Children’s Perspective on Subjective Wellbeing Living in Tirana

Abstract

The main focus of this study is to draw an overall development of children, especially during the transition from childhood to adolescence age. Dynamic relationship, effects that certain periods, activities and relationships may have on their general wellbeing. In this study are interviewed twelve children living in Tirana. Interviews with children didn’t last more than an hour and thirty minutes. The interview was semi-structured and drafted in a way that was not boring for them, but interesting so that children could express themselves through a variety of communication forms. This was accomplished by including various methods of data collection as activities to break the ice, drawing or writing techniques, different exercises, use of visual aids, writing an essay or paper.The conceptual framework used in this study highlights the relationships of children with the world in which they live. The biological model presented by Bronfenbrenner is a key instrument in presenting this perspective. The views of children regarding health and wellbeing were focused mainly on the physical aspect of it. Proper nutrition and getting into physical activity were considered for most of them key factors for having a healthy body. Children generally considered themselves as healthy . All children interviewed considered smoking as a negative habit and none of them thought they would drink when he/she grew up. Alcohol is not considered to be as negative as cigarettes, if drinked carefully. All of them had had at least one experiece with or alcohol consumption. When thinking about parenting almost all children thought it was something hard. Being a parent for them meant being very careful and responsible with children.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2016.v5n1p139