# Norwegian Adolescents’ Multidimensional Understandings of Wellbeing: A Qualitative Study

## TL;DR

Norwegian teenagers see wellbeing as involving physical health, social connections, school success, and personal growth, with family and community support being key.

## Contribution

This study offers new qualitative insights into how Norwegian adolescents themselves define and experience wellbeing.

## Key findings

- Wellbeing is perceived as multidimensional, including physical health, social relationships, academic performance, and personal growth.
- Family support and community engagement are identified as crucial for promoting adolescent wellbeing.
- Adolescents' own perspectives on wellbeing can inform better policies and interventions for mental health and development.

## Abstract

Adolescence is a period of significant physical, cognitive, and social change, during which various challenges can affect wellbeing. Understanding adolescents’ own perceptions of wellbeing is crucial for developing effective support strategies. This study explores how Norwegian adolescents conceptualize their wellbeing. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 adolescents aged 16–19 years, and the data are analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that wellbeing is viewed as multidimensional, encompassing physical health, social relationships, academic performance, and personal growth. Family support and community engagement emerge as central to promoting adolescents’ wellbeing. The study provides valuable insight into how young people in Norway define and experience wellbeing, emphasizing the need to integrate their perspectives into policies and interventions aimed at supporting adolescent development and mental health.