About WM2Adults

The What Matters 2Adults Project (WM2Adults) aimed to develop a strengths-based wellbeing measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.

In early 2021, our What Matters team completed the development of the WM2Adults wellbeing measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. The measure includes 32 strength-based items, across 10 domains. We are finalising measure’s preference-based scoring system.

The development of the WM2Adults measure has been informed by the views, experiences, and preferences of over 2000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from across Australia. 

Measure domains

  • Feeling valued

  • Connection with others

  • Access

  • Racism and worries

  • Pride and strength

  • Balance and control

  • Hope and resilience

  • Caring for others

  • Culture and country

  • Spirit and identity

 

The Fabric of Indigenous Wellbeing

The Fabric of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing model was developed from our field work that included the views of community members across Australia and highlights the interconnected nature of the parts of life that make up wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ethics and Funding

The What Matters Wellbeing Research Program takes ethics seriously, ensuring that participants are protected. The WM2Adults project has received ethical clearance from the following Human Research Ethics Committees:

  • Human Research Ethics Committee of the Northern Territory Department of Health and Menzies School of Health Research

  • The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee

  • Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee

  • Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC) South Australia

  • Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

  • St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee

  • Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee

This study is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project grant (#1125434). Disclosing funding sources is important for maintaining transparency.