Dimensions Of Well-being Research Articles

‘A lot of social workers don’t seem to understand or realize the harm that they cause’: Disabled young people’s experiences with sexual well-being in social work practice

Abstract Young disabled people are disproportionately excluded from equal control, access, and choices concerning their sexual and reproductive rights. While sexual citizenship is founded on a rights-based approach and is closely connected with social work values such as empowerment and entitlement to full participation, many social workers do not include dimensions of sexual well-being in their scope of practice. This phenomenological study explores how social workers address the intersection of sexual well-being and disability from the perspectives of young disabled people. A total of twenty-four semi-structured interviews were carried out with individuals between the ages of 17 and 24 in Ontario, Canada, who identify themselves as disabled and have had prior interactions with a social worker. Social workers adopting risk-averse approaches negatively impacted the trust between young people and their social workers. Young people expressed their discontent with sexual well-being being deprioritized in practice, as participants considered dimensions of sexual well-being to be closely related to their physical, mental, and emotional health. Participants overwhelmingly reported that social workers should discuss sexual well-being with service users using sex-positive perspectives. The findings highlight the importance of holistic and comprehensive social work practices, including sexual well-being and sex-positive perspectives.

Examining deportation and detention-related separation and youth risk and protective factors and well-being

PurposeOne in four U.S. Latine children has a parent who is an undocumented immigrant, putting them at risk of parental separation due to deportation. This study examines differences in multiple dimensions of health and well-being among Latine youth who experienced separation from a caregiver due to deportation, separation due to other reasons, and no separation. MethodsOur sample included clinic patients 10–24 years of age who were assessed for caregiver separation between April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019 (n = 194). All patients were administered a modified Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) at intake. For patients who reported any separation, trained coders reviewed charts to document separation due to deportation or other reasons. We conducted logistic regression of separation due to deportation, separation for other reasons, and no separation with predicting GAPS indicators for health and well-being. ResultsOf the 194 patients in our sample, 82 experienced caregiver separation, with 26 of these separated due to deportation. Compared to youth who had not been separated from a caregiver, youth experiencing deportation-related parental separation were 17 times more likely to have thought about running away and four times more likely to have seriously considered suicide. In addition, youth experiencing deportation-related separation were 68% less likely to have at least one person they can trust, 70% less likely to have daily meals with their family, and 70% less likely to have a role model. DiscussionThough further research is needed to describe the connection between deportation-related caregiver separation and specific youth outcomes and ways to mitigate negative outcomes, this research stresses the traumatic effect of deportation-related caregiver separation on youth, highlighting the clinical implications of deportation policy in the US.

THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON ACADEMIC STAFF WELFARE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of collective bargaining on the welfare of academic staff in federal universities located in South West Nigeria, focusing on six selected institutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is framed within the context of labour relations theory, exploring how collective bargaining as a mechanism influences various welfare dimensions of academic staff. Method: A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing a descriptive research design. The study's population comprised academic staff from the six universities, with a sample size of 377 participants determined through the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using statistical techniques to assess the relationship between collective bargaining and staff welfare. Results and Discussion: The results indicate a significant negative impact of collective bargaining on academic staff welfare (β=-0.494, p<0.05). Contrary to its purpose, collective bargaining has not adequately addressed welfare issues, potentially worsening existing challenges faced by academic staff in the studied universities. The discussion emphasizes the need for improved bargaining strategies to promote staff well-being. Research Implications: The study's findings highlight the importance of developing more effective and collaborative collective bargaining processes. These are critical for enhancing welfare outcomes and addressing systemic challenges within federal universities. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature on collective bargaining by providing empirical evidence from the Nigerian higher education sector, revealing its counterproductive effects on academic staff welfare. It offers practical insights for policymakers and unions in designing more strategic negotiation frameworks.

Parental attachment, attachment to friends, and well-being among Chilean adolescents and emerging adults.

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are two life stages marked by notable cognitive and socioemotional changes. During both periods, friendships play an increasingly significant role and can significantly impact individuals positively or negatively. Despite the evolving nature of these relationships, parents remain crucial to the development of both adolescents and emerging adults, playing a key role in their well-being. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of attachment to friends in the relationship between parental attachment and the well-being of Chilean adolescents and emerging adults. In a cross-sectional correlational study, 363 adolescents (48.2% female) aged 14 to 17 years (M = 15.33, SD = 0.95) and 199 emerging adults (67.8% female) aged 18 to 29 years (M = 22.42, SD = 2.53) completed the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and the Pemberton Happiness Index Scale to assess general, eudaimonic, hedonic, and social well-being. Results of path analyses indicated that, for both adolescents and emerging adults, a more secure attachment to parents was directly associated with higher scores in all well-being dimensions. Additionally, more secure parental attachment was indirectly associated with better eudaimonic and social well-being through a more secure attachment to friends. These findings suggest that enhancing parental attachment could be a valuable focus in clinical interventions aimed at improving overall well-being in adolescents and emerging adults.

Quantifying post-disaster community well-being: A case study of Hurricane Harvey

Natural hazards such as hurricanes affect various aspects of the community members’ lives and their post-disaster well-being by causing significant disruptions in the key community activities in the immediate recovery phase. Furthermore, natural hazards leave behind short-term socio-economic impacts such as stress, anxiety, huge recovery expense, and lack of affordable housing. There is a need for incorporating both immediate and short-term impacts of natural hazards when measuring disaster recovery. This study aims to address this need by introducing community well-being as the metric for the recovery of communities from natural disasters. From this perspective, community resilience is defined as the capability of community to reach its pre-disaster state of well-being, in a timely and efficient manner. The study leverages Bottom-Up Spillover Theory and the existing literature to introduce a community well-being model. This model quantifies how the functionality of infrastructure systems can affect various aspects of community well-being based on 6 domains, 17 sub-domains, and 51 indicators. The indicators were quantified using survey data and 211-call data for the City of Houston, and data on the impact of Hurricane Harvey at the zip code level. The results showed that various dimensions of well-being were affected heterogeneously and followed different recovery patterns. The proposed framework can serve decision makers as a dashboard for identifying the well-being domains and sub-domains that should be addressed to enhance post-disaster well-being in the immediate-to short-term. Furthermore, the study introduces the phone call data as an inexpensive and timely replacement for multiple rounds of survey questionnaires for quantifying community well-being.

Uncovering wellbeing: The complex realities of mompreneurs with additional needs children through Lego® Serious Play®

This paper explores the complexities of identifying the wellbeing of mompreneurs (mother-entrepreneurs) who are also caregivers to children with additional needs. A social constructionist perspective, Lego® Serious Play® was employed in individual interviews to uncover their complex wellbeing realities while pursuing entrepreneurship. A hermeneutic constructivist lens was applied to further conceptualize the language behind their experiences. The findings present three dimensions of wellbeing: 1) Internal conflict and self-neglect 2) Empowerment, Independence, Fulfilment 3) Resilient Control: Keeping the Balance. These dimensions provide an idiographic understanding, contributing to the broader knowledge of wellbeing as a component of entrepreneurship alongside caregiving responsibilities.

Arts and Mental health

Abstract Art includes performing arts, visual arts, literature, culture, and online/digital products. Its interventions are multimodal, combining a variety of activities, such as evoking emotions, emotional and cognitive stimulation, and imagination. Depending on the type of art, they may also involve social interaction, physical activity and communication. There is a large body of research suggesting that art engagement can enhance different dimensions of mental well-being (eudaimonic well-being, life satisfaction, evaluative well - and positive emotions). Some or all of these benefits have been found in individuals who participate in art activities. Based on these findings, art on prescription has been used in some European countries, including the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries. Art on prescription is mostly delivered in partnership with art organizations. The aim of this talk is give an overview on art on prescription in different countries in Europe and enhance understanding of the mechanism for whom art on prescription is a promising intervention in the field of mental health. Building on the mapping and review of reviews challenges of art interventions will be discussed such as study design or evaluating effectiveness and identifying population groups for whom art interventions work best.

International and internal migration and the subjective wellbeing of wives left behind in Ghana

AbstractHusbands' labour migration has ramifications for significant family members, particularly wives left behind. However, limited studies have been conducted to examine the impacts of husbands' migration on women left behind married to international and internal migrants. Drawing on a purposive sampling survey of 298 Ghanaian women (international = 129 and internal = 169) in the Volta Region, we assessed their subjective wellbeing using three dimensions: self‐reported health, self‐reported satisfaction with life, and self‐reported happiness. The results from t‐tests show that on average, international women left behind have higher perceived health (3.72), perceived happiness (3.82) and satisfaction with life (3.19). Results from the multivariable binary logistic regression analyses reveal that while no variables predict self‐reported health for international women left behind, high frequency of communication is statistically associated with internal women left behind self‐assessed health. International women left behind who lived in nuclear households and internal women left behind who reported high wealth quintiles were both statistically associated with satisfaction with life, respectively. While demographic factors (age and duration of marriage) were significant predictors of happiness for international women left behind, neighbourhood type and frequency of communication predicted happiness for internal women left behind. The differences in variables predicting each of the subjective wellbeing dimensions demonstrate the concept's multidimensionality. It also highlights factors influencing subjective wellbeing outcomes of women left behind are not solely due to their husbands' migration. The policy implications of this study are highlighted.

A comprehensive Beyond-GDP database to accelerate wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability research

“Beyond-GDP” metrics are essential for understanding societal progress. Yet despite their importance, these metrics are scattered across various databases, hindering accessibility and interdisciplinary analysis. Addressing this gap, we present the ‘WISE database’ – the first extensive collection of important Beyond-GDP metrics organized by Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Sustainability (WISE) dimensions. The WISE database consolidates data from a variety of sources, including international institutions and academic publications. It encompasses over one million data points across 244 metrics, covering 218 countries and 61 country groupings, from specific social and environmental indicators to the main Beyond-GDP indexes, and is augmented by essential metadata. The data primarily spans from 1995 to 2015, with some metrics extending back to the 19th century. To improve accessibility and data interpretation, a user-friendly online visualization tool has been developed. The WISE database aims to foster a broader view of societal progress, facilitate research on synergies and trade-offs of wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability, and provide a foundation for interdisciplinary research.

Patterns of Sexuality, Adjustment to Aging and Satisfaction with Life: A Cluster Analysis of Adults Across the Lifespan

AbstractSexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging, and satisfaction with life are relevant dimensions of overall well-being across the life cycle. Through cluster analysis procedures, this study aims to describe the specific profile of adjustment to aging, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with life of adults across the life span. This cross-sectional study involved a community-based sample of 619 Portuguese individuals, aged between 18 and 92 years old (M = 47.53 SD = 18.34) evaluated using a two-step cluster analysis. Fours clusters emerged. The most adjusted participants were mostly of a younger age, women and had a high education. The least adjusted participants globally presented low education, poor perceived health, and poor engagement in leisure activities. Well-being focused participants were mostly women of older age, with high education and spirituality. Finally, moderately satisfied participants were mostly men of older age, had a lower education, and presented poor reported health. Complementary comparative analysis among the identified subgroups was performed. The most adjusted participants had the highest perceived overall sexual well-being, sexual attractiveness, sexual openness and communication, and sexual satisfaction. These data characterize the profile of this population and can be used as the basis for developing efficient strategies aimed a combining adjustment to aging, satisfaction with life and sexual satisfaction for tailored interventions to the specific needs of populations across the lifespan.

Time to rediscover task-oriented leadership? A multi-source, time-lagged study on leadership and well-being in public service jobs

ABSTRACT Although leaders have a considerable impact on the well-being of public employees, this relationship has not yet been fully disentangled in both conceptual and empirical terms. We develop a framework of how task- and relations-oriented leadership affect well-being (i.e. hedonic, eudaimonic, social dimensions). A multi-source, time-lagged study from a large Danish municipality shows that task-oriented leadership yields positive associations with both social and eudaimonic dimensions of well-being, while for relations-oriented leadership, we only find a positive association with hedonic well-being. The findings suggest rediscovering task-oriented leadership as an important but often overlooked quality of effective leaders.

Tracing Pancasila: Unveiling the impact of the Pancasila student profile strengthening project on student well-being in Indonesia

This research aims to investigate the impact of policies to strengthen the Pancasila Student Profile project on the welfare of students in Indonesia. This research seeks to understand how implementing this policy, especially through the Merdeka Curriculum and the Strengthening Pancasila Student Profile (P5) Project, affects student welfare. This research methodology used a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out by surveying 2,755 students from 17 provinces in Indonesia. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques to evaluate the impact of policies on student welfare. The results of this research indicate that the implementation of the policy to strengthen the Pancasila Student Profile project has a positive impact on student welfare. Cognitive, psychological, and social dimensions of well-being showed significant improvements. In addition, variables such as students' hope, optimism, and cognitive engagement are also positively correlated with the implementation of the policy. This research has great significance in the context of educational development in Indonesia. The research findings can make an important contribution to the understanding of how educational policies, such as the Merdeka Curriculum and the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project, can play a role in improving student welfare. The implications of this research can help policymakers, educators, and educational practitioners to design more effective interventions to improve students' quality of life in educational environments

Multiple negative impacts of marine plastic pollution on tropical coastal ecosystem services, and human health and well-being

There is limited empirical evidence showing the impacts of marine plastic pollution on ecosystem services or on human health and well-being in Global South countries. We aimed to estimate these impacts in the tropical archipelago of Indonesia, one of the top emitters of marine plastics globally, through an iterative Delphi survey, with an expert panel (n = 42) consisting of equal numbers of Indonesian scientists, policymakers, and practitioners. After two rounds of the survey, the analysis of interquartile ranges indicated that the experts reached a consensus in their predictions. The experts agreed that, over the next 10 years, plastics would be mainly accumulated in the coastal area of Java, the most densely populated island, and mostly in mangrove ecosystems. While all ecosystem services were harmed by plastic pollution, the most vulnerable services were food provisioning, genetic materials, nursery habitat, and recreation supplied by the highly vulnerable coastal ecosystems of, in descending order, mangrove, coral reef, seagrass, and sandy beach. These impacts on ecosystem services influenced different dimensions of human health and well-being and were dependent on the ecosystem types, as indicated in several statistically significant positive correlations (Spearman's rank), including those between the decline of mangrove ecosystem services and reduced household income, and between the decrease of coral reef ecosystem services and both deteriorating mental health and reduced household income. Overall, this study provides the first indication of Indonesian coastal ecosystems and ecosystem services to be prioritized for mitigation and monitoring efforts. The focus on impacts on human health and well-being also incentivizes ongoing efforts by policymakers, industry and commerce, the third sector, and the public in the country to address the contribution to global marine plastic pollution.

Positive psychology probe: Assessing impact factors on CFL learners’ Chinese language learning through the EMPATHICS model and Q methodology

The growing prominence of Chinese, driven by initiatives like the “Belt and Road,” has led to a surge in demand for Chinese language learning among international students. However, this endeavor faces challenges due to cultural differences and the complexity of Chinese linguistics. This study explores the impact factors on Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) learners by integrating positive psychology, the EMPATHICS model, and Q methodology. Investigating the experiences of 31 learners at a Shanghai university, the findings revealed three distinct factors: “Proactive Exploration,” “Communication and Empathy,” and “Positive Attitude,” representing a unique combination of well-being dimensions influencing learners' experiences. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple well-being dimensions in designing learner support systems and tailoring teaching strategies to specific learner needs. The EMPATHICS model and Q methodology demonstrate utility in assessing impact factors on CFL learners’ well-being, offering practical recommendations for enhancing learner satisfaction and success. Despite limitations, this study contributes insights to Chinese as a foreign language education, emphasizing a comprehensive focus on learner well-being and the value of Q methodology as a research tool.

Physical activity motivations and psychological well-being among university students: a canonical correlation analysis.

With increasing concern about mental health issues and active lifestyles among university students, understanding the interplay between different physical activity motivations and various dimensions of psychological well-being is important. The present study aims to explore the canonical relationship between physical activity motivations based on self-determination theory and psychological well-being according to Ryff's model in university students. Nine hundred and sixty-six Chinese university students participated in this study. A canonical correlation analysis was conducted using six variables of motivations as predictors of six variables of psychological well-being. The canonical correlation analysis yielded two canonical functions. The first canonical function, which was primary, indicated that intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation, and introjected regulation contributed the most to psychological well-being. The second canonical function indicated that a decrease in external motivation and amotivation accounted for an increase in personal growth. This study underscores the importance of elucidating the underlying motivations driving physical activity behaviors in order to enhance psychological well-being in this population.

Negotiating connections, confinements, and neighbourhood places: Older adults’ everyday well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted society and raised concerns about the well-being of older adults. Today, many people have abandoned ‘pandemic protocols’ but questions remain about the pandemic's longer term impacts on older adults. We used digitally mediated photovoice to explore older adults’ well-being in the context of their everyday lives, early in the pandemic and again two years later. Nine apartment-dwelling older adults who lived in high-density neighbourhoods in Vancouver, Canada participated in our study. We holistically considered how five dimensions of well-being were interrelated to shape experiences: material, relational, subjective, psychological, and environmental. We explored positive and negative aspects of these dimensions in relation to two key themes: (i) negotiating comfort, purpose and confinement at home, and (ii) navigating neighbourhood places amidst pandemic disruptions. Material resources to meet one's needs (e.g., communication technology, hobbies) and access to public and private greenspaces were assets. However, some participants experienced increased barriers to maintaining the five overlapping dimensions of well-being we examined; these participants viewed their homes negatively, and engaged less with their neighbourhoods over time. We emphasize how older adults’ well-being during the pandemic was a dynamic and, at times, precarious process. Understanding how interrelated dimensions shape older adult well-being might ultimately inform practices and policies that promote age-friendly cities.

Foreign language teachers' PERMA well-being and life satisfaction: Mediating role of teaching effectiveness

BackgroundTeacher well-being, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social dimensions, significantly influences teaching effectiveness. Understanding the factors that enhance teacher well-being and effectiveness is crucial, particularly amidst global teacher shortages and high turnover rates. MethodThe present study gathered data from 252 university-level foreign language teachers from eight provinces in China. Participants completed measures assessing well-being (using the PERMA model), teaching effectiveness, and life satisfaction scales through online surveys. Data were analyzed using JASP and SPSS for regression and mediation analyses. ResultsThe findings revealed that Positive emotions and relationships significantly predicted life satisfaction, while accomplishment significantly predicted teaching effectiveness. Both teaching effectiveness and overall well-being were significant predictors of life satisfaction. However, teaching effectiveness did not significantly mediate the relationship between overall well-being and life satisfaction, indicating that these factors independently contribute to life satisfaction. ConclusionOur findings share the inclusion of PERMA principles in enhancing teaching effectiveness and life satisfaction among foreign language teachers. Constructive future directions are suggested for professional development for improving teacher well-being and effectiveness.

The Development of a Comprehensive Dimensions Scale for Assessing Clinical Teachers' Occupational Well-Being.

In Taiwanese clinical and healthcare environments, there is a dearth of appropriate and effective tools to evaluate clinical teachers' occupational well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a culturally adapted scale, a Taiwanese version of the Clinical Teachers' Occupational Well-Being Dimensions Scale (CTOWDS), to accurately measure the occupational well-being of clinical teachers in Taiwan. Following a comprehensive literature review and expert panel discussions, the study developed the CTOWDS and conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with 346 participants using SPSS to identify its underlying dimensional structure and psychometric properties. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then performed with 255 participants using AMOS to validate the EFA results. The study also assessed internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validities, and goodness-of-fit indexes to ensure that the scale was valid and reliable in the Taiwanese cultural setting. The EFA refined the scale from 51 to 29 items across five dimensions: personal qualities (11 items), academic research and career development pressure (6 items), teaching experience (4 items), learning experience (4 items), and teaching and communication pressure (4 items). These five dimensions explained 65.279% of the total variance. The CFA confirmed the five dimensions and 29 items, with good convergent and discriminant validities, goodness-of-fit indexes, and Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.70. The findings affirm the utility of the developed CTOWDS as a reliable and culturally relevant instrument for assessing the occupational well-being of clinical teachers.

Subjective Well-Being of Parents and Childless People in Older Age in Germany

The growing number of older childless individuals in Western societies has raised concerns about their subjective well-being. In this study, we scrutinize the subjective well-being of parents and childless individuals aged 60 years and older. We examine subjective well-being as a multi-dimensional construct encompassing life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Based on the value-of-children approach, we hypothesize that childless individuals experience lower subjective well-being than parents and that the disparity in well-being differs with age, gender, and the quality of the parent-child relationship. For our analysis, we use data from a nationally representative sample of adults aged 60 years and older (n = 10,682) drawn from the German Ageing Survey. Our findings from random effects regression models show that childless individuals report lower life satisfaction, less positive affect, and more negative affect than parents. These associations are larger for men than for women but do not vary significantly across age groups. Furthermore, our results suggest that the benefits of parenthood strongly depend on the quality of the parent-child relationship. Childless people report lower subjective well-being than parents with a close emotional bond with their children, but similar or even higher subjective well-being than parents with an emotionally distant parent-child relationship. In sum, our study indicates that childless people experience, on average, lower well-being across all three dimensions of subjective well-being in older age. However, under specific circumstances, childless individuals may fare better than parents.

Global Trends in Employee Wellbeing Research: A Bibliometric Study

This bibliometric study examines global trends in employee wellbeing research from 1990 to 2024, focusing on key themes such as burnout, work engagement, job satisfaction, leadership, and workplace environment. Using co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and citation metrics, the study identifies influential authors, emerging trends, and underexplored areas in the field. Results show a significant increase in publications since 2017, with a growing focus on the psychological and emotional dimensions of wellbeing. Key findings highlight the positive impact of transformational leadership and supportive work environments, as well as the detrimental effects of toxic behaviors like abusive supervision and workplace bullying. The study also identifies gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the intersection of employee wellbeing and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This analysis provides a foundation for future research and emphasizes the critical role of employee wellbeing in fostering organizational success and sustainability.