Adolescents’ Interpretation of the Concept of Wellness: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study sought to explore and describe the interpretation which adolescents ascribe to the term wellness at a selected high school in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Methods: A qualitative research design was utilized. Nine focus-group discussions were conducted among 58 adolescents. Sample was selected purposefully and collected data was analyzed using open coding. Results: Findings reflected adolescents’ interpretations of the term wellness in the realm of holistic well-being transcending the nonexistence of illness or sickness in the body. The interpretations given include: healthy living which embrace eating enough nutritious foods, exercising regularly and being actively involved in physical activities; practicing self-care habits such as personal hygiene and grooming; well-being of the mind (psychological, emotional); having a balanced personality and interpersonal processes; being focused and goal directed and spiritual well-being. Conclusion: It is imperative to consider adolescents’ understandings of wellness when planning, designing, implementing and evaluating adolescent wellness programs.

Adolescent well‐being: A concept analysis

“…According to Walker and Avant (2019), the defining attributes of a concept are the unique characteristics that differentiate it from other related concepts. Four key attributes were identified for the concept of adolescent well‐being: (1) autonomy that is the adolescent’s capacity to learn and become autonomous; (2) connectedness which represents having positive and supportive human relations that guides the adolescent towards positive behaviour; (3) competency that helps the adolescent adapt positively with the environment, and make the appropriate decisions about one’s physical, social, spiritual, and psychological domains of life; and (4) optimism that helps the adolescent stay hopeful and hold a positive perspective despite uncertainties (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; Brown et al, 2012; Diener et al ., 1999; Patton et al ., 2016; Prescott et al ., 2019; Rew et al ., 2004; Ryan & Deci, 2001; Seligman, 2011; Zsuzsa et al, 2016). Adolescents have the freedom to make decisions, and autonomy is the essential factor that impacts willingness to make healthy choices.…”

“…Adolescent well‐being can only occur when a constellation of factors are present. Primarily, there has to be a healthy physical, mental, social and spiritual state; however, these are not enough to ensure well‐being (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; Zsuzsa et al, 2016). The importance of providing a nurturing and a safe environment was highly stressed in the literature, where leisure activities and educational needs are met as well as economic growth opportunities and available resulting in adolescent development and self‐fulfilment (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; Patton et al ., 2016).…”

“…Primarily, there has to be a healthy physical, mental, social and spiritual state; however, these are not enough to ensure well‐being (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; Zsuzsa et al, 2016). The importance of providing a nurturing and a safe environment was highly stressed in the literature, where leisure activities and educational needs are met as well as economic growth opportunities and available resulting in adolescent development and self‐fulfilment (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; Patton et al ., 2016). The following antecedents of adolescent well‐being were identified from this concept analysis falling under two umbrellas, internal and external factors (Pinto et al ., 2017; Pollard & Lee, 2003; Ryan & Deci, 2001; Salvador‐Carulla et al, 2014; Seligman, 2010).…”

“…They often refer to how the defining attributes can be measured (Walker & Avant, 2019). The literature suggests that a comprehensive understanding of adolescent well‐being requires both a subjective assessment through the statements of individual perceptions and an objective assessment through reliable and valid tools (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; McGillivray, 2007). Many self‐report measures of adolescent well‐being are found in the literature, with various theoretical backgrounds and conceptual meanings.…”

“…It is a complex and a controversial phenomenon that has captured the interest of many scientists (Ryan & Deci, 2001; Steptoe et al, 2015). The popularity of the well‐being concept may be attributed to its essence being regarded as a positive term, person centred, as well as holistic (Ahanonu & Jooste, 2016; Wiens et al ., 2016). Among adolescents, well‐being is a growing field of study.…”