Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to investigate the mental health of adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age. It explored the risk factors associated with their mental health as well as the kind of support these adolescents needed to build up their resilience to overcome adverse mental health experiences. The sample consisted of eight adolescents, four boys and four girls, all residing in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Data was collected through administering various mental health tests such as the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28), Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), as well as semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group.
Data was analysed by following a methodical process that highlighted various themes and subthemes which allowed the researcher to present relevant findings relating to the objectives of the research. The findings indicated how adolescents heading households were affected psychologically and, furthermore, highlighted the importance of support needed in their lives to assist them to build up resilience and positive mental health. Adolescents heading households need support from their families, friends, schools, and communities. It is important for organisations to support these adolescent-headed households in meeting their basic needs and educating their peers about adolescents heading households to protect them from social estrangement. School systems need to have better training and support programmes for teachers to better accommodate students and ensure their academics needs are met. Adopting Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems and Nsamenang’s social ontogenesis theoretical frameworks, the researcher discusses the implications of the findings and provides recommendations for mental health support interventions for adolescents heading households.
Keywords: Risk, estrangement, depression, adolescents, experiences, mental health, resilience, support.