Cross-cultural Differences in Children’s Conceptualizations of Happiness at School

Lopez-Perez, B. and Zuffianò, Antonio and Ambrona, T (2021) Cross-cultural Differences in Children’s Conceptualizations of Happiness at School. Europan Journal of Developmental Psychology, 19 (1). ISSN 1740-5629

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Abstract

Abstract
Children’s happiness at school has been mainly investigated from a quantitative perspective, largely overlooking what children understand by happiness and whether their conceptualizations are shaped by culture. Hence, in the present study, using quantification of qualitative data, we investigated whether English (n = 421, M = 10.63 years, 223 girls) and Spanish (n = 223, M = 11.13 years, 112 girls) children reported different conceptualizations of happiness at school. Results showed that English children defined happiness at school as experiencing autonomy, non-violence, and having a positive relationship with teachers. On the other hand, Spanish children mentioned more harmony and having leisure time, as compared to English children. Finally, compared to boys, girls mentioned more in their definitions emotional support, having a positive relationship with teachers, and experiencing competence. The obtained findings are discussed in light of previous well-being literature taking into account the role of culture and the school context in both countries.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	children; happiness; conceptualizations; cross-cultural differences; gender differences.
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User:	Belen Lopez-Perez
Date Deposited:	25 Jan 2021 10:33
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2023 14:26
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/3228

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