Psychosocial Well-being in a Group of South African Adolescents

The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial well-being of a group of South African adolescents. Participants (N=665, ages 15-17 years; males = 214, females = 451) from three high schools completed questionnaires on psychosocial well-being. Structured interviews were also conducted with 24 participants selected from various levels of functioning as established quantitatively. Quantitative findings indicate that 60% of the adolescents had lower psychological well-being as measured on the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (Keyes, 2005). Adolescents experienced psychological well-being as characterised by purposeful living and meaning; positive relationships; being a role-model; self-regard; constructive coping; positive emotions and gratitude. Lower mental health was experienced as characterized by meaninglessness, impaired relationships, identification with dysfunctional outsiders, self-incompetence, dysfunctional behaviours, negative emotions and helplessness. The youth distinguished between experiences of well-being and the absence thereof. Interventions are indicated to enhance psycho-social well-being in the adolescents.