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Highlights
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A positive environment (PE) contributes to the satisfaction of human needs.
•A PE instigates the conservation of the socio-physical environment.
•The practice of sustainable behaviors aids in the maintenance of a PE.
•Adequate housing conditions and harmonious relationships promote human well- being.
Abstract
Self-care behaviors are fundamental for a healthy lifestyle. These behaviors can lead to improved physical and psychological health, which can in turn lead to individual and social wellbeing. The present paper proposes self-care as a set of behaviors that help sustain a positive environment (i.e., a sustainable behavior) wherein individuals who take care of themselves can aid in maintaining the positivity of the environment. Thus, taking care of oneself, others and the natural environment may result in wellbeing and environmental quality. This study aimed to investigate the role of self-care as part of a network of behaviors that help to maintain a positive family environment and wellbeing. A sample of Mexicans participated (n = 290). Results indicated that a positive family environment influences and is influenced by wellbeing and by sustainable behaviors that include self-care, caring for others and caring for the natural environment. These findings provide evidence of the inclusion of self-care as part of sustainable behaviors within a positive family environment.
Keywords
Self-care
Positive family environment
Sustainable behaviors
Human wellbeing
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© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Strong families know their family strengths and those areas where they could improve. They have healthy relationships and practice positive parenting skills.
Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has focused on families who believe they are doing well. Family members from all 50 states and 27 countries have been asked, "What makes your family strong?" Read what these families have shared about 6 strengths that are similar from culture to culture.
Families are the basic, foundational social units in all human communities around the world. It's in everyone's best interest to help create a positive environment for all families.
6 strengths families use to create positive environments:
1. Appreciation and affection- Appreciation and affection are about caring for each other as family members. Sharing positive emotional feelings with each other and being nice to each other are just a couple of ways families show appreciation and affection.
2. Commitment- Members of strong families show a strong commitment to one another, investing time and energy in family activities and not letting their work or other priorities take too much time away from family interaction. Commitment is trusting, respecting, accepting - putting your family first.
3. Positive communication- Communication is a key to a strong family. It should be open, honest and straightforward. Positive communication is about telling others how you feel, compromising or at least agreeing to disagree, as well as verbal praise and giving compliments.
Effective communication occurs with many different individuals and at many levels. For more on this topic go to the Communication page. Some of these topics include:
- Family communication
- Communicating with your spouse
- Handling conflict
- Talking with children
5. Spiritual well-being- Spiritual well-being is the hope, faith and optimism a family shares. It is the sacred connections they have or the religion or spirituality they possess. Spiritual well-being is also the caring, support and compassion that families feel.
6. Successful management of stress and crisis - Strong families have the ability to manage stress and crisis in their lives in positive, creative ways. They work together rather than pulling apart. Crisis and stress are opportunities to help other family members; and helping others can in turn help themselves.
UNL research has identified these 6 qualities of strong families which are similar across cultures.
- Use this inventory to help your family recognize its strengths and areas where it could grow stronger.
Family Treasures is a book which provides in-depth information on each of the 6 qualities plus numerous activities your family can use to grow in each of the strengths.
This article has been written and reviewed by UNL Extension Educators and Specialists.
Getting Connected, Staying Connected
Couples and families have it in their power to be happy with each other and create a pleasant and peaceful home environment in which they live together. This book was written
to help couples accentuate the positive - to show clearly and simply how happy couple and family relationships are created and maintained over time.
UNL Extension Publications for Families Listing of NebGuides on related topics.
Family Treasures
Designed to help families of all kinds assess their strengths as a family and build upon their asssets; includes family activities. Written by John DeFrain, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Getting Connected, Staying Connected
Couples and families have it in their power to be happy with each other and
create a pleasant and peaceful home environment in which they live together. This book was written to help couples accentuate the positive - to show clearly and simply how happy couple and family relationships are created and maintained over time.
eXtension.org - National Extension site on families and parenting