Predictors of health and wellbeing among children and young people: establishing the wellbeing in Northern Ireland schools (WiNIS) study

Abstract

Child wellbeing is a topic of high importance to researchers and policymakers internationally (Migliorini et al., 2019). Research has demonstrated how wellbeing is associated with a variety of outcomes for children, for example how poor wellbeing can negatively impact children’s health and increase engagement in risk behaviours (Dorris et al., 2019). These outcomes are not limited to childhood and often carry the effects through to adulthood (Flèche et al., 2018). Understanding the concept and how it is influenced from a child’s perspective is vital to inform policy and practice which can improve children’s wellbeing.

This thesis aimed to (1) explore children’s perceptions of their own wellbeing at age 8-9 years,(2) develop and test the psychometric properties of a comprehensive wellbeing survey, and (3) measure children’s wellbeing and determine predictors. This PhD adopted a mixed methods sequential design. Study one used a multi-method participatory research approach with 60 primary five school children (aged 8-9 years). Analysis revealed a variety of factors which influence children’s wellbeing including relationships, play, and diet. These findings along with consultation of existing literature informed the development of a self-report wellbeing survey. Study two tested the psychometric properties with 295 primary five schoolchildren, and it was found to be a valid and reliable measure of wellbeing at age 8-9 years. Following this, in study three, the survey was administered cross-sectionally to 979 children (N=60 primary schools). Latent class analysis revealed four classes of children’s wellbeing in NI, with the most significant predictors being play, school management type, consumption of fruit and vegetables, and school area level of deprivation.

This PhD presented within the current thesis has provided invaluable understanding of children’s wellbeing in NI. Illuminating children’s perceptions, and providing a benchmark measurement of the concept which can be used to inform policy and practice to improve children’s health and wellbeing in NI.

Date of Award	May 2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Jenny Davison (Supervisor) & Marian McLaughlin (Supervisor)