The Pivotal Role of Social Support in the Well-Being of Adolescents

A Critical Review of Resilience Theory and Its Relevance for Social Work

“…Large longitudinal studies have been consistent in showing the importance of an early caregiving relationship for developmental outcomes through childhood and into adulthood (Werner, 2013:94): those who by midlife showed better-than-expected outcomes "relied on sources of support within the family and community that increased their competence and efficacy, decreased the number of stressful life events they subsequently encountered, and opened up new opportunities for them." Not only early childhood relationships, but also relationships in people's current life, including adult life, are important mediating factors in the face or wake of adversity (Van den Berg, George, Du Plessis, Botha, Basson, De Villiers & Makola, 2013;Ebersöhn, 2012). This evidence, which is abundant in resilience research, locates resilience processes not so much within individuals, but within networks of social relationships with family, friends, school, colleagues and neighbourhoods (Hartling, 2008).…”

“In this place we have found sisterhood”: perceptions of how participating in a peer-group club intervention benefited South African adolescent girls and young women

“…Through participating in empowerment activities designed to promote understanding of gender equality, AGYW described learning to respect themselves as women, gaining confidence, and building hope and aspirations for the future. A fundamental component of 'wellness' or 'well-being' is an individual's subjective experience of themselves, inclusive of their self-belief in their ability to move towards the fulfilment of their goals and ambitions, and attain satisfaction (Grønlie & Dageid, 2017;Manwell et al, 2015;Van Den Berg et al, 2013). Subjective well-being refers to the assessment an individual makes of their own lives, physical bodies, and the circumstances they live in (Grønlie & Dageid, 2017).…”

“…Importantly, group-based interventions for improving AGYW sexual and reproductive health outcomes have been shown to be more effective than one-on-one delivery, for improving self-esteem and social networks (Plourde et al, 2017). Critical for the development of well-being and positive self-esteem during adolescence, are perceived positive social relationships and emotional support, or 'social capital', specifically approval and support from family and peers (Grønlie & Dageid, 2017;Manwell et al, 2015;Van Den Berg et al, 2013). Notably, during the period of adolescence, interpersonal relationships with peers take on increasing significance, sometimes surpassing the importance placed upon relationships with family, and become increasingly significant in determining emotional wellbeing and self-esteem (Fiorilli et al, 2019;Wild et al, 2004).…”

“…An adolescent's perception of having support enhances self-esteem and a positive self-perception and ability to cope with stressors. The extent to which an adolescent feels connected to and supported by their peers is a critical component of well-being and assessment of self-worth (Van Den Berg et al, 2013). Particularly for out-of-school AGYW, or those without access to formal educational settings, peer group clubs are a feasible way of providing social support, as well as improving health literacy (Naserirad et al, 2019).…”

Beyond a deficit-based approach: Characterizing typologies of assets for cisgender and transgender female sex workers and their relationship with syndemic health outcomes

“…Resilience assets interact within and across levels and domains [ 19 ], which is critical because ample evidence points to the importance of social connections (family, friends, coworkers, classmates, etc.) when facing adversity and how these relationships are the central point for the mediating processes of resilience [ 16 , 20 – 22 ]. The study of social capital separates these connections into two categories: bonding and bridging.…”