Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the experienced well-being of young Black men in an urban South African township, focusing on how their daily activities shape their emotional states. Using the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM), five participants aged 18-25 were asked to report on their daily activities, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) was used to measure their emotional responses. The findings revealed that participants’ well-being was influenced by the time of day, place, and social relationships. Throughout the day, participants alternated between unstructured “silent times,” which allowed for psychological restoration, and structured activities that often generated positive emotions. The home environment provided a space for emotional recuperation, while the neighborhood offered opportunities for occasional social engagement. However, solitude played a significant role in participants’ routines, as interactions with broader social networks were limited. Emotional experiences fluctuated depending on the nature of the activity, with activities eliciting either positive or negative emotions, and sometimes both. Finally, masculinity was also highlighted as a significant element in shaping well-being, with positive masculine traits likely contributing to participants’ sense of purpose and emotional resilience. These results emphasize the interplay between masculinity, socio-environmental factors, and well-being, providing a foundation for future interventions aimed at enhancing well-being in marginalized communities.