Schoolchildren’s Experience of Engaging in A Lust for Life Schools Programme

Abstract

ABSTRACT During childhood and adolescence, it is crucial for individuals to develop appropriate emotional literacy, coping, and social skills. Programmes targeting youth well-being are increasingly being implemented in schools around the world. This study aims to describe the opinions of schoolchildren with low levels of subjective well-being in relation to A Lust for Life Schools Programme, a universal well-being and resilience programme for primary school students in Ireland. The study also aims to illustrate participants’ descriptions of emotions, coping skills, relationships, and well-being-related concepts, both before and after engaging in the programme through pre- and post-programme interviews. The journey of 20 primary school students (ages 10–13) who engaged in A Lust for Life Schools Programme was captured through semi-structured interviews conducted at three timepoints; pre-programme (n = 20), immediately post-programme (n = 8), and 12–16 weeks post-programme (n = 12). Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data. Five primary themes were constructed: 1) programme feedback, 2) understanding feelings, 3) coping skills, 4) connection, and 5) illustrations of change. Findings suggest that A Lust for Life Schools Programme is an enjoyable and beneficial way for schoolchildren with low levels of subjective well-being to learn emotional literacy and coping skills in a social, interactive way.