Table 1 The generic systems-oriented conceptual framework for well-being.

System

A system is an entity that is comprised of its components, that can be impacted by the environment, has characteristic relations and interactions between its components, and has system-specific characteristics and capacities that stem from the system processes.

Critical system processes

System processes are recurring interactions between system components. Interactions require inputs to function. Critical system processes are those without which the system cannot continue its existence and realise its system-specific characteristics and capacities.

Needs and need satisfiers

Needs are conditions of dependence on inputs (need satisfiers). Needs must be satisfied for the critical system processes to function.

Well-being

Well-being is the functional integrity of the system, or in other words, the integrity of the critical system processes, that allows the system to continue its existence and realise its system-specific characteristics and capacities.