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

Neuroplasticity

Well-being

Resilience

Individual sustainability

Computer workers

Jupiter 520
Opponent: Alexander Serebrenik, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands.

Författare

Cristina Martinez Montes

Chalmers, Data- och informationsteknik, Interaktionsdesign och Software Engineering

C. Martinez, B. Penzenstadler “Improved Wellbeing and Resilience via Breathwork Interventions for Computer Workers”

C. Martinez, B. Penzenstadler “Breathewell Grounded Theory: Selfdiscovery and Personal Growth in Computer Workers through Well-Being Practices”

C. Martinez, B. Penzenstadler “Piloting a well-being and resilience intervention in a course on digitalization for sustainability”

Styrkeområden

Informations- och kommunikationsteknik

Ämneskategorier

Data- och informationsvetenskap

Programvaruteknik

Utgivare

Chalmers

Jupiter 520

Opponent: Alexander Serebrenik, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands.

Mer information

Senast uppdaterat

2023-09-13