2.2. Outline circumstances or life events which may affect an individual’s emotional and social well-being

This guide will help you answer 2.2. Outline circumstances or life events which may affect an individual’s emotional and social well-being.

Emotional and social well-being refers to how a person feels about themselves and their life, and how they relate to others. This can be affected by many circumstances and events, both positive and negative. These influences can shape how a child or young person interacts with others, copes with stress, and develops self-confidence.

When emotional well-being is affected, it often impacts social well-being too. A child who feels anxious or upset may withdraw from friends or struggle to join in group activities. Understanding what can affect emotional and social well-being helps workers respond to children’s needs effectively.

Bereavement

Bereavement is the loss of someone important, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend. This can happen through death, but feelings of loss can also occur when someone moves away or becomes absent from the child’s life.

The effects of bereavement include:

• Sadness or grief that feels overwhelming
• Difficulty concentrating in lessons or activities
• Withdrawal from social contact
• Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or aggression

Bereavement can be especially hard for children who may not fully understand death. They may have questions or fears that they struggle to express. Supporting them with age-appropriate language and reassurance is important.

Parental Separation or Divorce

When parents separate or divorce, children can feel insecure and unsure about their future. They may have to split their time between households, adapt to different routines, and cope with changes in family relationships.

Potential impacts include:

• Feelings of abandonment
• Anger or resentment towards parents
• Reduced confidence in forming relationships
• Stress from adapting to new living arrangements

This situation can also affect social well-being. A child might find it hard to talk to peers who do not share the same experience, leading to isolation.

Serious Illness or Injury

When a child has a serious illness or injury, they may miss school or activities. They might feel different from others or worry about their health. Long hospital stays or repeated treatment can be emotionally exhausting.

Effects can include:

• Anxiety about the illness or its treatment
• Frustration from missing out on activities
• Loss of friendships if they are away from school for long periods
• Reduced self-esteem if the illness affects appearance or abilities

Illness in a parent or carer can also have a major impact. Children might take on responsibilities at home or worry about their parent’s health.

Disability

Living with a disability can affect emotional well-being if a child feels excluded or has difficulty joining activities. Their social well-being can suffer if they experience negative attitudes or bullying.

Disabilities can be:

• Physical, such as mobility impairments
• Sensory, such as hearing or vision loss
• Learning-related, such as dyslexia or autism spectrum conditions

Impact may include:

• Feeling misunderstood
• Lack of confidence in social situations
• Reduced participation in group activities
• Frustration with missed opportunities

Support from staff, peers, and family can help build confidence and inclusion.

Bullying

Bullying is repeated behaviour intended to hurt or upset another person. This can be physical, verbal, or online (cyberbullying). It can have serious effects on both emotional and social well-being.

Possible impacts include:

• Fear or anxiety about attending school
• Loss of trust in peers
• Withdrawal from group activities
• Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness

Bullying can also cause physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. Children may avoid situations or people linked to bullying.

Moving House or School

Relocation to a new area or school can disrupt a child’s sense of stability. Leaving friends and familiar surroundings can trigger feelings of loss or insecurity.

Effects on emotional well-being:

• Nervousness about making new friends
• Loneliness
• Homesickness for their previous home

Effects on social well-being:

• Difficulty joining existing friendship groups
• Feeling like an outsider
• Reduced participation in activities

Some children adapt quickly, while others may take longer to feel settled and connected.

Poverty and Financial Stress

Living in poverty can affect a child’s access to resources, opportunities, and safe living conditions. This can cause stress for both the child and their family.

Impact on emotional well-being:

• Anxiety about basic needs
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Lack of hope for future opportunities

Impact on social well-being:

• Difficulty participating in social events that have costs
• Isolation if peers judge their circumstances
• Limited access to extracurricular activities

Financial hardship can also lead to housing instability or poor nutrition, increasing stress levels.

Abuse

Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect. Any form can cause trauma and harm to emotional and social well-being.

Emotional effects:

• Fear and distrust of adults
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Emotional withdrawal

Social effects:

• Difficulty building healthy relationships
• Aggressive or withdrawn social behaviour
• Avoidance of group settings

Children experiencing abuse need safe spaces, support, and protection.

Witnessing Domestic Violence

When children see violence between parents or carers, they may live in fear and uncertainty. Even if they are not directly harmed, this exposure can deeply affect emotional and social health.

Possible impacts:

• Anxiety and hyper-vigilance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low self-esteem
• Problems trusting others

Social well-being can suffer if children feel unsafe inviting friends over or discussing home life.

Substance Misuse by Parents or Carers

When parents misuse alcohol or drugs, children may experience neglect, disrupted routines, and emotional instability.

Emotional effects:

• Fear and uncertainty about daily life
• Anger at the parent’s behaviour
• Shame that can lead to withdrawal

Social effects:

• Reluctance to engage with peers
• Avoidance of social events
• Difficulty trusting adults

Children may take on caring roles, impacting their own social development.

Natural Disasters or Major Accidents

Events like floods, fires or car accidents can cause sudden disruption and trauma.

Impact on emotional well-being:

• Shock or distress
• Anxiety about safety
• Sleep disturbances

Impact on social well-being:

• Displacement from friends and community
• Changes to schooling or activities
• Reduced participation in social groups

Support after such events can help children regain stability and confidence.

Cultural or Language Changes

When children move to areas where culture or language is different, they may feel isolated or misunderstood.

Emotional impacts:

• Frustration from communication barriers
• Loneliness
• Lack of confidence to speak

Social impacts:

• Difficulty forming friendships
• Feeling excluded from activities
• Reduced sense of belonging

Encouraging inclusion and providing language support can help overcome these barriers.

Discrimination

Experiencing discrimination over race, gender, religion, disability, or other traits can harm both emotional and social well-being.

Emotional effects:

• Anger or sadness
• Feelings of injustice
• Low self-worth

Social effects:

• Avoidance of social groups
• Isolation from peers
• Reduced trust in others

Promoting equality and respect is necessary to address these issues.

Pregnancy in Adolescence

Adolescent pregnancy can bring emotional challenges and social changes.

Emotional impacts:

• Anxiety about becoming a parent
• Conflict with family or friends
• Stress about future responsibilities

Social impacts:

• Reduced participation in peer activities
• Changes in friendship groups
• Possible stigma from peers or community

Providing support services can help young parents maintain emotional and social health.

Final Thoughts

Circumstances and life events can shape how children and young people feel and behave. Some events bring strong emotions that affect confidence and relationships. The same event can affect individuals differently depending on personality, support networks, and coping skills.

Workers in the children and young people’s workforce should remain aware of these influences. Being observant, approachable, and consistent can help children share their feelings and build strong social connections, even during difficult times.