CHALLENGES OF THE SPIRAL METHODOLOGY FOR WELL-BEING STUDIES

Well-being is an ancient issue: all societies are trying to find the best possible solution for community well-being (Boje, T. P., 2000). The SPIRAL methodology recently developed by the experts from Council of Europe under supervision and inspiration of Samuel Thirion and approbated in different European municipalities is representing a subjective position in researching the well-being of society which answers to the question: "What is for you the well-being/ill-being?". As a direct result of the Council of Europe's social cohesion strategy in issues on society involvement preparation of proposals for decision making, the SPIRAL (Societal Progress Indicators for the Responsibility of All) methodology is different from other society participatory methodologies: it is entirely open and systematized. The aim of the paper is to discuss the experience of practical applications and results of the SPIRAL methodology, explore advantages and challenges. Research methods used: scientific literature studies, several stages of focus group discussions of 25 homogenous groups in Salaspils municipality, statistical data analysis, SPIRAL methodology. The main results and findings of the paper - the SPIRAL methodology could be the common basis of fundamental values, for evaluation of society's progress towards improved capacity to ensure the well-being of all through the development of co-responsibility in society, for example, in municipality. It is extremely important to ensure the reliability of obtained results as the well-being indicators could be further used in design and preparation of development and social policies of the municipality. The well-being, including subjective well-being, should be measured not only in national level, but in the level of municipality as authorities of municipalities should promote the well-being of community.