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A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Perceptions and Understandings of Flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa

Author

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  • Heidi Witten

    (University of the Western Cape)

  • Shazly Savahl

    (University of the Western Cape)

  • Sabirah Adams

    (University of Cape Town)

Abstract

Adolescence is a transitional period characterised by puberty, physical growth, and the capacity to complete life tasks. During this period, adolescents are faced with various challenges in completing various life tasks. Flourishing is defined as a state in which an individual functions optimally, and has a good level of well-being in all aspects of their life. Previous studies on adolescent flourishing have focused on measuring flourishing quantitatively, which suggests a need for further research that qualitatively explores adolescent flourishing. In this study we use the conceptualisation of flourishing that encompasses hedonia and eudaimonia. It is crucial to position adolescents at the core of research endeavours, to gain insight into the unique factors, values, and goals that contribute to their flourishing. The overall aim of the study is to explore adolescents’ understandings and perceptions of flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of adolescents’ perceptions and understanding of flourishing. The interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s theoretical thematic analysis. We found two overarching thematic categories: 1) Understanding flourishing and 2) Factors that promote flourishing. The study findings emphasise the significance of balance in different aspects of life such as mental health, self-reflection, and self-expression to support adolescents in developing their own sense of flourishing and to understand their own experiences. The central role of relationships as a support structure for adolescents was found to be significant as the participants were able to identify what is needed through these relationships, which could promote their own flourishing. Future empirical research should endeavour to include both hedonic and eudaimonic traditions in exploring adolescent flourishing.

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi Witten & Shazly Savahl & Sabirah Adams, 2024. "A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Perceptions and Understandings of Flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 17(5), pages 1969-1993, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:17:y:2024:i:5:d:10.1007_s12187-024-10154-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-024-10154-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antonella Delle Fave & Ingrid Brdar & Teresa Freire & Dianne Vella-Brodrick & Marié Wissing, 2011. "The Eudaimonic and Hedonic Components of Happiness: Qualitative and Quantitative Findings," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 100(2), pages 185-207, January.
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    3. Shazly Savahl & Sabirah Adams & Phadiel Hoosen, 2024. "Children’s Experiences of Bullying Victimization and the Influence on Their Subjective Well-Being: a Population-Based Study," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 17(1), pages 1-29, February.
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    5. Shazly Savahl & Ferran Casas & Sabirah Adams, 2017. "Children’s Subjective Well-being: Multi-Group Analysis Among a Sample of Children from Two Socio-Economic Status Groups in the Western Cape, South Africa," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 10(2), pages 473-488, June.
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