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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to summarize the relationship between neurobiological science, virtue, and holistic well-being of vulnerable youth heads of household.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will understand theoretical and practical implications of virtue in global health initiatives, child health theory, and the importance of child-centric research frameworks.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to discover key meanings of subjective well-being among youth heads of household in rural southern Malawi.
DESIGN: Qualitative case study.
THEORETICAL BASIS: Subjective well-being theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and holistic health.
SETTING: Data collection in August 2012, rural southern Malawi, at an international NGO and its two community child centers.
METHOD: A convenience sample of youth heads of household (n=10) was recruited with assistance from the NGO and local leaders. Data included 10 semi-structured youth interviews, a focus group of NGO administrators, conversations with 12 key informants, and researcher observation.
RESULTS: Youth appraisals of well-being centered on interpersonal virtues. Well-being emerged as a complex interaction of virtues, self-agency, interpersonal relationships, faith, and social opportunities. Youth considered virtues vital for holistic health, effective social navigation, and attainment of future goals, while non-virtuous living was considered self-destructive. This is the first known study to identify virtue as integral to the self-appraised well-being of youth heads of households.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Virtue as a health asset is an intriguing consideration for the well-being of vulnerable youth in resource-poor settings. The relationship between virtue and well-being suggests a model of health consistent with neurobiological literature in which virtue, altruism, faith, and optimism are important mediators of physiological and emotional health. Research opportunities include: (1) Inclusion of virtue in pediatric holistic health models, (2) Virtue as a mitigator of vulnerability, (3) Child health as a function of societal virtues, and (4) Collaboration with NGOs for virtue development in pediatric health programs.