A community-based systems dynamics approach for understanding determinants of children's social and emotional well-being

Brenda T Poon; Chris Atchison; Amanda Kwan; Campbell Veasey

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102712

A community-based systems dynamics approach for understanding determinants of children's social and emotional well-being

Health Place. 2022 Jan:73:102712. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102712. Epub 2021 Nov 19.

Authors

Brenda T Poon¹, Chris Atchison², Amanda Kwan², Campbell Veasey²

Affiliations

¹ School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, Canada. Electronic address: brenda.poon@ubc.ca.
² School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, Canada.

PMID: 34808588
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102712

Abstract

We report on our application of a community-based systems dynamics modelling approach to identify key factors affecting children's social and emotional well-being (SEW). Using a group model building process with 31 stakeholders in 2 communities in British Columbia, Canada, we constructed two causal loop diagrams composed of 250 variables, 534 connections and 63 feedback loops. Feedback loops, systems complexity, and prominent systems level variables illustrate the interconnectedness of multilevel determinants influencing children's SEW. The community-based models highlighted areas for place-based intervention planning that require collective community action and intersectoral commitment toward common objectives for practice and policy on SEW.

Keywords: Causal loop diagram; Community engagement; Early child development; Mental health; Social and emotional well-being; Social determinants of health; Systems science.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

British Columbia
Child
Community Participation*
Emotions*
Humans