Fundamentals

This module emphasises the fundamental importance of the skill of resource management in the satisfaction of an individual’s needs. The concepts of wellbeing, needs and wants, resources, values and standards, goal setting, communication, decision-making and management processes explored in this module form the basis of study throughout the course.

Defining Wellbeing

How do people describe wellbeing?

Activity:

Brainstorm ideas in response to the following statements:

1. 1. What is wellbeing?
  2. What is the opposite of wellbeing?

Wellbeing is defined as the degree of satisfaction an individual or group experiences when needs are met.

These needs may be social, physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual. Sustained wellbeing contributes to being happy and healthy and can increase an individual’s life expectancy.

The state of being comfortable, healthy and happy.

So what is the opposite of wellbeing?

Activity

Place yourself on the continuum above. Justify why you have placed yourself in this position. Make reference to specific areas of wellbeing.
Place the following scenario on your continuum. Justify why you have placed them where you did.

1. First time parent

2. Elderly couple

3. Teenager beginning at a new school

4. A newly married couple

5. A Paraplegic tennis player

Why might there be different understandings of wellbeing?

(Consider characteristics of individuals such as homeless people, people with disabilities, sole parents, young carers, aged, youth, first time parents).

Factors affecting wellbeing

The wellbeing of individuals and families can be very complex. The set of factors/ characteristics that contribute to wellbeing of one individual or group may not be the same as those for another individual or group.
These factors influence the range of needs that an individual or group perceive as vital to their life and can be grouped into six broad areas: physical, social, emotional, spiritual, economic and cultural (SPEECS).

SPEECS

Social

Social factors are related to interaction with other people.

Social Factors are satisfied by having:

An environment in which social interaction, companionship and friendship can be fostered
Opportunities for leisure, recreation and relaxation both with and independently of the family
Privacy, seclusion and quietness when required.

An individual who belongs to a group through school, friendships, sport or work, for example, has the opportunity to communicate and interact with others. This gives a feeling of being wanted, which has a positive effect on wellbeing.

Physical

Physical factors relate to physical health and safety.

They include having:

Adequate nourishment for normal growth, development and good health
Adequate sleep and rest
Regular health care
Safety and security from external hazards and weather
Regular physical activity.

Often physical issues can affect other factors. Eating well and feeling physically fit can contribute to our resistance to sickness and our ability to deal with problems that may occur. A student who eats nutritious foods, sleeps well and exercises regularly is likely to cope better during high-stress periods; for example, when studying for exams.

Emotional

Emotional factors are related to our feelings. As our feelings are dependent, in many cases, on interaction with other people, many social and emotional factors overlap.

Examples of emotional needs include:

Attachment and bonding, giving and receiving love and affection, feeling a sense of belonging
Security and stability within the family unit and social group
Receiving encouragement
Promotion of a good self-image and self-concept
Independence that is age appropriate
The opportunity for self-expression and creativity.

When emotional needs are met, a person is more resilient and is more likely to successfully cope with stress.

Economic

Economic factors are related to finances.

These factors are addressed through:

Paid employment, bank accounts, credit, budgeting, inheritance, shares or welfare
Job security, equitable working conditions and access to flexible work patterns
Increased knowledge and skills.

There is a relationship between economic situation and wellbeing. An individual in a well-paid job is more likely to have an adequate standard of living, be able to meet all of their needs and consider satisfying a range of wants. Conversely, an individual with little financial income may have poorer housing and less ability to meet basic needs, such as access to medical services. This will affect many aspects of wellbeing.

Cultural

Cultural factors focus on customs, beliefs, values and traditions.

They are satisfied by:

Identifying with and belonging to a cultural group
Teaching and developing customs, beliefs, values and traditions of families and communities
Having opportunities to maintain cultural heritage through story, dance, language, diet and/or dress.

The individual involved in cultural activities has a greater sense of identity. There is a sense of belonging that also provides emotional security.

Spiritual

Spiritual factors relate to moral or religious areas.

They include:

Developing ideals, aspirations and personal values
Identifying right from wrong
Having a purpose in life
Understanding religious principles.

A person with spirituality may experience greater peace and emotional stability. They may experience a sense of belonging within their community. The family may have beliefs around healthy living and having effective social relationships. Spirituality may also be experienced through nature, art and music, or found through relaxation and a connection with the mind, body and soul through yoga or meditation.

Activity:

Add the following examples to the table by classifying them as either social, physical, emotional, economic, cultural and/or spiritual (SPEECS).

- sleep/ rest
- interaction with others
- nourishment
- companionship
- understanding the difference between right and wrong
- sense of belonging
- savings
- safety
- friendship
- moral development
- goals
- a positive outlook
- paid employment
- job security
- stable environment
- shelter
- self esteem
- affection
- love
- treatment for special needs
- encouragement
- leisure and relaxation time
- adequate level of physical fitness
- access to educational facilities

Analyse the relationship between the factors and explain how they can impact on wellbeing

Imagine a flower with six petals. If the flower loses a petal, you could say that it wasn’t in the best state. Similarly, if parts of a petal are affected, then you could say that the flower doesn’t look or feel as well as it should. The more petals that are affected, the more ‘ill’ the flower will become or, in other words, the closer the flower will get to illbeing.

The flower can still survive even if one or two petals are affected, but it will not be in the best condition unless all the petals are looked after. The factors that affect wellbeing are like the petals of the flower, if we are not ‘well’ in one, then others can be affected.

For example, if a person is sick with cancer (physical) they may be experiencing a lot of pain and suffering. This may make them less able to cope (emotional) with going out and socialising with their family and friends (social). They may also need to take an extended period off work, which may result in a loss of income (economic). This may also feel that they no longer have a purpose in life (spiritual). Therefore the person (or flower) does not look or feel as well as they should.

Activity:

Using the following pictures, analyse the relationship between the factors and explain how they can impact on wellbeing (consider both +/-).

Example: A person who loses their job (economic factor) may have lowered self esteem (emotional factor) because of their belief that they were not successfully performing in their role. Due to their reduced/ limited income, they may decide to cancel their gym membership (physical and social factor), which will negatively impact on their overall state of wellbeing (they would move into a state of ill being).

Breaking your leg

Winning the lotto

Belonging to a loving family

Individual and Group Wellbeing

Individual:

There are often different understandings of wellbeing within the community. For example, some people in the community may believe that a person with a disability has lowered wellbeing. However, the person in question may have a secure family, good friends and reduced stress compared to others.
Similarly, a person who has a chronic illness, such as diabetes, may be seen as having lowered wellbeing, though the diagnosis may have encouraged the person to exercise and improve their diet.
On the other hand, there are celebrities who are wealthy and loved by their fans, but often their emotional and physical health is a risk.

Group:

A person's wellbeing can affect the wellbeing of others in a group.
Consider a sporting team that loses its star playing before a grand final. This would affect the role of each player, which may impact on confidence and opportunity to succeed. On the other hand, it may challenge a substitute to perform and play to the best of their ability.

Practise Question

Discuss the effect that your personal wellbeing can have on the wellbeing of the groups to which you belong to

(6 marks).

Defining Needs and Wants

Needs:

- - Things that are vital to sustain life - things we require to survive and be healthy.
  - For example: food, water, clothing, shelter

Wants:

- - Preferences or desires - things we would like to have but don't necessarily need to sustain life.
  - For example: television, iPhone, car

Specific Needs

SHESEA

Sense of Identity

A sense of identity is an individual’s idea of who they are, and can influence confidence and self-esteem. It is shaped by the roles an individual plays in all areas of their life, including their family, work, and social life. A person’s sense of identity usually changes throughout the life span as roles and responsibilities change, and can be affected by significant life events.

Examples of how it's met:

A young person may see themselves as a good student, with a part- time job and the ability to go on to tertiary study. These factors contribute to a positive sense of identity and to self- assurance.
A young parent may define themselves by this role and gain pleasure from it.