Well-being Approach Research Articles

The concept of the strategic state: An assessment after 30 years

AbstractThe strategic state was conceptualised 30 years ago in response to neoliberal reforms of government and the rise of New Public Management that began in Western democracies in the 1980s. The concept was widely used by the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development in assessing the performance of governments through the 2000s. This research note describes how the concept has evolved, lessons learned from the application of the concept over the last 20 years, and some new developments that affirm the continuing relevance of the concept but also make its practical application more challenging.Points for practitioners The strategic state is a well‐established concept of long‐term, outcomes‐based government. It is pertinent to contemporary debates around mission‐driven government and wellbeing approaches to government. The strategic state requires long‐term and sustained investment in strategic capabilities, in part to mitigate against electoral pressures. Secondly, it requires a connection from strategy to action through clear accountability processes for both individuals and organisations including appropriate budgeting and evaluation mechanisms. Thirdly, a successful strategic state requires effective collaboration between different levels of government. This can be supported through a relational approach to public service design and delivery. Challenges to the strategic state include increased turbulence from political events, economic crises, the climate emergency, and the rise of artificial intelligence; the erosion of public trust in government and social cohesion combined with the rise of populist movements; and a decay in the media environment with increasing public alienation and polarisation in political debate.

IMPLEMENTING ETHNIC TOURISM AS A TOOL CONTRIBUTING TO THE DESTINATION COMMUNITY WELL-BEING IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, VIETNAM

Despite being well-recognized as a means of poverty alleviation in poor remote areas, ethnic tourism should not be solely pursued for economic benefits as an end goal for the host community. To achieve sustainability and destination community well-being, it is argued that ethnic tourism can become a tool to improve various types of community capital rather than only economic capital. The main goal of this study is to identify strategies to improve community capital in an ethnic tourism destination. By conducting a community workshop with 34 local tourism stakeholders in the Central Highlands, the study found that the top priority was placed on human capital and political capital. First, local wisdom and genuine characteristics of naivete, honesty, friendliness, and hospitality need to be promoted to attract visitors, while local residents need to be educated and trained to build capacity for improving tourism services and to actively engage in the tourism decision-making process. Second, improvements in political capital were strongly suggested to tackle common barriers to community empowerment and collaboration, tourism organizational structure, local policies, standards, and assessment procedures. This study reaffirms the interrelationship and synergy among types of community capital and proves the value of the destination community well-being approach to ethnic tourism planning and governance. Future research implications are also presented.

Acceptance and commitment approaches for athletes' wellbeing and performance: The flexible mind

Acceptance and commitment approaches for athletes' wellbeing and performance: The flexible mind

Praxeological action research: a Froebelian approach for professional development, flourishment and wellbeing

ABSTRACT This paper presents a narrative case study of an innovative Froebelian approach to professional development, implemented in a large Nursery School and Family Centre in southern England undertaken as part of an extended programme of research and development funded by the Froebel Trust from 2021–2024 which was trans-national, including two early childhood settings, one in England and one in New Zealand. The research and development programme had two overarching aims: 1. To document and develop a Froebelian pedagogic approach for contemporary times; 2. To generate and disseminate a Froebelian professional development process which secures development, flourishment and wellbeing for both child and educator. The professional development process was documented and thematically analysed by 20 educators and 5 researchers working collegially as a Community of Practice (CoP) and resulted in the development of a Praxeological Approach to Professional Development (PAPD) embodying seven empowering PD processes. Our evidence suggests this approach has improved wellbeing of the educators enabling them to flourish in four domains: Professionally, Personally, Psychologically and Civically, and countered key challenges facing the early childhood workforce in England generating a crisis in recruitment and retention. This paper sets out the theoretical, methodological and ethical approach embodied in the PAPD and presents qualitative evidence of its impact on the 20 educators involved suggesting that PADP has potential for wider transferability across the early childhood sector to enhance workforce recruitment and retention.

The need for biopsychosocial menopause care: a narrative review.

Menopause is a reproductive transition affecting half the world's population. Stigma and limited availability of evidence-based treatments that support biopsychosocial well-being mean that this life stage is often associated with challenging symptoms and reduced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this review was to examine the extent literature on psychological and mind-body interventions to manage perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms, and apply an interdisciplinary clinical, research, and cultural knowledge framework to guide recommendations for improving QoL and healthy aging in this population. We also aimed to understand the ideal delivery mode for such interventions. Using Scopus, Medline, and PubMed, a review of systematic reviews, guidelines, and randomized controlled trials was undertaken to examine the use of psychological and mind-body interventions to improve menopause-related QoL and symptoms, including hot flushes, depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain, and sleep; conclusions were based on an analysis of this available evidence and linked to clinical and cultural considerations. Empirical support exists for a number of psychological and mind-body approaches to support QoL and symptoms during the menopause transition. The literature also identifies the need for menopause care that is culturally responsive.An online multimodal model of menopause care is thus recommended, incorporating evidence-based treatments (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, hypnosis) and treatment techniques (eg, mindfulness, and education including nutrition support), as well as First Nations wisdom. We also recommend financial well-being approaches to support people undergoing menopause. Integrated, multimodal approaches should be available online to remove time, location, and healthcare access barriers, and be designed with diverse consumers to ensure equity for those underserved due to region, LGBTIQ+ assigned female at birth status, and for multicultural and First Nations people.

The contribution of tourism experiences to eudaimonic well-being: insight from Generation Z

ABSTRACT Despite the growing interest in exploring the tourism experiences of Generation Z and their significant influence on the tourism industry, there is a dearth of investigation into the eudaimonic consequences of tourism among this cohort. Eudaimonic well-being refers to understanding yourself, having a meaningful life, and actively pursuing excellence. Drawing on the psychological well-being approach, this study explores how Generation Z describes the long-term eudaimonic effects of tourism experiences in their lifetime. The qualitative findings reveal seven key themes that elucidate the eudaimonic dimensions of travel experiences among Generation Z, categorised into three more general and interconnected groups: individual characteristics, interpersonal experiences, and societal influences. The seven central themes include authentic self-development, mastery of challenges, interpersonal bonds, spirituality and mindfulness, future professional advancement, conscientiousness, and hedonic happiness. This study advances existing eudaimonic well-being frameworks and contributes to ‘tourism and well-being’. Additionally, implications for tourism academics and practitioners are provided.

Multidimensional human wellbeing in periodic octopus closures in Zanzibar

ABSTRACT Our study of periodic octopus closures helps to fill an empirical gap in community-based marine protected area (MPA) research on socially-diverse multidimensional wellbeing impacts. Human wellbeing provides a more meaningful and holistic measure of social impacts than previous economic measures while recognising equity- evidence that ultimately ensures support and enables long-term success in conservation. We trace the flow of benefits, costs and burdens from closures at three sites in Zanzibar and explore how different types of fishers and traders perceive impacts. This is done at a personal, livelihood group and village or community level, as well as in terms of ecosystem effects. Storytelling, photo-elicitation tasks and focused discussions prioritized participants’ emic descriptions and understandings of closures. We iteratively, qualitatively coded data using a three-dimensional (material, relational and subjective) social wellbeing approach. Despite different conditions and histories at the three sites, participants identified similar wellbeing attributes as affected by the closure. Themes included social conflict, non-compliance, income, education, food/nutrition, and communal benefits reflecting recent literature on MPAs and human wellbeing. Perceptions of inequity cross cut all three dimensions and gender was a strong dimension that emphasized procedural and distributional inequity between different types of livelihood groups e.g. small-scale traderwomen and male skindivers. Material wellbeing losses due to poor market environments highlighted how better alignment is needed between periodic closure activities and resulting value chain dynamics. Opening events intensely impacted wellbeing across all dimensions, suggesting that these moments are critical for creating positive perceptions or losing support for closures.

Comprehensive Management of Pelvic Trauma in Pregnant Patients

Pelvic fractures occur frequently due to traffic accidents and high-energy. Pregnant women are susceptible to trauma, with one in 12 pregnancies complicated by such incidents, making trauma the leading cause of non-obstetric maternal deaths during pregnancy. Pelvic fractures during pregnancy pose significant risks, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery, placental abruption, fetal distress, and even maternal or fetal death. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, including increased blood volume and altered cardiovascular dynamics, further complicate the management of pelvic trauma in pregnant patients. Prompt and appropriate management of pelvic trauma in pregnant patients is essential to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Initial evaluation and stabilization of the mother take precedence, with close attention to airway, breathing, and circulation. Diagnostic imaging, including pelvic X-rays and, when feasible, body CT or MRI, aids in assessing the extent of pelvic injury and identifying associated injuries. Definitive treatment of pelvic fractures may involve a combination of surgical fixation, bed rest, traction, and pelvic slings, depending on the severity of the injury. The timing and approach to delivery in pregnant patients with pelvic fractures require careful consideration, with vaginal delivery being a viable option in many cases, provided that the pelvic architecture remains intact. Conclussions: The management of pelvic trauma in pregnant patients requires a multidisciplinary approach and careful consideration of maternal and fetal well-being. Further research is needed to establish clear treatment guidelines and preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of pelvic fractures during pregnancy and improve outcomes for both mother and fetus.

The South Australian Department of Health and Wellbeing approach to emergency management during the COVID-19 pandemic

This paper summarises the strategic and operational approaches to emergency management taken by the South Australian Department of Health and Wellbeing (better known as SA Health) during the COVID-19 pandemic State of Emergency declaration between 22 March 2020 and 24 May 2022. It identifies several lessons that may be useful for future responses to similar types of emergencies. It is concluded that SA Health’s response was highly effective, with all of the response’s strategic objectives achieved; however, activities in some areas could nevertheless have been more efficient.

The Big, the Dark, and the Biopsychosocial Shades of Harmony: Personality Traits and Harmony in Life.

Our current understanding of the relationship between personality traits and subjective well-being, or happiness, is limited to the conceptualization of subjective well-being as being life satisfaction and a positive affective experience (i.e., the presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative ones), thus lacking the sense of acceptance, balance, adaptation, and self-transcendent unity (i.e., harmony in life) that is appreciated as part of the good life in many ancient and modern cultures. Moreover, most studies use the Big Five Model to understand which personality traits predict subjective well-being. Here, I examine the predictive power of personality on harmony in life using the Big Five Model, the Dark Triad, and Cloninger's Biopsychosocial Model. The present study utilized past published data from three cross-sectional studies. In each separate sample, participants self-reported personality by answering the Big Five Inventory (N1 = 297), the Short Dark Triad (N2 = 1876), or the Temperament and Character Inventory (N3 = 436). All participants (NTotal = 3698) answered to the Harmony in Life Scale. The traits in the Biopsychosocial Model explained the highest variance in harmony in life (R2 = 0.435, F(7, 428) = 47.136, p < 0.001), followed by the Big Five (R2 = 0.341, F(5, 291) = 30.110, p < 0.001) and the Dark Triad (R2 = 0.096, F(3, 1872) = 66.055, p < 0.001). The key significant predictors were Self-Directedness, Self-Transcendence, and Harm Avoidance from the Biopsychosocial Model and Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism from the Big Five. Narcissism was the only predictor from the Dark Triad, although this relationship was very small. The findings underscore the importance of a multidimensional approach for understanding subjective well-being and the inclusion of harmony in life as its third component. The Biopsychosocial Model's inclusion of both temperament and character dimensions provided the most comprehensive understanding of harmony in life. While positive traits like Agreeableness, Self-Directedness, and Self-Transcendence enhance harmony, negative traits like Neuroticism and Harm Avoidance diminish it. Moreover, research only including "dark traits" might give the impression that an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others (i.e., Narcissism) is predictive of balance in life. However, this association was not only extremely low but can be interpreted as misguided since the results using the other models showed that helpful, empathetic, kind, and self-transcendent behavior predicted harmony. These results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing well-being should consider a broad range of personality traits, especially those that are not present in the Big Five Model, thus advocating for a biopsychosocial approach to well-being interventions.

Integrated Approach for Human Wellbeing and Environmental Assessment Based on a Wearable IoT System: A Pilot Case Study in Singapore.

This study presents the results of the practical application of the first prototype of WEMoS, the Wearable Environmental Monitoring System, in a real case study in Singapore, along with two other wearables, a smart wristband to monitor physiological data and a smartwatch with an application (Cozie) used to acquire users' feedback. The main objective of this study is to present a new procedure to assess users' perceptions of the environmental quality by taking into account a multi-domain approach, considering all four environmental domains (thermal, visual, acoustic, and air quality) through a complete wearable system when users are immersed in their familiar environment. This enables an alternative to laboratory tests where the participants are in unfamiliar spaces. We analysed seven-day data in Singapore using a descriptive and predictive approach. We have found that it is possible to use a complete wearable system and apply it in real-world contexts. The WEMoS data, combined with physiology and user feedback, identify the key comfort features. The transition from short-term laboratory analysis to long-term real-world context using wearables enables the prediction of overall comfort perception in a new way that considers all potentially influential factors of the environment in which the user is immersed. This system could help us understand the effects of exposure to different environmental stimuli thus allowing us to consider the complex interaction of multi-domains on the user's perception and find out how various spaces, both indoor and outdoor, can affect our perception of IEQ.

Exploring Multi-Sensory Approaches for Psychological Well-Being in Urban Green Spaces: Evidence from Edinburgh’s Diverse Urban Environments

Urban green spaces are crucial for alleviating psychological stress, but the effect of multi-sensory experiences on psychological restoration remains underexplored. This study, conducted in Edinburgh, Scotland, with 40 participants, compares the effects of walking and sitting in different urban environments—built environments, semi-natural green spaces, and natural green spaces—on psychological restoration. The results reveal that while sensory quality positively correlates with psychological well-being, sensory perception and variety do not always have a positive effect on restoration. Moreover, supplementing visual and hearing experiences with tactility and smell in urban green spaces is more effective in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being, particularly in terms of vitality, which is largely affected by non-visual sensory inputs. This study highlights the importance of creating balanced sensory environments in urban green spaces, integrating a variety of sensory experiences to maximize psychological benefits. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners and designers aiming to optimize green spaces for enhanced mental health and overall quality of life.

Identifying Development Priority Areas Using Index of Dissatisfaction: A Case Study of a Coastal Town in the Philippines

In local planning practice, subjective well-being (SWB) approaches continue to gain traction. For the past two decades, researchers have devised tools that generate action or priority lists, such as by asking self-reported life satisfaction or satisfaction levels across aspects of their lives (e.g., health, finances). These listings are especially beneficial for rural areas where local income and other resources are inadequate and misdirected. This article examines residents’ perceptions of a rural coastal community in the Philippines on various personal and related factors affecting their well-being. A comprehensive collection of quantitative tools (e.g., principal component analysis, seemingly unrelated regression, and Index of Dissatisfaction (IDS) scores) were used to identify priority development areas and to understand the factors influencing such decisions. The research process, which was both comprehensive and inclusive, took into account various locations, ages, levels of formal education, household sizes and employment characteristics, which have distinct choices. This broad scope of the research ensures that the voices and needs of all residents are heard and considered, promoting a sense of fairness and equity in the planning process and making the audience feel more informed and involved in the process of regional development.

Socioeconomic Factors Determining Multidimensional Child Poverty Groups in Central America: A Measurement Proposal from the Wellbeing Approach Using a Comprehensive Set of Children’s Rights

This article aims to show that multidimensional child poverty (MCP) is determined by several socioeconomic factors that influence the formation of stratified groups of poor children under five years of age living in Central America. This study advocates for a comprehensive set of children's rights with the purpose of addressing the different facets of child poverty from the perspective of child well-being, in order to estimate the incidence of MCP, by including multiple childhood deprivations and socioeconomic determinants. Child-specific indicators and household deprivation indicators are considered in the estimation of MCP. The study also states that child poverty is a complex concept, which includes the various types of deprivations experienced by children in the Central American societies and their deprivations are considered as the denial of children’s rights. Therefore, the MCP is estimated based on a conditional latent class analysis that includes not only manifest deprivation variables, but also socioeconomic determinants that help to better predict the incidence and probabilities of children being multidimensionally poor according to different poverty strata. The socioeconomic factors that show high risks of MCP are rural areas, indigenous children, young mothers and low levels of education attained by the head of the household, among others. One of the reasons to investigate the MCP for Belize and El Salvador is because there are few studies that address this problem for these countries and this research sheds light on the characteristics of early childhood poverty. The results indicate that the incidence of MCP is 49% in Belize and 76% in El Salvador. The research work concludes that the International Rights of the Child provide the opportunity to implement comprehensive social policies in Central America to eradicate child poverty.

The Well-Being of Left-Behind Children in Rural Sichuan, China

Chinese scholars focused on the status of children's subjective well-being. However, one significant gap is the need to measure comprehensive child well-being in China's backward economic rural areas. The study adopted a multidimensional child well-being approach and child-centred perspective to measure rural left-behind children's material, physical, educational, psychological, and social well-being and present the multidimensional well-being of left-behind children in rural China. The study adopted a quantitative approach, and the survey method was the preferred approach for this study. A multistage random sampling technique was used to choose the geographical location of the study, study area, and children as survey respondents. Four hundred eighty left-behind children aged 10 to 16 in Sichuan province, China, were selected for the study. The selected left-behind children experienced a high level of well-being domains, except for moderate educational well-being. However, pocket money, physical exercise, academic achievement, child welfare for education, social services, coping strategies, and activity engagement were the core targets to promote the left-behind children's well-being through improving social expenditure on children, empowering the child welfare system, and providing sufficient social services in school in China.

Prevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022

Meditation, yoga, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation are promoted as complementary approaches for health and wellbeing in the United States, but their uptake by different sociodemographic groups is unclear. This study assessed the prevalence and 20 year trends in the use of these practices in US adults between 2002–2022. We examined practice use and associations with sociodemographic and health factors in a population-weighted analysis of n = 134,959 participants across 5 cycles of the National Health Interview Survey. The overall use of meditation (18.3%, 60.53 million), yoga (16.8%, 55.78 million) and guided imagery/progressive relaxation (6.7%, 22.22 million) increased significantly from 2002 to 2022. Growth was consistent across most sociodemographic and health strata, however users of ‘Other’ race (comprising 54% Indigenous Americans, Odds Ratios; ORs = 1.28–1.70) and users with moderate (ORs = 1.19–1.29) psychological distress were overrepresented across all practices, and those with severe psychological distress were overrepresented in meditation (OR = 1.33) and guided imagery/progressive relaxation (OR = 1.42). Meditation use has accelerated over time for 65 + year olds (OR = 4.22), people not accessing mental health care (OR = 1.39), and less educated (OR = 4.02) groups, potentially reflecting unmet health needs. Health professionals should consider the extensive use of complementary practices in service and treatment planning and consider their risks and benefits.

Well-being approaches targeted to improve child and youth health post-COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

BackgroundOur previous work synthesized published studies on well-being interventions during COVID-19. As we move into a post-COVID-19 pandemic period there is a need to comprehensively review published strategies, approaches, and interventions to improve child and youth well-being beyond deleterious impacts experienced during COVID-19.MethodsSeven databases were searched from inception to January 2023. Studies were included if they: (1) presented original data on an approach (i.e., approach applied) or (2) provided recommendations to inform development of a future approach (i.e., approach suggested), (3) targeted to mitigate negative impacts of COVID-19 on child and youth (≤18 year) well-being, and (4) published on or after December 2019.Results39 studies (n = 4/39, 10.3% randomized controlled trials) from 2021 to 2023 were included. Twenty-two studies applied an approach (n = 22/39, 56.4%) whereas seventeen studies (n = 17/39, 43.6%) suggested an approach; youth aged 13–18 year (n = 27/39, 69.2%) were most frequently studied. Approach applied records most frequently adopted an experimental design (n = 11/22, 50.0%), whereas approach suggested records most frequently adopted a cross-sectional design (n = 13/22, 59.1%). The most frequently reported outcomes related to good health and optimum nutrition (n = 28/39, 71.8%), followed by connectedness (n = 22/39, 56.4%), learning, competence, education, skills, and employability (n = 18/39, 46.1%), and agency and resilience (n = 16/39, 41.0%).ConclusionsThe rapid onset and unpredictability of COVID-19 precluded meaningful engagement of children and youth in strategy development despite widespread recognition that early engagement can enhance usefulness and acceptability of interventions. Published or recommended strategies were most frequently targeted to improve connectedness, belonging, and socialization among children and youth.

Can narrative medicine methods improve well-being in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy?

e24091 A Pilot study - Can Narrative Medicine Methods Improve Well-being in Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancy? Background: Patients with cancer often face profound physical and emotional challenges. Narrative medicine methods, involving discussions of and writing about creative texts, are utilized to help healthcare providers improve communication and process emotional experiences which, unexplored, may lead to poor well-being. We apply the narrative medicine method to patients with GI malignancies. Methods: The endpoints of this pilot study were feasibility - 7/10 participants completing 2 out of 3 sessions, and assessing the benefit of applying the practice to optimize well-being. 10 patients were identified by a single oncologist at USC/Norris cancer center to undergo three narrative medicine sessions. Sessions addressed themes relevant to well-being: Identity, Meaning making, and Finding joy. A survey with Likert scales (1-5) and free text answers, as well as interviews, were administered. Content analysis was done. ESAS scales were administered before sessions. Results: 7 of 10 patients have been assessed, completing all three sessions.Surveys were administered after session 3, interviews 1 month later. 5 was the most popular Likert choice. 7/7 chose a 5 for feeling comfortable and learning about themselves. In free text answers, 6/7 patient responses reflected themes of enhanced self-reflection, 2/7 improved perspective-taking, and 3/7 enhanced empathy for others. 1/7 said the sessions gave them hope for medical research, and 1/7 noted the sessions helped them tolerate chemotherapy. ESAS scores trending in a positive direction included pain, drowsiness, nausea, anxiety, and well-being. The interviews elicited the following themes: 7/7 noted the narrative medicine experience had been enjoyable, 6/7 noted enhanced meaning-making meaning and perspective-taking. 3/7 noted the sessions made them feel more positively about their healthcare experiences and helped them embrace their identities outside of cancer. 3/7 said the sessions improved their empathy for others. Other individual themes were: the sessions gave them hope, helped with self-reflection, encouraged seeking new experiences, helped them accept circumstances, enhanced connection to creativity and spirituality, and improved their ability to connect to others. Conclusions: This narrative medicine pilot project was feasible and patients were able to complete the assessment. The evaluative scores demonstrated that all participants felt comfortable participating. Additionally, the patients noted benefits related to well-being including but not limited to improved capacity for self-reflection, putting things in perspective, meaning-making, and noticing moments of joy. A larger study is planned to assess the benefits of this approach for patient well-being and clinical outcomes.

Examine the advantages of social dance instruction in elder people for both mental and physical health, as well as its function in fostering general well-being

The global increase in the elderly population poses challenges in physical, mental, and social aspects. This study explores the potential of social dance instruction as an innovative approach to improve the overall well-being of older adults. Drawing on previous research, our investigation focuses on the long-term effects of social dance on mental and physical health, emphasizing social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Importance of this study lies in contributing to innovative approaches for elderly well-being, offering insights to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers. The literature review highlights the positive impact of social dance on physical health, cognitive abilities, and social and emotional aspects. However, gaps exist in understanding the interplay between these dimensions. By means of the quantitative research, employing surveys and assessments, reveals statistically significant improvements in physical health, cognitive abilities, social interactions, and emotional well-being among participants engaged in social dance. Despite limitations, the findings support the integration of social dance into health promotion programs for the elderly.

Social work with encamped refugees: reflections from Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT In this article, we draw on our joint experiences as social work practitioners and researchers in a rights-restricting practice context, a refugee camp. We reflect on social workers’ roles in navigating the conundrum, that is, advocating against and in some unfortunate instances, perpetuating exclusionary systems. Refugee camps are physical zones designed to disentitle refugees of rights reserved for citizens. Faced with structural restrictions, social workers working with refugees have negotiated for rights with and on behalf of their clients at the center of their practice. We offer accounts of contextual application of anti-oppressive social work approaches for refugee wellbeing and access to rights like shelter, water, food, health, education, livelihoods, nutrition, sanitation, and protection. In the second half of our analysis, we offer a critical analysis of human rights education in Zimbabwean schools of social work given the manifest rights violations in the country’s refugee welfare practice context. We examine the extent to which the pedagogy of human rights and notions of indiscriminate human development, democracy, and justice are infused in curricula to equip aspirant social workers with the requisite skills to transform their practice orientation from social control to the social change function which the practice context demands.