Study finds relationships are key to children’s sense of well-being
UBC research shows bonds with adults and peers trump socio-economic status
Children’s connection with parents, friends and other grown-ups plays a greater role in their sense of wellbeing than how well off their families are, a study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) has found.
“Our findings underline the importance of positive social relationships with adults and peers,” says lead author Anne Gadermann, assistant professor with the Human Early Learning Partnership at UBC’s school of population and public health.
While it’s important not to downplay the risk poverty poses to children’s health, the new research demonstrates that connections with parents, teachers and peers can have a powerful mediating effect and influence on how kids feel about themselves, Gadermann said in an interview. The research, based on interviews with more than 5,000 Grade 4 students from diverse backgrounds in 121 British Columbia schools, was published in the Journal of Happiness Studies.
It found the most significant indicators of life satisfaction and health were positive relationships with adults at home, school and in the community, and peer belonging.
Gadermann said while the findings may not come as a surprise, “I really think it’s important to demonstrate it,” so that schools and communities make it a priority to create programs and supports that help bolster those relationships and enhance kids’ sense of belonging.
It may also be reassuring for parents to know that spending time with their kids, listening, demonstrating confidence in their abilities and encouraging friendships with other children are key to healthy development, even if they can’t afford many extracurriculars.
Key to the UBC study is that it gives voice to the children themselves, relying on feedback gathered through “cognitive interviewing” and using survey tools that have been proven reliable for kids ages 9 through 14.
“It’s often underestimated what children can talk about at that age,” said Gadermann. “But it’s important to get input from their own perspec- tive. Feedback from the children themselves (in previous studies) has also found they think it’s very important to be asked.”
Students were asked to rate their life satisfaction, health, relationships with adults and friendships with peers. They also answered specific questions ranging from how often they eat breakfast, to what time they go to bed and whether they play sports. Census data was used to determine their family incomes.
The UBC research reflects a growing emphasis in the field on exploring how to build strength and resilience in children as they develop and stressing their potential rather than the old-school approach that focused on problems, deficits and disorders.
The way school-age children feel about themselves as they begin to forge more relationships outside home and become influenced by peers is important in setting them on a healthy trajectory into adolescence and adulthood, the study notes.
Feeling connected to adults has been associated with promoting physical and mental health, boosting self-esteem, buffering stress and potentially reducing risky behaviour in adolescence.