Understanding psychological well-being and the home environment: a qualitative exploration

Abstract

This study seeks to understand how the physical home environment affects psychological well-being for stay-at-home mothers. By asking What does well-being in the home mean? Are there physical characteristics or features in the home environment that increase well-being? Are there physical characteristics or features in the home environment that decrease well-being? Face-to-face interviews, observation, and photo elicitation were used to collect data. The sample consisted of 14 stay-at-home mothers who had one or more children from birth to five years of age. Kreitzer's (2012) well-being model was used as a conceptual framework that informed questions and directed analysis. Findings showed that space, access to nature, personalization, and privacy/retreat were important for well-being in the mothers' homes, while clutter and lack of cleanliness detracted from well-being.