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DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorFaculty of Health and Social Sciencesen_US
dc.contributor.advisorSiu, Judy (APSS)en_US
dc.contributor.advisorKoo, Anita (APSS)en_US
dc.creatorLo, Siu Chee Amelia-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12843-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleInvestigation of the relationship between emotional wellbeing of the students and the social environment of the schoolsen_US
dcterms.abstractA School’s Social Environment (SE) is one of the key characteristics of the Health Promoting School (HPS) as defined by the World Health Organization based on the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. The components of SE referred to in this study are based on the HPS performance indicator established by the Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Many studies have claimed that having a positive environment in schools results in positive outcomes for students – physically, emotionally and socially. Studies have also found that healthier students tend to have better academic achievements. These findings suggest we would take a broader view of how the components of SE work together to promote the wellbeing of students.en_US
dcterms.abstractThis doctoral research adopted phenomenological approach aiming to investigate the impacts of SE on the emotional wellbeing of Secondary 3 students from local schools in different academic bandings. Qualitative data were collected from October 2017 to May 2018 via focus groups, photovoice and group discussions. A total of 41 students had participated in focus groups and 15 parents joined in group discussions. From those students, 24 were invited to use photovoice. In this study, the researcher explored the essential attributes through which SE had impacts on students’ emotional wellbeing, and how to make SE more conducive to students’ emotional wellbeing. As Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Social Determination Theory (SDT) are too micro, phenomenological approach was used, with reference to SCT and SDT to interpret the findings regarding the students’ experiences from a macro perspective. Nine themes and subthemes were identified: (1) Connectedness and Sense of Belonging; (2) Teamwork; (3) Friendliness and Care; (4) Teacher-student Relationship; (5) Peer Relationship; (6) Address Students’ Needs; (7) Multidisciplinary Development; (8) Leadership; and (9) Good Physical Environment.en_US
dcterms.abstractThese findings offer important insights for schools concerning the role they can play in providing better support for students’ emotional wellbeing through establishing a good SE. Through focus groups, group discussions and photovoice, phenomenology helps us understand the core essence of SE’s impact on students’ emotional wellbeing. The use of photovoice set an example of how to involve students proactively in the research process. The findings suggested the environment element of SCT is more influential than other elements. Therefore, SCT could be applied in this study and phenomenological approach was adopted to explore students’ experiences from a macro perspective.en_US
dcterms.abstractAn exhaustive description was created and then condensed into a fundamental structure of the lived experiences with the SE that impact students’ emotional wellbeing. SE has both positive and negative impacts on students’ emotional wellbeing. Enhancing the connectedness and teamwork of students through the establishment of an environment of friendliness and care, and a good physical environment has positive impacts on students’ emotional wellbeing. Good teacher-student relationships and peer relationships also builds up students’ sense of belonging. Students’ self-confidence can be enhanced through addressing their needs, and providing multidisciplinary development and leadership training. All these in turn will have a constructive impact on students’ emotional wellbeing.en_US
dcterms.extentxii, 301 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2023en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelDHScen_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHEmotions in adolescenceen_US
dcterms.LCSHWell-beingen_US
dcterms.LCSHHigh school students -- Psychologyen_US
dcterms.LCSHSchool environmenten_US
dcterms.LCSHEducation, Secondary -- Social aspectsen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12843