Canadian Family Wellness: Exploring Caregiver Perceptions of Physical Wellness of Families with Children Ages 2 to 8

In this thesis, the focus is on caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of family physical wellness in the context of play, outdoor interactions, and physical activity in relation to two theoretical frameworks: Swarbrick and Yudof’s (2015) eight dimensions of wellness and the five domains of the social determinants of health (SDOH) (WHO, 2008; Healthy People 2030, n.d.-c). According to Prilleltensky and Nelson (2000), family wellness denotes caregivers' enjoyment of both physical and intellectual wellness, alongside having adequate financial wellness resources and a supportive environment for both the child and caregiver’s wellness. In semi-structured qualitative interviews, nineteen caregivers (n = 19) were asked about their family physical wellness, inclusive of four physical wellness dimensions (exercise, healthy eating, time away from TV and screens, sleep). Currently, there is minimal research exploring caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of their own wellness as a well as their family’s wellness. This study aims to determine the contribution of the caregiver in their family’s wellness and their perspectives and shared insights as to how they are doing. The results of this study, through thematic analysis, revealed four significant themes and several subthemes and sub subthemes that were important to caregivers and families: (1) Environmental Wellness with subthemes (a) location matters, (b) impact of weather, and (c) outdoor interactions; (2) Physical Wellness with subthemes (a) exercise, (b) healthy eating, (c) time away from TV and screens, and (d) sleep; (3) Self-care with subthemes (a) the shoulds and societal pressures, and (b) conscious self-care advocates; and (4) Play with subthemes (a) learning through play, (b) outdoor play, (c) social and family connections, and (d) playful life balance. The implications of these shared themes, in connection to current literature, provides future research directions in the realm of family wellness.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology and Special Education

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Kiefer, Britt

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hellsten, Laurie-Ann

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• McIntyre, Laureen
• Humbert, Louise

• Family physical wellness, caregivers, complex, wellness model, experiences.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/15782

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/15782