Participatory Wellbeing Frameworks and the Secret to Impact

Research and policy based on the Capability Approach inherently seeks to improve the lives of individuals and communities in a meaningful way. One operationalisation of this is the development of participatory wellbeing frameworks, which ask communities “what does wellbeing mean to you?”. However, there has so far been very little understanding on the extent to which participatory wellbeing frameworks, and the Capability Approach more generally, have achieved meaningful impact. This study fills this gap by investigating the research and policy impacts achieved through participatory wellbeing studies. Drawing on a key informant study with 16 individuals who have undertaken participatory wellbeing studies in numerous contexts, this paper provides an initial insight into the extent to which such studies have achieved impact, and the barriers and enablers in doing so. The results highlight that while relatively few participatory wellbeing studies have directly impacted programmes, practice or policy, achieving indirect impacts such as greater awareness amongst policymakers, and starting a dialogue in the community, was commonplace. Process was found to be of great importance in achieving impact, highlighting that researchers and practitioners should ensure appropriate consultation processes are in place, and dedicate time and resources to dissemination and engagement. In particular, research partnerships were found to be particularly advantageous. While informants noted substantial barriers to achieving impact outside their control, the study highlights a number of enablers those undertaking work in this space can draw upon to achieve greater impact into the future.