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Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
Tennessee Value:
Percentage of children ages 6 months to 5 years who show affection, resilience, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as smile and laugh a lot; and children ages 6-17 who show self-regulation, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as work to finish tasks (2-year estimate)
Tennessee Rank:
Percentage of children ages 6 months to 5 years who show affection, resilience, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as smile and laugh a lot; and children ages 6-17 who show self-regulation, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as work to finish tasks (2-year estimate)
70.1% - 67.7%
67.6% - 66.5%
66.4% - 65.8%
65.7% - 64.7%
64.6% - 62.0%
Percentage of children ages 6 months to 5 years who show affection, resilience, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as smile and laugh a lot; and children ages 6-17 who show self-regulation, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as work to finish tasks (2-year estimate)
US Value: 66.7 %
Top State(s): Nebraska: 70.1 %
Bottom State(s): Oregon: 62.0 %
Definition: Percentage of children ages 6 months to 5 years who show affection, resilience, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as smile and laugh a lot; and children ages 6-17 who show self-regulation, interest and curiosity in learning, as well as work to finish tasks (2-year estimate)
Data Source and Years(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, National Survey of Children's Health, 2023-2024
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, National Survey of Children's Health, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2026.
Flourishing is a measure of how well children are thriving within their family and community. It represents socialization, curiosity, resilience and self-regulation. Flourishing in children is associated with higher levels of school engagement, and attributes of flourishing have been linked to a reduced likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors and developing mood disorders.
Many factors can influence whether or not a child is flourishing, including parental capacity (such as the health of parents, their ability to cope with stress and any substance use) and family dynamics (such as parent-child relationships and family activities). Promoting flourishing at home supports childhood development and increases the likelihood of well-being and success in adulthood.
According to America’s Health Rankings analysis, the prevalence of children who meet the criteria for flourishing is higher among:
Comprehensive interventions targeting family connection and positive parenting are recommended to increase flourishing. Studies show that family resilience and connection have a positive association with child flourishing, even among those who have experienced ACEs, lower household incomes or special health care needs.
Child Trends — a leading child and family wellness research organization in the United States — identifies 10 components that support flourishing among children:
Healthy social and emotional development during early childhood is needed to help children flourish. Creating a safe and loving home environment where children can play, sing and talk openly supports emotional, behavioral, social and cognitive growth in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers positive parenting tips for raising children and adolescents, and provides guidance on identifying developmental delays through milestone checklists.
Bethell, Christina D., Narangerel Gombojav, and Robert C. Whitaker. “Family Resilience And Connection Promote Flourishing Among US Children, Even Amid Adversity.” Health Affairs 38, no. 5 (May 2019): 729–37. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05425.
Jones, Damon E., Mark Greenberg, and Max Crowley. “Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness.” American Journal of Public Health 105, no. 11 (November 2015): 2283–90. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302630.
Kim, TaeEung, Chang-Yong Jang, and Minju Kim. “Socioecological Predictors on Psychological Flourishing in the US Adolescence.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21 (October 28, 2020): 7917. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217917.
Moore, Kristin Anderson, Christina D. Bethell, David Murphey, Miranda Carver Martin, and Martha Beltz. Flourishing From the Start: What Is It and How Can It Be Measured? Research Brief. Bethesda, MD: Child Trends, March 2017. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017-16FlourishingFromTheStart-1.pdf.
Waigel, Nicole C., and Viviana N. Lemos. “A Systematic Review of Adolescent Flourishing.” Europe’s Journal of Psychology 19, no. 1 (February 28, 2023): 79–99.https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.6831.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.
