Improving Approaches to Wellbeing in Schools

What Role Does Recognition Play?

Children and young people’s wellbeing remains a key focus for social and educational policy. Schools, being one of the most universal institutions in children and young people’s lives, have been identified as logical and important sites through which to support their wellbeing.

This large-scale study aimed to generate new knowledge to improve approaches to wellbeing in schools. It sought student and teachers’ views about wellbeing in schools, identified resonances between these views, and analysed findings in light of current policy perspectives.

Research Design

The study adopted a mixed method approach, informed by Axel Honneth’s recognition theory and Childhood Studies. The research was conducted in four phases:

Phase 1 - Policy Analysis: Analysis of key relevant local (system), state and Commonwealth policy regarding wellbeing (n =80).

Phase 2 - Qualitative: Semi-structured interviews with teachers and principals (n=89); focus group interviews with primary and secondary students (n= 606).

Phase 3 - Quantitative: Interactive online survey with primary students (n=3906) and secondary students (n=5362) and staff (n=707 comprised of principals, teachers and non-teaching staff) across three Catholic school regions.

Phase 4 - Synthesis of findings and professional development for schools.

Research Team

Investigators: Prof Anne Graham (CCYP, SCU), Dr Robyn Fitzgerald (CCYP, SCU), Dr Mary Ann Powell (CCYP, SCU), Dr Donnah Anderson (CCYP, SCU), Prof Nigel Thomas (University of Central Lancashire, UK), Dr Catharine Simmons (CCYP, SCU), Nadine White (CCYP, SCU), Alison Moss (CCYP, SCU).

Research Partners: Dr Paul Thornton (Lismore Catholic Schools Office), Sr Mary-Ellen O’Donoghue (Good Grief Ltd.), Robyn Parker (Interrelate Family Services).