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Mapping Psychological Well-Being: The Case of Children and Adolescents in Romania

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International Handbook of Psychological Well-Being in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This chapter explores the universe of actors, relations, and reactions that define psychological wellbeing among Romanian children and adolescents. Using a qualitative methodology based on ecomaps, interviews, and focus groups, this study followed a qualitative, emic approach, trying to bring children’s voices to the fore. Findings revealed a rich world of social relations in which Romanian participants are immersed, all contributing, to some extent, to their state of wellbeing. The four main categories of actors our participants referred to in their drawings and stories were: (a) members of the nuclear family, (b) members of the extended family, (c) teachers, and (d) friends. The chapter explores in detail the types of relationships, their supportive or stressful aspects, and children and adolescents’ reactions to stress and support developed in relation to these and other actors. It is hoped, therefore, that our study offers not only important practical information for psychologists, teachers, and parents in Romania but can also contribute to a better understanding of psychological wellbeing as a multifaceted, cultural construct.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Bucharest, 90, Panduri Avenue, Bucharest, Romania

    Valeria Negovan PhD & Elena Stănculescu PhD

  2. Aalborg University, Kroghstræde 3, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark

    Vlad Petre Glăveanu PhD

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  1. Valeria Negovan PhD
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  2. Vlad Petre Glăveanu PhD
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  3. Elena Stănculescu PhD
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Correspondence to Valeria Negovan PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Bonnie Kaul Nastasi

  2. Dept. Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Amanda P. Borja

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Negovan, V., Glăveanu, V., Stănculescu, E. (2016). Mapping Psychological Well-Being: The Case of Children and Adolescents in Romania. In: Nastasi, B., Borja, A. (eds) International Handbook of Psychological Well-Being in Children and Adolescents. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2833-0_10

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