Can You Help Your Community Thrive Despite the Struggle? with Dr. Peggy Kern
Apr 30, 2021
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Dr. Peggy Kern, associate professor at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne, discusses how people manage to thrive in challenging circumstances and the factors that support wellbeing. She also explores ways to boost thriving in communities and reduce struggles, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments. The podcast delves into the impact of recent events on wellbeing, the relationship between income and wellbeing, and the importance of community safety and inclusion.
Resilient individuals with resources and skills can live well despite challenges and manage their well-being effectively.
Factors such as community support, income, and feeling safe in the community play a significant role in well-being.
Deep dives
Impact of Recent Events on Well-Being
According to the Wellbeing Lab 2021 Communities Report, the COVID-19 pandemic and other global events have had a significant impact on well-being. The report indicates that approximately 13% of the surveyed population in Michigan reported struggling with their well-being, while some individuals were able to live well despite challenges. This group showed resilience and had the resources and skills to manage their well-being effectively. The data also revealed that men had better well-being outcomes compared to women and that older individuals were more likely to live well despite struggle. Factors such as community support, income, and feeling safe in the community also played a role in well-being.
Factors Affecting Individual and Community Well-Being
The research highlighted the importance of three levels in shaping well-being: 'me' level (internal factors), 'we' level (interpersonal factors), and 'us' level (external factors). At the 'me' level, skills, motivation, and psychological safety were identified as key factors in boosting well-being. At the 'we' level, connections with family and workplace were crucial for accomplishment and meaning. At the 'us' level, access to healthcare facilities and community support were significant. The research also emphasized the need for inclusion and addressing racial tensions to ensure equitable well-being outcomes.
Navigating Struggle and Supporting Well-Being
The study revealed that struggle, particularly related to mental health, was a significant challenge for many individuals. Loneliness and isolation were prevalent, especially among younger and vulnerable populations. It was noted that conversations around struggle and mental health need to be encouraged, as many people still feel a stigma associated with sharing their struggles. The research highlighted the importance of offering support, fostering a sense of psychological safety, and promoting dialogue around mental health. The findings also emphasized the need for simplified and actionable approaches to well-being and the significance of both individual and collective efforts in navigating and embracing struggle.
Peggy is an associate professor at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne. Her research is collaborative in nature and draws on a variety of methodologies to examine questions around who thrives in life and why and she has published 3 books and over 100 peer-reviewed articles and chapters. Danielle is a registered psychologist, and the Co-Founder of The Wellbeing Lab, and the Co-Creator of The PERMAH Wellbeing Survey.
In this week's episode, we discover the practical steps communities are taking to care for people’s well-being, even in the face of significant struggles.
Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.
You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.
Until next time, take care! Thank you, Peggy!
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