Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)
The World Health Organisation (2011) states that overweight and obesity is one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century. This is true of Africa as well. It is estimated that the number of overweight children in Africa has doubled since 1990 and growth rates of overweight and obesity are among the highest in Africa. South Africa’s overweight and obesity rates are among the highest in Africa. The South African National Health and Nutrition Survey (2013) found that the combined overweight and obesity prevalence in South Africa is 13,5% for children between the ages of six and 14 years; this is higher than the global prevalence of 10%. Therefore, overweight and obesity is threatening to become a major health concern in South Africa.
When considering adolescents who are overweight and obese, it becomes apparent that it has a great impact on their mental health. Overweight and obesity during adolescence not only has a negative impact on their physical health but also their mental health, thus overweight and obesity should not only be addressed to improve the physical health but also the mental health of adolescents.
The researcher aimed to explore the lived experiences of adolescent boys who are overweight and obese, to suggest guidelines to facilitate mental health in these boys. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study design was followed. Research took place in two phases. The first phase was concerned with the description of the lived experiences of adolescent boys who are overweight and obese. In the second phase, guidelines were described to facilitate mental health in these boys.
Ethical principles were adhered to from the onset of the study to ensure participants’ human rights were respected, that participants were treated with dignity and that no harm would come to them. Further, principles of fairness and justice were considered. The data were collected through in-depth phenomenological interviews. Interviews were conducted with 10 participants who met the sampling criteria and who were purposively selected. However, one participant’s interview was too short to be included. Consent was obtained from the participants.