Thirteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The period of adolescence is a developmental stage of complexities in personal growth, associated with life situations impacting transitions to young adulthood. The success with which adolescents manage their psychosocial transitions into young adulthood depends on their personal capabilities and life circumstances. Yet, contextual situations in adolescent development are under-explored, particularly in developing country settings. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, this study explores adolescents’ perceptions of their life situations in relation to their psychosocial developmental challenges. Respondents were 22 South African (Johannesburg) adolescents (Blacks=22; ages=15-19; males=8; females=14). They responded to the question: Why do you think you are experiencing psychosocial challenges at home and school? Results following thematic analysis identified the two following themes and subthemes: (1) home life situations (household financial difficulties; unfavourable living conditions; time-inflexible house chores; poor parent-child relationships; lack of support from families) (2) school life situations (peers’ inappropriate behaviours; ineffective school leadership; teachers’ low work enthusiasm; insufficient school resources; unsafe and unfavourable geographical conditions). The findings of the study suggest a need for intervention programmes at the school and community level to support adolescents negotiate their psychosocial developmental state. Counselling services and social skills training should be provided to adolescents to support their development. Additionally, the collaboration between the department of education, social development and health should be strengthened to deliver various psychosocial support at the school level.