Abstract
Mental wellbeing is a dynamic multidimensional concept encompassed by many dimensions, which integrate hedonic wellbeing (happiness, feeling good) and eudaemonic wellbeing (a process of self-actualization and the pursuit of intrinsic values; feeling and functioning well). It is these in combination that contribute to an individual being mentally healthy. However, do children conceptualise positive mental wellbeing in this way? And are contemporary measures child centred, age sensitive, and reflect children’s views and contemporary childhoods? If schools are to more effectively promote positive mental wellbeing a clearer understanding of young children’s conceptualisations of the construct via scientifically developed measures is critical. The Children’s Positive Mental Wellbeing Scale (CPMWS) was co-developed with children aged 6 to 10 years. A review of current measures identified the most appropriate measure and confirmatory factor analysis established its model fit with a large sample of children. Direct engagement with children via interviews suggested the measure was not specific enough, however. To address this, children co-designed a daily positive mental wellbeing diary and 250 completed this daily diary over a period of two weeks. Students who reported high levels of positive mental wellbeing participated in follow-up group interviews to discuss their lived experiences about mental wellbeing. Overall, family, friends, school, participation in activities, and personal situational moments/emotions were critical to their daily positive mental wellbeing. Suitable items were developed from this for inclusion in the Children’s Positive Mental Wellbeing Scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with a large sample supported children’s conceptualisation of positive mental wellbeing.
Presenters
Jon LituriPhD Candidate, Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia Stephen Houghton
Professor, Director Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Clinic, Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Physiology, Kinesiology and Psychology of Wellness in its Social Context
KEYWORDS
Children, Positive Mental Wellbeing, Conceptualising, Measure
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