Presenting a Model of Social Well-Being in Schools for Elementary Students: A Thematic Analysis Approach
Keywords:
social well-being, students, thematic analysisAbstract
The main objective of this study was to present a model of social well-being in schools for elementary students using a thematic analysis approach. Methodologically, the study falls within the category of descriptive–analytical research, and data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method (2006). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 academic experts and educational administrators in Alborz Province who were knowledgeable about social well-being in schools, each having published at least two related articles and possessing more than 10 years of professional experience. These interviews were conducted using purposive sampling and continued until theoretical saturation was reached at the 12th interview. The initial interview questions were developed based on a review of library resources, official documents, scientific articles, and related research. Prior to each interview, the researcher explained the aim and subject of the study in detail to participants. To ensure their comfort and focus, the interview schedule was set in agreement with the participants. All interviews were audio-recorded with participants’ informed consent and in adherence to ethical principles, while simultaneous note-taking was also performed. The collected data were transcribed verbatim, and the process of manifest and latent content analysis was initiated. This analysis was conducted with the aim of extracting key components for presenting the social well-being model in schools for elementary students, utilizing MAXQDA specialized software. From the interview analyses, a total of 113 initial codes were extracted. After further analysis of the interview texts, 30 basic themes and 10 organizing themes were identified. In the final stage, by reviewing the organizing themes, five overarching themes emerged: school environment and atmosphere, social relationships, individual and personal interactions, cultural and educational factors, and structural and managerial dimensions.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Azizollah Malmir (Author); Seyedeh Khadijeh Moafimadani; Samira Pali (Author)
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