Developing a Model of Community Wellbeing and Resilience in Response to Change

Abstract

After arguing that the descriptions of community wellbeing and community resilience concepts often overlap, McCrea et al. (2014) define these two concepts more distinctly, as well as placing them within a conceptual framework. Using data from a recent survey of community wellbeing and resilience in the context of rapid coal seam gas development in the Western Downs region of Queensland, Australia, this paper tests and extends this conceptual framework. Even though the data did not fit the model initially, there was broad support for the original conceptual framework. Modification indices suggested a revised model whereby current community wellbeing contributes to community resilience, more than the other way around, whereas community resilience related more to expectations about future community wellbeing. Also, community decision making and trust was more a dimension of community resilience than community wellbeing. Interestingly, community spirit and cohesion seemed to be dimensions of both community wellbeing and resilience, though this finding needs replicating. Finally, place attachment was found to be a separate though related construct rather than a being a domain of overall community wellbeing. These findings suggest that community wellbeing and resilience are different constructs that may share a common dimension—community spirit and cohesion. Moreover, the findings emphasise the importance of local communities playing active roles in responding to change and enhancing their future community wellbeing.