title: Exploring well-being among US Hispanics/Latinos in a church-based institution: a qualitative study.
abstract: Major theories informing conceptions of psychological well-being draw heavily from Western-centric perspectives, which often neglect culturally bound frameworks. We investigated how U.S. Hispanics/Latinos conceptualize well-being, how psychosocial and behavioral aspects may increase well-being, and how psychosocial stressors may impact positive emotional states. Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino adults were recruited from a church in an urban city in the U.S. and invited to participate in focus groups. Two groups of women (n=19) and one group of men (n=8) participated. The importance of harmonious social relationships emerged as a theme with the central family unit as the fundamental force influencing long-lasting emotional well-being. Additional correlates of well-being included: faith/religiosity; physical health; self-love and -esteem; effective/open communication with family and friends; and financial security. Programs aimed at increasing well-being may need to be adapted before administration in Hispanics/Latinos to include a heightened focus on interpersonal factors. Delivery in religious institutions may also be particularly beneficial.
authors: School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, IL.
authors: Rosalba
authors: R
authors: Hernandez
authors: Dept of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors: Mercedes
authors: M
authors: Carnethon
authors: Dept of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors: Frank J
authors: FJ
authors: Penedo
authors: Dept of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors: Lizet
authors: L
authors: Martinez
authors: Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA.
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Boehm
authors: Dept of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors: Stephen M
authors: SM
authors: Schueller
keywords: Hispanics/Latinos; culture; happiness; qualitative; subjective well-being