Exploring Strategies and Challenges to Improve Well-Being of Software Engineers

Licentiate thesis, 2023

Context: Computer professionals, such as software developers, frequently experience stress due to numerous deadlines and the pressure to deliver. Their education should equip them with strategies to maintain long-term well-being and counteract the detrimental impacts of stress. Additionally, the intricate relationship between the psychological well-being of software engineers and the complex programs they create underscores the pressing necessity to prioritise mental health, particularly in high-stakes software development fields.

Objective: This research aims to evaluate the benefits of neuroplasticity practices on computer workers. By exploring strategies and challenges, we seek to uncover their benefits and usefulness in enhancing well-being and resilience. This leads to more efficiency and effectiveness, decreased burnout rates, and lower risk of depression.

Method: This research used different empirical methodologies to collect data, such as the design and implementation of two different interventions, interviews, and surveys. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and constructive grounded theory for the qualitative data and descriptive, frequentist and Bayesian statistics for the quantitative one.

Findings: The results of the two interventions showed positive results, mainly in the qualitative data. Participants reported a positive experience of enhanced well-being and relaxation. Regarding the quantitative data, the participants' assessments of how frequently they felt upbeat improved, as evidenced by our findings. We proposed a theory that explains how the fundamental principles, elements, dimensions, and complex interconnections that contribute to well-being synergistically shape their lives and work experiences. Finally, we tested a pilot method to integrate neuroplasticity practices into education.

Conclusion: This research found that integrating neuroplasticity practises to increase resilience and well-being among computer workers was effective among our participants. Additionally, a thorough theory explaining the complex factors influencing well-being and resilience was proposed. Finally, we proposed a pilot methodology to incorporate neuroplasticity practises into education.