Understanding a child’s conceptualisation of well-being through an exploration of happiness: The centrality of play, people and place

Given that participation in occupation is a significant predictor of well-being, it seems plausible to argue that participation in play is imperative for child well-being, since play is a fundamental occupation in early childhood in most cultures across the world. However, play is neither included as an indicator nor as a domain in the national set of child well-being indicators in Ireland. In addition, few studies have asked children what they view as important for their own well-being. This qualitative ethnographic study explored children’s conceptualisations of happiness (as a proxy measure of well-being) amongst children living in Ireland aged 6 to 8 years. The study employed a mosaic approach and data were collected through visual, spatial, and language-based methods. Analysis resulted in three core themes with eight subthemes. The first theme describes how the children perceived their participation in pleasurable occupations as vital contributors to their overall sense of happiness (well-being), which typically involved play. The second theme describes the social and physical influences that shape participation in their valued play occupations. The third theme describes the social nature of relationships with people and animals. Children’s conceptualisation of well-being consistently related to play and playful occupation, with or without social partners. Findings illustrate the degree and complexity with which children understand the influences on their happiness (well-being) to be interrelated, highlighting an expanded view of play as a subjective aspect of childhood that is intrinsically connected to well-being and happiness. They also point to appropriate issues that should be addressed, both at a National data monitoring and policy level.