What does Psychological Well-being Mean for Mexican Late Adolescents? A Study with Natural Semantic Networks in the Post-pandemic Era.

Background: Well-being is distinguished by its complex and multifaceted characteristics, integrating both objective and subjective components, so each person's point of view is relevant. In conducting research concerning well-being, it is important account for both age considerations and cultural variability. Additionally, the influence the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered given how it impacted the public including corresponding effects on peoples' perceptions of well-being. Objective: The study's purpose was to analyze the meaning of psychological well-being from the perspective of late adolescents presiding in Colima, Mexico during the post-pandemic era. Design: A non-experimental, cross-sectional and exploratory research design was used. The Results: The analysis identified a set of primary categories of well-being defined by participants including: Conclusion: This research highlights that no single theory fully captures adolescents' understanding of well-being. Crucial elements considered by the most important theories are missing from participants conceptual frameworks. Additionally, COVID-19 pandemic has affected adolescent perceptions of well-being, especially it its impact on mental health. Peace is also valued as relevant by participants, especially desirable in the midst of emotional turbulence. Results show the need for a more comprehensive perspective on well-being that incorporates specific dimensions of each age group within a cultural and temporal context.