Subjective wellbeing of chilean adolescents of different social contexts

During last twenty years, investigations about subjective well–being has become more relevant. However, it exists less research with adolescents and only a few that incorporates their perspective using qualitative methods. International studies have identified some correlations between subjective we...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autor: Heine-Preisler, Pauline
Formato: tesis doctoral
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:Chile
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.anid.cl:10533/253191
Acesso em linha:https://hdl.handle.net/10533/253191
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Ciencias Sociales
Psicología
Otras Especialidades de la Psicología
Descrição
Resumo:During last twenty years, investigations about subjective well–being has become more relevant. However, it exists less research with adolescents and only a few that incorporates their perspective using qualitative methods. International studies have identified some correlations between subjective well–being and mental health, indicating that adolescents with high levels of subjective well–being report lower levels of depression, negative emotions, and stress. Attending increasing mental health problems of adolescents in Chile, studying their perspective of subjective well–being acquires great relevance. This doctoral research aimed to describe and relate meanings and experiences associated with subjective well–being, considering participants of different social contexts. A qualitative study was carried out, following a descriptive and relational design, according to the Grounded Theory perspective. 103 Chilean adolescents of both sexes and different social contexts, between the ages of 15 and 17, participated through focus groups or individual interviews. Results show different ways of conceiving well–being, identifying five axes around which these adolescents establish these distinctions. The existence of certain pillars of well being is proposed, highlighting the family, school, and social relationships. It highlights the importance they give to interpersonal relationships as a key aspect, due to their great influence on the generation of conceptions and personal characteristics related to well-being and the great impact they have on satisfaction with different areas of daily life. It also highlights the tension around ideals transmitted by today's society –individualism and materialism–, which are criticized and conceived by the majority as an important source of discomfort. The results also allow us to identify a wide range of daily actions related to well-being, as well as constructive and destructive strategies in the face of discomfort. These findings go forward in responding to the existing gaps at the time the research project was generated and show outlines for a comprehensive model of subjective well-being in adolescence. In addition, they allow identifying areas of action at the level of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in mental health, providing concrete suggestions for psychotherapeutic work with adolescents.