Events and wellbeing research: Key arguments, gaps and future directions

Abstract

This note reviews the wellbeing research published in Event Management since 2000. It starts by discussing what is meant by wellbeing, then presents an analysis of themes and trends centred around questions of whose wellbeing, what wellbeing, and how to approach wellbeing. Interest in the topic has increased in the last five years. A range of theoretical approaches and methodologies have been adopted, demonstrating interdisciplinarity. In recent times, conceptual frameworks have been developed within event studies as the subject matures. However, studies have centred on the subjective wellbeing benefits of events in an individual, white, Western, non-disabled context, with sports events dominating. There is a need for research that investigates: non-Western understandings and perspectives, including those of Indigenous peoples; the wellbeing benefits of events for a wider range of stakeholders; a broader range of both event and wellbeing types; and longitudinal studies on the longevity of wellbeing benefits.