Children’s Understandings of Well-being

This groundbreaking study revolutionizes how we understand childhood well-being by actually listening to children themselves. Rather than imposing adult-centric frameworks, the research partners directly with young people to develop the very concept of well-being from their perspectives. The authors establish their unique theoretical approach by situating children's well-being within existing academic discourses while fundamentally challenging traditional assumptions. Through extensive qualitative engagement, they map the actual domains and dimensions that matter most in children's lived experiences.

What makes this work so compelling is its methodological integrity—children aren't just research subjects but genuine collaborators in defining what constitutes a good life. The resulting framework identifies specific aspects of well-being that adults often overlook but children consistently prioritize. Social workers, educators, and policy makers will find this essential reading for developing more effective, child-centered approaches to support. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that when we take children's voices seriously, we discover that well-being means something far richer and more complex than we previously imagined.