A new article in Health Affairs explored the concept of “flourishing” among US children age 6-17, measured with indicators on curiosity, persistence, and regulating emotions. The authors found that 40 percent of US children are flourishing, and that across levels of adverse childhood experiences, household income, and special health care needs, children were more likely flourish when levels of family resilience and connection were high. The article also estimates prevalence of flourishing for each state, finding that Maine’s rate (35.7 percent) was significantly lower than nationwide.
