Family Growth and Wellbeing (GrowWell)

GrowWell is a multidisciplinary research group that promotes the wellbeing of children, young people and families, supports sustainable population development, and strengthens the competence of professionals working with sensitive issues. The research group collaborates closely with research groups at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) and Tampere University (TAU), as well as with an extensive network of partners in working life.

Research areas

Our key research themes include:

• recognizing, reducing, and addressing family violence
• supporting parenthood
• sexual and reproductive health
• supporting youth participation
• interdisciplinary communication in work communities
• work wellbeing

Objectives

Our main objectives are:

• promoting the wellbeing and inclusion of children, youth and families
• advancing sustainable population development and sexual health
• strengthening the communication competence and occupational wellbeing of health and social care professionals working with families

Factors affecting the wellbeing of families

Healthy families form a central foundation for the functioning of society. In many families, everyday life may be burdened by mental health challenges, the increasing complexity of substance use issues and difficulties related to financial security. These factors can lead to conflict and feelings of insecurity, which may impair family members’ functional capacity, learning and participation in working life. Reducing these burdens – which are often intergenerational – requires more research-based knowledge and effective interventions.

Demographic trends and young adults’ choices

The demands of working life, together with the above‑mentioned challenges to family wellbeing and the emotions related to becoming a parent, may influence young adults’ willingness to start a family. Developing information and services related to sexual and reproductive health can help prevent a decline in the birth rate and support young people in making decisions about starting a family.

Professionals’ competence and wellbeing at work

Health and social care professionals encounter families in a context where working life has changed significantly due to the wellbeing services county reform. The altered operating environment requires professionals to adapt to change and to acquire new skills, such as working with clients through digital services.

The competence and occupational wellbeing of professionals must be strengthened to enable them to work effectively with diverse families and address sensitive topics. This requires ongoing development of research knowledge and practical solutions.