Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to investigate adolescent learners’ perceptions of mental
health support received at secondary schools in the Sarah Baartman District. It explores
the risk and protective factors to their mental health as well as to find out what mental
health support adolescents at secondary schools would like to receive.
The sample consisted of twelve adolescent grade eight learners, six learners each from
quintile three and quintile five secondary schools within the Sarah Baartman District. Data
was collected through using semi-structured interviews, focus groups sessions and collagemaking.
Risk and protective factors emerged as psychological, social and educational. Depression
and anxiety were reported as common mental health issues that contributed to risk.
Unattended stress and trauma at school level, stigmatisation, bullying, exclusion and
discrimination were also identified as succumbing factors on adolescence. Findings also
revealed that transition from primary to high school can be overwhelming for some
adolescents, and may have detrimental effects on their mental health as well as their
academic performance. Protective factors were self-affirmation, self-efficiency, reliable
support, social support, positive family functioning and peer support. The effective
structures of healthy and supportive school environments, school connectedness and the
inclusion of responsive parental and family involvement were also elicited as protective
factors.
Based on the findings, recommendations for research, practice, policy, future research were
formulated on how findings regarding mental health support received at secondary schools
findings could be translated into practice.
Key words: mental health support, adolescent learners, secondary schools, risk factors,
protective factors.