How do Ghanaian Pentecostal Charismatic Christian university students experience well-being? – balancing the needs of self and others
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Conceptualisations of well-being show cultural variations. In Ghana,
traditional culture emphasises collectivistic values. However, the
growth of Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity has dispersed
individualistic values, which may be even more pronounced in
emerging adults. The aim of the current study was to explore how
Ghanaian Pentecostal Charismatic Christian university students
conceptualise well-being. Twelve participants belonging to
different religious groups within Pentecostal Charismatic
Christianity were interviewed. The interviews were then analysed
with inductive thematic analysis. The results showed that the
participants’ aspirations were situated in a social context with
mutual dependence. They experienced well-being by contributing
to family, friends, and society at large. However, at times there
would be conflicts between their individual strivings and the
wishes of others. Collectivistic and individualistic values seemed to
have coexisted and interplayed, possibly with a stronger emphasis
on traditional collectivistic values than those individualistic values
transmitted through Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Ghana, well-being, Pentacostal, Emerging adulthood, Thematic analysis