Wellbeing places experienced by children living in the suburb

Authors

• Kati Honkanen University of Eastern Finland
• Jaana Poikolainen South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
• Liisa Karlsson Helsingin yliopisto
• Sari Havu-Nuutinen University of Eastern Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33357/ys.122547

Keywords:

subjective wellbeing, place, place experience, residential area, studies of child perspectives

Abstract

This research examined which places are meaningful to the wellbeing of children aged 2 to 12 years living in a suburb based on their own experience and why those places become meaningful. Theoretically the research is reflected in the context of subjective wellbeing and place experience. Research methods were photo elicitation interview and drawing group discussion. Social interaction, meaningful action and positive emotional experience were found to be crucial factors in the emergence of wellbeing places. Children are active subjects when defining their own mobility and residential areas. Children reach, use and convert places for their own purposes; they make places their own. If wellbeing in a residential area described as challenging is examined only in the light of social indicators, community-based well-being and the area’s resources may remain hidden.