Well-being Research Research Articles

Three-Item Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale

Problematic anger is prevalent and associated with adjustment difficulties in military populations. To facilitate measurement of problematic anger, a very brief valid measure is needed. To reduce the Dimensions of Anger Reactions 5-item (DAR-5) scale to a very brief measure. This cross-sectional study used survey data collected between 2014 and 2016 in the Australian Transition and Well-Being Research Programme and US Millennium Cohort Study. Participants were service members who were actively serving or had transitioned out of the military (separated). Statistical analyses were performed from September 2021 to June 2023. The DAR-5 was reduced to the 3 experiential items: frequency, intensity, and duration (the DAR-3). Psychometrics for the DAR-3 and DAR-5 were compared in terms of standardized Cronbach α, positive screening result, mean, and SD. Analyses were stratified by Australian and US military service status cohorts (active duty and separated). A total of 71 010 participants were included from Australia and the US. Of 10 900 Australian participants (8145 active duty participants [74.7%]; 2755 separated participants [25.3%]), 5893 (55.2%) were aged 40 years or older and 8774 (80.5%) were male; of 60 110 US participants (24 706 active duty participants [41.1%]; 35 404 separated participants [58.9%]), 28 804 (47.9%) were aged 30 to 39 years and 43 475 (72.3%) were male. The DAR-3 demonstrated good internal consistency in the active duty (Australia: mean [SD] score, 4.97 [2.5]; α = 0.90; US: mean [SD] score, 5.04 [2.6]; α = 0.87) and separated (Australia: mean [SD] score, 6.53 [3.4]; α = 0.92; US: mean [SD] score, 6.05 [3.2]; α = 0.91) samples. The cutoff score of 8 or greater on the DAR-3 had optimal sensitivity and specificity across all samples. DAR-3 and DAR-5 were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, aggression, and relationship conflict. While the scales did not significantly differ in their associations with PTSD, depression, and relationship conflict, the magnitude of association for aggression was significantly lower in US samples using the DAR-3 (eg, US active duty sample: DAR-5 OR, 9.96; 95% CI, 9.01-11.00; DAR-3 OR, 8.36; 95% CI, 7.58-9.22). In this cross-sectional study of a very brief measure of anger, each item contributed to the overall strength of the measure without losing psychometric strength compared with the DAR-5. The consistency of these findings across military and veteran samples in Australian and US populations demonstrated the psychometric robustness of the DAR-3.

Well-Being Contextualism and Capabilities

Typically, philosophers analysing well-being’s nature maintain three claims. First, that well-being has essential properties. Second, that the concept of well-being circumscribes those properties. Third, that well-being theories should capture them exhaustively and exclusively. This predominant position is called well-being monism. In opposition, contextualists argue that no overarching concept of well-being referring to a universally applicable well-being standard exists. Such a standard would describe what is good, bad, and neutral, for us without qualification. Instead, well-being research is putatively about several central phenomena. If several phenomena are central, a proliferation of concurrently acceptable well-being theories and operationalisations is expected. However, contextualists are challenged to explain how those analysing well-being are not systematically talking past each other. In this paper, I address that challenge. The upshot is that contextualist well-being theories can be justifiably context-sensitive and applied to tailor-made policy-making efforts. I illustrate the benefits by connecting contextualism to the capability approach.

A bibliometric review of positive psychology and well-being research in Africa.

Positive Psychology rapidly developed into an influential field of study and intervention, initially situated in Psychology, and later becoming multidisciplinary. Research interest in the study of (psychological) well-being has gained global popularity, with increasing salience in Africa. Although the global trends of these developments are relatively well-known, a bibliometric analysis of positive psychology research in Africa was necessary to shed light on the present hotspots and trends and future trajectories in this region of the world. The data source of the present bibliometric analysis study was Scopus, from which Positive Psychology and well-being research literature from Africa between 1983 and 2023 were searched. Using biblioshiny and VOSviewer, the 622 extracted articles were analysed, from which findings about the current condition, research hotspots, and thematic developmental patterns could be made. Africa experienced an initial slow growth period from 1983 until 2005, after which a rapid growth in research productivity, relevance and impact was experienced. In this regard, the results show that the focal point of scientific productivity is South Africa, with the dominance of South African institutions, particularly the North-West University, from where most positive psychology research is produced and cited. Even with potential access to international journal, African researchers seem to prefer to place their publications in the regional journals such as Journal of Psychology in Africa and South African Journal of Psychology. The research reviewed tends to be characterised by more dominant thematic clusters of positive psychology, psychological well-being, and subjective well-being, with a focus on human individuals. An increasing concern for contextual factors and potential antecedents and dynamics of well-being is also observed. The findings provide a good map from which identification of future research priorities can be deduced. As such, we speculate that future positive psychology research in Africa ought to be concerned with the following: greater distribution and intercountry collaborations across the continent, questions of conceptual clarity of terms, better understanding of contextual factors which influence well-being, and well-being research embracing the complexity of bio-psycho-social-ecological well-being, and science concerned with health-promotion interventions.

Psychosemantic Research of the Psychological Well-Being of Artists

Psychosemantic Research of the Psychological Well-Being of Artists

Research of Psychological Well-Being and Attitude to Home Among Students

This article is devoted to the study of the connection between psychological well-being and attitude to home among students. With the help of the author’s questionnaire, groups of students according to living conditions were identified, the peculiarities of the perception of home by the students of these groups were described. With the help of K. Riff’s questionnaire “Scales of psychological well-being”, the levels of psychological well-being of students were determined, the difference in the levels of psychological well-being of students living with their parents and students renting an apartment was revealed. The authors determined the student’s attitude to home using such indicators as attachment, functionality and relevance. The connection between psychological well-being and the indicators mentioned above was described.

Research of psychological well-being and life satisfaction among the youth of Astana and Akmola region

Research of psychological well-being and life satisfaction among the youth of Astana and Akmola region

Systematic review of teacher well-being research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 period posed great challenges to global education systems, especially teachers even after lock-down. Teachers' wellbeing has been a concern because they have to balance health with work. Since the role of teachers is pivotal in education, there is increased in research on their wellbeing status. The current systematic review aims to analyze the distribution of research on teacher wellbeing from 2020 to mid-February 2024 using a quantitative method. It focuses on yearly distribution of studies, the research methods adopted by scholars, and the group of teachers investigated over the period. The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and 103 empirical studies were selected for the analysis. The review shows notable increase in research, particularly in 2022 and 2023, representing 37.9% and 35.9% of studies, respectively. This suggests a growing interest in teacher wellbeing among educational researchers. The findings also indicate that researchers mostly adopted quantitative methods in form of surveys (79.6%) for studies on teacher wellbeing. However, there has been an increase in qualitative and mixed-methods research recently, with qualitative research accounting for 9.7% and mixed-method research accounting for 10.7%. The review also identified a greater focus on teachers in general than on specific group of teachers.

Enhancing Cognitive Performance and Monitoring through a Mobile App: Insights from the Rodi Study

The prevalence of neurocognitive disorders has led to increased interest in mobile health applications (mHealth apps) for detection and training. However, there’s a need for apps that integrate comprehensive cognitive training, assessment, and monitoring in personalized contexts. The RODI app was meticulously developed with the objective of catering to individuals with deficits as well as healthy adults. In this study, 11 participants without diagnosed impairments used the app twice weekly for eight weeks. Results show a consistent enhancement in cognitive performance within the app over time. Notably, a discernible divergence is observed, with the rate of improvement appearing to be comparatively slower in the younger age group in contrast to their older counterparts. Furthermore, the study assesses the reliability of the application using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), confirming its consistent performance across repeated administrations. Finally, the app’s capacity to monitor participants’ cognitive status across various domains is investigated, unveiling controlled variations that indicate foreseeable outcomes within defined parameters. These findings underscore RODI’s potential for cognitive enhancement and monitoring, offering insights into user needs and the broader significance of mobile app interventions for cognitive well-being and future research in this field.

INDICATORS OF WELLBEING AND SELF- AND INFORMANT-REPORTED COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Wellbeing has been associated with objective cognitive decline and is a promising target for dementia prevention. Less is known about associations between wellbeing and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), an early indicator for progression to Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). Given the importance of early detection and intervention in ADRD, the current study assessed whether positive and negative indicators of wellbeing were associated with SCD via self- and informant-reports using zero-inflated Poisson regressions. A total of 1,014 participants (MAge=71.8, SD=3.1) were included in analyses. The sample was representative of both males (55%) and females (45%) and was racially diverse (65% White, 32% Black/African American, 2% other races). SCD was assessed with the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview (self- and informant-report versions), sense of purpose with the Life Engagement Test, life satisfaction with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and loneliness with the UCLA Loneliness scale. Higher positive indicators of wellbeing were associated with lower SCD via self- and informant-reports. Higher levels of depression were associated with greater SCD via self-report. Higher levels of life satisfaction attenuated the association between depressive symptoms and SCD via self-report. These associations were statistically significant (p < .05) and held after applying False Discovery Rate correction. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium (ORPositive Wellbeing Indicators = 0.84-0.89, ORDepression = 1.34). These findings extend past wellbeing and objective cognitive decline research by demonstrating that positive and negative indicators of wellbeing are also associated with SCD assessed via self- and informant-reports.

Can mandatory work in activation programmes be meaningful work?

Quantitative well-being studies have shown that welfare recipients performing work activities in activation programmes report relatively high levels of well-being. This article asks how these findings can be explained, given welfare recipients’ constrained autonomy. To answer this question a qualitative study was conducted in the Netherlands to explore the interaction between welfare recipients’ constrained autonomy and how they experience work in Mandatory Work Programmes. This article uses concepts from critical theoretical approaches to meaningful work and autonomy to analyze the data. The findings show how the restrained autonomy of programme impacted the participants’ work experiences in various, sometimes contradictory ways. It is concluded, among other things, that quantitative well-being research does not seem to fully capture people's experiences as having the status of a welfare recipient and, related to that, what it means for them when their autonomy is constrained in one or more dimensions. It is also recommended that future quantitative well-being studies clearly distinguish between types of activation programmes, particularly regarding their mandatory nature, their goals and their target groups.

Protective factors for resilience in adolescence: analysis of a longitudinal dataset using the residuals approach

IntroductionThe residuals approach, in which residual scores from regression models are used as a proxy for resilient functioning, offers great potential to increase understanding of resilience processes. However, its application in child and adolescent wellbeing research is limited to date. We use this approach to examine how adversity exposure impacts later wellbeing (life satisfaction, and internalising mental health difficulties) in the early-to-middle adolescence transition; whether gender and ethnic differences in resilience exist; which internal and external factors confer protective effects for resilience; and, whether the protective effect of these factors differs by gender and level of adversity exposure.MethodSecondary analysis of the #BeeWell longitudinal data set (N = 12,130 adolescents, aged 12/13 at T1 and 13/14 at T2, representative of Greater Manchester, England) was undertaken, using a series of linear regressions to establish adversity indices for later wellbeing, before assessing the protective effects of internal and external factors on resilience.ResultsMultiple adversity factors (e.g., home material deprivation, sexuality discrimination, bullying) were found to impact later wellbeing. Girls and white adolescents presented lower levels of resilience than their peers. Internal psychological factors (self-esteem, emotional regulation, optimism) consistently conferred the strongest protective effects, but behavioural/activity factors (physical activity, sleep) also contributed to resilience. Among external factors, friendships and peer support were the most salient. Physical activity yielded stronger protective effects among boys (compared to girls). Effects of protective factors were stronger among those at lower (compared to higher) levels of adversity exposure.ConclusionThe residuals approach can make a considerable contribution to our understanding of the interplay between adversity exposure and access to protective factors in determining adolescent wellbeing outcomes. Moreover, its application provides clear implications for policy and practice in terms of prevention (of adversity exposure) and intervention (to facilitate resilience).

Measuring older adults’ wellbeing when transitioning into assisted living facilities: a confirmatory factor analysis of the Mueller assessment of transition (MAT)

Objectives Older adults’ wellbeing during the transition into an assisted living facility (ALF) is not well understood and may influence their wellbeing. The Mueller Assessment of Transition (MAT) was created to measure the impact of transition on older adults’ wellbeing. Early developmental testing of the MAT revealed a hypothesized model with two constructs (adjustment strategies and constraints to wellbeing). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to confirm the factor structure of the MAT with a representative sample of older adults transitioning into ALFs. Methods In a nationwide sample, 108 older adult participants completed the MAT to measure wellbeing when relocating into ALFs. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the structural validity of the MAT. Internal consistency was evaluated, and chi-square tests of association for regional differences in MAT scores were also conducted. Results The CFA produced strong fit indices to confirm the hypothesized 2-factor (constraints to wellbeing and adjustment strategies) model of the MAT. Cronbach’s alpha for the internal consistency was 0.784 and chi-square test indicated no significant regional differences. Conclusion The MAT was established as a valid and reliable standardized assessment. Implications for using the MAT as a tool to measure older adults’ wellbeing and future research are discussed.

The role of the Geographies of Health and Wellbeing Research Group in shaping an evolving field over time

AbstractThe Geographies of Health and Wellbeing Research Group of the Royal Geographical Association‐Institute of British Geographers is perhaps the major professional organisation for health and medical geographers working in the UK. This paper reviews the organisational history and operation of the group, and its forerunners, and its role in shaping the development of the geographies of health and wellbeing, since its inaugural symposium in 1972, marking its 50th Anniversary.

Discrepancies in Mapping Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) Research: A Comparative Analysis of Scopus and Dimensions Databases

Understanding the alignment and contributions of scientific research to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential for guiding global progress toward these critical targets. In this context, the study focuses on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), as it dominates the most researched SDG literature, thus providing a meaningful representation of the broader SDG research landscape. The comprehensive examination of the SDG 3-related research from 2018 to 2022 highlights significant discrepancies in publications mapped to SDG 3 between the two largest databases, Scopus and Dimensions. Despite previous studies showing Dimensions to have more coverage, the present analysis finds Scopus to report 124% more publications in this area. These discrepancies extend across various levels, including country, funder, institution, journal, and author, and have substantial implications for stakeholders relying on these data. Notably, contrasting cluster themes are discovered, with Dimensions revealing five integrative clusters and Scopus focusing on six specialized ones. This discrepancy can affect global research attention, funding allocation, institutional recognition, and SDG journal alignment. The findings emphasize the need for standardization and transparency in SDG mapping methodologies, especially as the 2030 target year approaches and progress on many 2030 SDG targets is lagging. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging and understanding these disparities at various levels of the research ecosystem. The study raises questions about similar discrepancies in other SDGs and necessitates a broader analysis that might include more databases and refine publication types. It serves as a cautionary reminder to the scientific community, policymakers, and other stakeholders about the importance of careful and comprehensive evaluation when mapping publications to SDGs.

Towards a community-driven definition of community wellbeing: A qualitative study of residents.

Understanding what promotes or hinders a community's capacity to serve the priorities of its residents is essential for the alignment of citizen needs and governance. Participatory approaches that engage community residents on the topic of community wellbeing are useful methods for defining outcomes that reflect a community's goals and priorities. Using qualitative focus group methods, the aim of this study was to outline bottom-up definitions of community wellbeing from a diverse pool of community residents in Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured, two-hour group interviews were conducted with adult (≥18 years) participants (N = 15) residing in four communities across Canada's largest province of Ontario. Participants were purposively selected from a pool of screening questionnaires to ensure diverse group compositions based on race, gender, age, and educational attainment. Interviews were thematically analysed using descriptive and interpretive methods to characterize resident conceptions of community wellbeing. Focus group participants were between 18 and 75 years of age and most had lived in their local community for 5 or more years. Four major themes emerged: (1) a sense of community belonging is cultivated through shared spaces, routines, support, and identities; (2) a community constitutes the amenities and social contexts that enable residents to thrive; (3) effective regional decision-making must be community-informed; and (4) the wellbeing of a community relies on equal opportunities for engagement and participation. Residents described their communities and their associated wellbeing as a combination of accessible amenities and opportunities to engage without marginalization. This study underscores the value of participatory approaches in community wellbeing research, where the viewpoint and life experience of residents is used to inform local decision-making and service delivery. Future research will capture more diverse perspectives towards community belonging, particularly from community newcomers, for the development of regionally appropriate indicators of community wellbeing.

Identifying Research Priorities to Promote the Well-Being of Family Caregivers of Canadians with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Delphi Study.

Current programming and resources aimed at supporting the well-being of family caregivers often fail to address considerations unique to those caring for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs). As a result, many caregivers of people with IDD feel isolated, stressed, and burnt out. A targeted research agenda informed by key stakeholders is needed and would allow research teams to coordinate resources, talents, and efforts to progress family caregiver well-being research in this area quickly and effectively. To address this aim, this pilot study used a Delphi design based on 2 rounds of questionnaires. In round 1, 19 stakeholders (18 females, 1 male), including 12 family caregivers, 3 rehabilitation providers, 2 researchers, and 2 organizational representatives, identified broad areas for caregiver well-being research. After collating the responses from round 1, stakeholders were asked to rank whether each area was considered a research priority in round 2. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Eighteen stakeholders completed the round 2 survey (1 caregiver did not complete the round 2 survey), after which a consensus was reached. Stakeholders identified nine broad priorities, including system-level programs and services, models of care, health promotion, social inclusion, equity and diversity, capacity building, care planning along the lifespan, and balancing formal and natural community-based supports. Although preliminary in nature, the research priorities generated using an inclusive and systematic process may inform future efforts to promote the well-being of caregivers of Canadians with IDD.

When the going gets tough: Stressors and purpose in life among social and commercial entrepreneurs

Described as the presence of significance, meaning, and goal-directedness in one's life, purpose in life has received much attention in psychology and well-being research due to its association with psychological well-being. However, research on the relationship between entrepreneurship and purpose in life remains nascent. In this study, we explore differences in purpose in life between social entrepreneurs and commercial entrepreneurs. We find that social entrepreneurs, on average, exhibit higher levels of purpose in life than commercial entrepreneurs. We further find that social entrepreneurs are more likely to retain purpose in life in the face of hindrance stressors than their commercial entrepreneur counterparts. We discuss theoretical implications for social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial well-being literatures.

The art of sustainable wellbeing: an eastern philosophy approach to cultivating happiness

ABSTRACT Our jobs are now less secure and more reliant on technology, where knowledge is shared in real time irrespective of the location or time. Although we now have more flexibility in how we work, our work-life boundaries are getting affected, thus becoming blurred. When boundaries are porous, it creates role conflicts and promotes insecurity and tension in one’s life. The existing subjective well-being (SWB) research focuses on observing, measuring, and controlling what is external to the individual and showing ‘what happens’ to SWB when subjective and objective variables are at play. By drawing on Eastern philosophical and spiritual approaches, this paper provides insights into the true nature of our perceived situational awareness of the present moment. It suggests that with techniques such as mindfulness and insight (Vipassana), it is possible to get a deeper understanding of the root causes and effects of consciousness and shape our perceived worldviews and subjective well-being.

General Assessment of the Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Shipping Industry Using Parametric Methods

The ongoing Ukrainian war has introduced significant uncertainty and crisis into the global economy, particularly in financial and stock markets. This study is a part of a larger research project that aims to assess the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on shipping companies, given the direct influence of rising gas and oil prices on the valuation of freight transport service providers. Economic sanctions were imposed on Russia, leading to the destabilization of the global economy. Industries such as the global shipping and tourism sectors experienced significant declines in share value. Investors began reallocating their portfolios, seeking safer and less risky investments, such as gold stocks. The riskiness of a particular stock can be assessed by various methods, including volatility measurement. This paper focuses on calculating and presenting the volatility value of the shares of A. P. Moller-Maersk, the world's largest operator of container lines and vessels. Additionally, the STOXX50 index, i.e. the Euro Zone stock market index, representing the overall European market, is used for comparison. Another risk measure discussed in this paper is Value at Risk (VaR), a quantitative method used to predict potential cash losses over a certain time period. The parametric method of calculating VaR was used, which assumes the normal distribution of stock value fluctuations. VaR was calculated using historical stock price data of A. P. Moller-Maersk. Findings indicate significant volatility and high-risk environment in the financial markets. The calculated VaR of 27.66% for a 30-day period with the 95% confidence level reflects the substantial potential losses associated with investing in Maersk shares during the crisis, surpassing typical risk levels. In conclusion, the war in Ukraine has disrupted the maritime industry, which was already recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sanctions imposed on Russia and the war situation in Ukraine have created uncertainty and turbulence in financial markets, prompting investors to seek safer investment options. The study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of the impact of the war on the global maritime industry. The devastating effects of the war on the sector have significant implications for the global economy, human well-being, and future research in the field.

The multicultural conceptualisation of well-being

BackgroundExploring and understanding indicators of better life outcomes have remained popular among social and health researchers. However, the subjective approach to measuring well-being has raised questions on the appropriateness of standard measures of well-being in multicultural settings. The current study examines generalised well-being and its dependence on the implicit understanding of individual culture and circumstances.MethodsA mixed-method approach with a cross-sectional design and focus group discussions was adopted. Fifteen focus group discussions with 66 participants were conducted in four provinces of South Africa. Descriptive statistics, correlations, regression analysis and analysis of variance were computed for quantitative data. The focus group discussions were analysed using a content analysis approach. The recorded focus group discussions were transcribed using the intelligent verbatim technique. Data analysis was done stepwise using open, axial, and selective coding techniques.ResultsQuantitative analysis showed a strong and significant association between quality of life and income and a moderate association with educational attainment. The open coding technique for qualitative data confirmed 11 different subconstructs of well-being, mentioned 403 times during the 15 focus group discussions. Furthermore, well-being indicators varied based on participants’ racial identity.ConclusionsThe findings confirm personal circumstance and culture as significant for interpreting results from well-being research. Furthermore, it supports Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, highlighting the movement from deficiency needs to growth needs after deficiency needs are met. Research must adopt a more sociological approach to improve the accuracy and implementibility of findings when using standardised measures of well-being.