A community-based systems dynamics approach for understanding determinants of children's social and emotional well-being. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Poon, Brenda T.; Atchison, Chris; Kwan, Amanda; Veasey, Campbell
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 73(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Social and emotional well-being -- Early child development -- Mental health -- Social determinants of health -- Community engagement -- Systems science -- Causal loop diagram; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

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. Highlights: Systems dynamic modelling within a CBPAR framework can guide community actions. GMB processes highlight feedback loops, systems complexity, and key variables. Stakeholders identified 250 variables that influence children's SEW. Systems complexity impacts community capacity for planning and policy decisions.