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Psychological Well-Being Among Greek Children and Adolescents

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Abstract

The present qualitative inquiry explored psychological well-being among Greek children and adolescents within the context of the Promoting Psychological Well-Being Globally project. The overall sample consisted of 25 primary and 23 secondary school students from three different school districts in the wider Athens area. Focus groups were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyze the research material. Greek students’ narratives revealed experiences, perspectives, and practices associated with broader, more universal constructs that are important for understanding well-being as well as culture-specific themes and particularities. Sources of stress, coping mechanisms, and sources of support were also discussed. Student narratives reflected anxiety, fear, and uncertainty in relation to the present economic crisis in Greece. Special emphasis was placed upon the value of academic competence and interpersonal relations (e.g., family, friends, teachers) as important sources of support and well-being. Finally, this chapter presents prevention and intervention programs which were developed to promote well-being in the school community.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Chryse Hatzichristou PhD, Philia Issari PhD & Theodora Yfanti PhD

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  1. Chryse Hatzichristou PhD
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  2. Philia Issari PhD
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  3. Theodora Yfanti PhD
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Correspondence to Chryse Hatzichristou PhD .

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  1. Dept. Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Bonnie Kaul Nastasi

  2. Dept. Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    Amanda P. Borja

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Hatzichristou, C., Issari, P., Yfanti, T. (2016). Psychological Well-Being Among Greek Children and Adolescents. In: Nastasi, B., Borja, A. (eds) International Handbook of Psychological Well-Being in Children and Adolescents. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2833-0_5

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