Well-being, social sustainability and human development: challenges for contemporary research

Abstract

The editorial reflects on the importance of scientific research in understanding social, institutional, and human phenomena that affect well-being and quality of life. Based on the articles published in the issue, it addresses two central topics: the sustainability of the Colombian pension system and the psychosocial well-being of school-aged adolescents. The first study analyzes the relationship between tax collection, employment, and pension system capitalization, highlighting the effects of Law 100 of 1993 and the challenges associated with unemployment, labor informality, subsidies for high pensions, special pension regimes, and pressure on public finances. The second study examines the relationship between maladaptive behaviors and attachment styles among adolescents in Florencia, Caquetá, showing moderate associations between insecure attachment, emotional problems, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Overall, the editorial emphasizes that human well-being requires strong institutions, relevant public policies, protective educational environments, and timely psychosocial support. It also highlights the value of social research as a tool to guide institutional decisions, strengthen social justice, and promote more equitable, resilient societies committed to human dignity.