Lifelong learning in rural communities in China and its impact on adult subjective well-being

Abstract

At present, lifelong learning is becoming an increasingly important topic in the context of rapid sociocultural and economic changes. In Chinese rural communities with potential limitations in access to education and developed resources, this approach may be of particular importance for improving the quality of life and community development. This research examined the impact of a lifelong learning program in Chinese rural communities on subjective well-being. The authors randomized participants into experimental and control groups (N = 214), used the WHO-5 Well-Being Index to measure well-being, and performed a statistical analysis using a t-test. They compiled and implemented a 6-month program: Rural Communities on the Move: A Program for Continuous Development. Data analysis demonstrated a significant well-being increase in the experimental group after the program completion (P = 0.00) and insignificant changes in the control group. These findings point to the program's effectiveness in improving the subjective well-being of rural residents and can be an important contribution to the development of social programs and educational initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and maintaining well-being in rural communities not only in China but also in other countries.