Abstract
Many South African families face significant challenges, including poverty, limited access to resources, and conflict which can strain family dynamics, affect parenting practices, and ultimately impact the wellbeing of children. This study aimed to explore how family relationships influence the wellbeing of adolescents living in Soweto, as well as identify the factors that both constrain and contribute to their wellbeing.
Using a qualitative research approach, the study gathered insights from 10 adolescent participants; 6 girls and 4 boys, through individual interviews. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) Ecological Theory, and analysed using thematic analysis, the research revealed several key findings. While adolescents generally reported positive family relationships, they noted a lack of open communication on sensitive topics, such as puberty, friendships, and dating, which limited emotional support and validation within the family. As a result, many adolescents turned to friends for affirmation. Additionally, participants expressed appreciation for parental involvement in their lives, including in school and regarding hobbies. However, exposure to family conflict and stress was found to negatively impact their wellbeing, leading some adolescents to project frustrations onto their friendships.
The study amplified the voices of adolescents, providing important insights into the complex relationships between family dynamics and adolescent wellbeing in Soweto. It highlights the importance of family interventions that promote positive relationships, open communication, and conflict resolution to support healthy adolescent development. The findings also highlight the critical role of the ecological context in shaping adolescent wellbeing; which includes the importance of family engagement in schoolwork and extracurricular activities for fostering a sense of support. However, despite positive family relationships, adolescents may struggle to freely express and explore their feelings about friendships, puberty, and dating. The study recommends that parents and family members actively engage in their adolescent’s academic and extracurricular activities, foster open communication , develop and practice strategies to manage and resolve conflicts in a constructive and peaceful manner. It also suggests that future research should explore coping mechanisms and resilience factors among adolescents exposed to family conflict, involve diverse and larger sample populations, and consider longitudinal approaches to better understand the evolving impact of family dynamics on adolescent wellbeing.