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Well-being in Thailand: A Culturally Driven Grounded Inquiry Exploration of a Complex Construct

Author

Listed:
  • Panita Suavansri

    (Chulalongkorn University)

  • Nipat Pichayayothin

    (Chulalongkorn University)

  • Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa

    (Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine)

  • Poonsub Areekit

    (Chulalongkorn University)

  • Chureerat Nilchantuk

    (Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University)

  • Torin S. Jones

    (Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine)

  • Joanna J. French

    (Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine)

  • Emily Mam

    (Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine)

  • Jessie B. Moore

    (Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine)

  • Catherine A. Heaney

    (Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine
    Stanford University)

Abstract

Background Well-being has long been recognized as a key construct in human history. Quantitative studies have been limited in their ability to uncover contextual and cultural nuances that can be leveraged to inform the promotion of well-being. The present study employed a qualitative approach informed by narrative inquiry to understand how individuals in a rapidly developing Asian country experience what it means to be well and what contributes to or detracts from their well-being. Methods A purposeful sample of 50 Thai adults living in Bangkok shared their personal stories of times when they experienced high and low levels of well-being. Data were inductively coded and analysed to identify key domains of participants’ well-being and their inter-connections. Results The results reflect three layers of well-being. Social relationships (i.e., family, friends and acquaintances, and relationships at work or education) are at the center of well-being in Thailand, connecting and supporting a second layer of eight constituent domains of well-being (experience of emotions, sense of self, finances, self-care, demands and responsibilities, thoughts and feelings about the future, personal health, spirituality). The third layer is composed of the societal and physical contexts that are formative for well-being. Conclusions Our findings suggest both universal and culturally unique components of well-being among Thai adults. Implications for the promotion of well-being in Thailand are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Panita Suavansri & Nipat Pichayayothin & Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa & Poonsub Areekit & Chureerat Nilchantuk & Torin S. Jones & Joanna J. French & Emily Mam & Jessie B. Moore & Catherine A. Heaney, 2022. "Well-being in Thailand: A Culturally Driven Grounded Inquiry Exploration of a Complex Construct," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(6), pages 3327-3347, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:17:y:2022:i:6:d:10.1007_s11482-022-10067-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10067-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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