Adolescents’ Interpretation of the Concept of Wellness: A Qualitative Study

• Main Authors: Ezihe Loretta Ahanonu, Karien Jooste
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences 2016-12-01
• Series: Journal of Caring Sciences
• Subjects: Adolescents; Well being; Qualitative study
• Online Access: http://journals.tbzmed.ac.ir/JCS/Manuscript/JCS-5-337.pdf

Introduction: This study sought to explore and describe the interpretation which adolescents ascribe to the term wellness at a selected high school in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Methods: A qualitative research design was utilized. Nine focus-group discussions were conducted among 58 adolescents. Sample was selected purposefully and collected data was analyzed using open coding. Results: Findings reflected adolescents’ interpretations of the term wellness in the realm of holistic well-being transcending the nonexistence of illness or sickness in the body. The interpretations given include: healthy living which embrace eating enough nutritious foods, exercising regularly and being actively involved in physical activities; practicing self-care habits such as personal hygiene and grooming; well-being of the mind (psychological, emotional); having a balanced personality and interpersonal processes; being focused and goal directed and spiritual well-being. Conclusion: It is imperative to consider adolescents’ understandings of wellness when planning, designing, implementing and evaluating adolescent wellness programs.