Group Differences in Well-being among Young Adults in Sikkim (India): An Examination of Associated Factors

Description

Legshay Methok P. Bhutia (Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, United Kingdom)

The present study examined the well-being of young adults aged 18-30 years in Sikkim, India, using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected first through an online survey that gathered demographic information, including age, district of residence, and gender, along with responses to the 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) (University of Warwick, n.d.). A total of 103 participants completed the survey, and the quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 29). Subsequently, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two clinical psychologists practising in Sikkim to provide deeper insights into the quantitative findings. Their perspectives contributed to a deeper understanding of why demographic variables were not significantly associated with well-being scores, despite the sample exhibiting significantly lower overall well-being. The clinical psychologists also identified potential underlying factors, including risk factors and possible strategies to promote the well-being of young adults in Sikkim. This study addresses an important gap in the existing literature and highlights the need for continued research of well-being interventions for young people living in Sikkim.