Adolescents' emotional well-being is linked to family ties, pets, and nature

A study conducted by a team from IDIAPJGol in the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona highlights the need to address adolescent well-being from an intersectional perspective, considering social determinants and structural inequalities

Adolescents' emotional well-being is conditioned by the bonds they establish with their family, pets, and, to a lesser extent, nature. This is the main conclusion of a qualitative study conducted by a research team from IDIAPJGol, which will be published in the June 2025 issue of SSM – Qualitative Research in Health and has been previewed on its website. The research, carried out in the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona, highlights some differences that may exist among those with families with migratory backgrounds, for example, regarding the (non) everyday nature of certain significant bonds and the greater sense of community they may feel in their parents’ home countries. It emphasizes the influence of the migration experience of these families and also reveals significant gender differences.

The study identifies other key factors for emotional well-being, such as the importance of friendship, physical activity, and creativity as stimuli for establishing emotional connections.

Photo-elicitation technique

Eighty-six young people aged 15 to 17 who study at a charter school in the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona participated in the research. The research team used the photo-elicitation technique, which is part of the visual qualitative research methodology, where each participant had to present a photograph reflecting an important aspect of their emotional well-being.

These images were analyzed through group discussions and individual reflections. Most of the photographs depicted indoor spaces in the home and scenes showing emotional bonds with family and pets.

Gender differences

The study reveals notable gender differences. Girls prioritize emotional connections and creativity more, while boys place greater importance on social bonds forged through physical activity. Additionally, the family’s migratory background has been identified as a relevant factor influencing emotional well-being, particularly in contexts with high cultural diversity.

Of the 86 participants, 44 had at least one parent born outside of Spain, which emerged as a key factor in their perception of emotional health. According to the research team, these results highlight the need to address adolescent well-being from an intersectional perspective, considering both social determinants and structural inequalities, as it was observed that issues related to racism and social exclusion hinder well-being.

Participatory spaces

The research results can be used to develop public policies and educational programs that promote adolescents' emotional well-being and mental health, especially in neighborhoods with high racial and cultural diversity.

Additionally, the study highlights the lack of spaces to promote social cohesion and community participation among peers, as loneliness emerged as a recurring experience. This is especially relevant in today’s global context, where the pandemic, social distancing, and the growing use of technology have intensified the complexities of isolation among adolescents.

The study underscores the importance of creating spaces for active listening between young people, adolescents, and adults, allowing these groups to express themselves and reflect on the factors affecting their emotional health. The study's coordinator, IDIAPJGol researcher Constanza Jacques-Aviñó, criticizes that “public policies aimed at children, young people, and adolescents are often implemented without considering their opinions, leading to solutions that do not meet their real needs.” Dr. Jacques-Aviñó adds that “co-producing research together with young people provides a highly enriching perspective, allowing for an understanding of different realities that may go unnoticed if reality is analyzed solely through the lens of a hegemonic adult model.”

 

Study reference

Núñez Sahr J, Bennett M, Medina-Perucha L, Jacques-Aviñó C. Emotional health in adolescents from a critical perspective: Photo-elicitation in a cross-cultural neighborhood. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, Vol 7: 100516, 2025 June. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2024.100516.