Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind holistic wellness across all life dimensions
UBWell2 is built on decades of rigorous research in wellness science, holistic health, and positive psychology. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's Six Dimensions of Wellness framework and 26 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational resource upon which UBWell2's Six Dimensions of Wellness are built:
2004 • Celestial Arts (3rd Edition)
The definitive guide to holistic wellness from Dr. John Travis, pioneer of the modern wellness movement and founder of the first wellness center in the United States. This comprehensive workbook presents the wellness paradigm that revolutionized health promotion, offering practical self-assessment tools and improvement strategies across all life dimensions. Travis's work laid the groundwork for the multi-dimensional wellness models used in healthcare, education, and corporate wellness programs worldwide.
Essential texts from the founders and leaders of wellness science and positive psychology:
2011 • Atria Books
The founder of positive psychology introduces PERMA: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—the five pillars of well-being that complement and extend the Six Dimensions framework into comprehensive flourishing.
2010 • Gallup Press
Based on Gallup's comprehensive global study of wellbeing across 150 countries, this book identifies five interconnected elements essential for a thriving life: Career, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community wellbeing. Data-driven insights on what really matters for life satisfaction.
2007 • Penguin Books
Lyubomirsky's groundbreaking research demonstrates that 40% of our happiness is under intentional control through specific activities. Her 12 evidence-based strategies provide practical pathways for enhancing emotional wellness.
1990 • Harper Perennial
The classic work on flow states—those moments of complete absorption where time seems to stop. Csikszentmihalyi's research shows how increasing flow experiences dramatically increases life satisfaction across work, creativity, and leisure.
Research-based books on physical wellness and integrative approaches to health:
2006 • Ballantine Books (Revised Edition)
Harvard-trained physician Andrew Weil presents an integrative approach to health that combines the best of conventional and alternative medicine. This practical 8-week program addresses nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and preventive care.
2008 • Little, Brown and Company
Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey presents groundbreaking research on how exercise transforms the brain, improving mood, attention, memory, and mental health. Shows that physical activity is among the most powerful tools for brain optimization.
2017 • Scribner
Sleep scientist Matthew Walker reveals the vital importance of sleep for every aspect of health and performance. Based on two decades of research, this book shows how sleep affects immunity, learning, creativity, emotional regulation, and longevity.
Essential works on spiritual wellness, purpose, and finding meaning in life:
1946 • Beacon Press
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir of surviving Nazi concentration camps and his development of logotherapy—a meaning-centered approach to psychotherapy. One of the most influential books of the 20th century on finding purpose even in suffering.
2002 • Zondervan
One of the best-selling non-fiction books in history, offering a 40-day spiritual journey to discovering life's meaning through worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission. A practical guide to purpose-centered living.
1994 • Hyperion
The founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) offers an accessible introduction to mindfulness meditation. Shows how present-moment awareness enhances every aspect of daily life, from work to relationships to personal growth.
Research on social connections, relationships, and community wellbeing:
2006 • Bantam Books
The author of Emotional Intelligence explores the neural basis of human connection, showing how our brains are wired for relationship. Reveals how social interactions shape our health, happiness, and even our genes.
1999 • Harmony Books
Based on decades of research at the "Love Lab," relationship scientist John Gottman identifies the key factors that predict relationship success or failure. Practical, evidence-based strategies for building lasting, healthy partnerships.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBWell2's evidence-based approach:
Hettler, B. (1976). National Wellness Institute.
The foundational framework defining wellness as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more balanced, fulfilling life across six interconnected dimensions: physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social, and spiritual.
Travis, J. W. (1977). Mill Valley, CA: Wellness Associates.
Dr. Travis's pioneering wellness assessment tool that visualizes the interconnected nature of wellness dimensions, demonstrating how imbalance in one area affects overall wellbeing.
House, J. S., Landis, K. R., & Umberson, D. (1988). Science, 241(4865), 540-545.
Landmark research demonstrating that social relationships have significant effects on health, comparable to well-established health risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and physical activity.
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822-848.
Foundational research validating mindfulness as a distinct psychological construct associated with enhanced well-being, demonstrating its importance for emotional and spiritual wellness.
Callaghan, P. (2004). Neuropsychobiology, 50(4), 299-303.
Comprehensive review of research demonstrating that physical exercise improves mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, and overall psychological wellbeing—validating the mind-body connection central to holistic wellness.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform evidence-based wellness research into daily inspiration with UBWell2's 26 modules and 2,600+ curated quotes.