (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Self-Determination of Positive Wellbeing Outcomes through Indigenously based Evaluation Tools. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 24 to 25 October 2022. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2023). Applying the Universal Wellbeing Model for Evaluators. ANZEA Professional Development Event. 26th October 2023 - Online ( PowerPoint - SlideShare Available)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2023). Keynote: An Introduction to the Universal Wellbeing Model and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool for Counsellors. Kia Mau, Kia Tika, Kia Puawai National NZAC Conference. 28th July, Wellington. (Slide Share Available). https://nzac.org.nz/site/pd/wananga?nav=sidebar

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2023) Applying the Universal Wellbeing Model for Counsellors. 23rd and 30th November 2023. PowerPoint - SlideShare available upon request.

  • Stevenson, S.F. (2023). Universal Wellbeing Model Contributions to Cultural Safety and Cultural Competency Practice. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference.
    Darwin, NT. 30 to 31st October 2023. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare).

  • Stevenson, S.F., Fielden, K. Gurung, M. & Zagala, K. (2023). The Universal Wellbeing Model: A Theory Designed to Transform Praxis. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, 34(4), 101-133.

  • Stevenson, S. F., Gurung, M., & Zagala, K. (2024). Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model - A Journey from Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness to International Relevance and Applicability. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice SPECIAL ISSUE: Internationalisation of Higher Education at Home: Implications for an Evolving World. Vol. 21 No. 04 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53761/1t7zpp89

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). The Universal Wellbeing Model: A catalyst for the prevention of poor wellbeing. PHAA, 30th April to 2nd May, Darwin, Australia. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) Trial. HERDSA Conference - Together we Innovate, 8th to 11th July 2024. Adelaide, Australia. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare) https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2024/program/

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing investigation contributions to ethnically and culturally responsive, safe, and culturally competent practices. HERDSA Conference - Together we Innovate, 8th to 11th July 2024. Adelaide, Australia. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare) https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2024/program/

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) Underpins New Grounded Theory Based Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) For Clinicians. 5th International Conference on Psychology Education, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Recovery, July 24-25, 2024 Singapore City, Singapore. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Grounded Theory-based Identification of the Determinants of Universal Wellbeing. New Zealand Psychological Society Conference. 1st and 2nd of September 2024, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Nationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). A Voyage to Discover the Determinants of Universal Wellbeing. ANZEA 2024 Conference. The Mana Enhancing Role of Evaluation. 4th to 7th November 2024, Auckland , New Zealand. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • All peer reviewed PowerPoint SlideShare available by emailing contactus@fwi.ac.nz

 

Accepted Peer Reviewed Conference Presentations

Public Health Association Australia. Prevention Health Conference, April, Canberra 2025

Presentation Title: Traversing Political Agendas: An Investigation of Learning Support Staff Experiences and Wellbeing

Presenter: Susan F. Stevenson

Susan has been successfully engaged in advanced academic, health education, and prevention wellbeing leadership, facilitation, and research activities for over 30 years in New Zealand. A program of wellbeing research Susan initiated in 2008 to improve wellbeing, achievement and equity outcomes has become a dominant teaching, leadership, consulting, and research work foci. Emerging from this work has been the Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM), Determinants of Universal wellbeing, the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool and a new definition of Universal Wellbeing. The ongoing research program Susan leads is now supporting diverse practitioners and organizations to utilize these highly effective innovations. Susan's areas of specialist expertise include universal wellbeing, universal wellbeing measurement, and cross organizational universal wellbeing system, and cultural transformations.

Posters

 

 

Publication Pending

Stevenson, S. F. & Fielden, K. (Special Issue 2025). Impact Evaluation Contributes Ethnic and Cultural Perspectives on the Universal Wellbeing Model Development Journey. Evaluation Journal of Australasia

Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM)

Development
The Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) was developed through:

  • A themed literature review

  • Theoretical and applied practice research, initiated in 2006.

Function
The UWM serves to:

  • Educate and facilitate optimal levels of wellbeing

  • Empower Professional Wellbeing Facilitators in the following contexts:

    • Holistic Wellbeing Enhancement

    • Pastoral Care

    • Health Education

Purpose

The UWM was designed to:

  • Explain integrated wellbeing

  • Guide wellbeing facilitator practice

  • Improve the research-ability of wellbeing

  • Enhance wellbeing programme outcomes

  • Empower self-referring adults, families, whānau, and teams

Contact us to learn more about how the Universal Wellbeing Model can enhance your wellbeing practices.