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Evaluation of a Programme to Enhance Flourishing in Adolescents

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Well-Being Research in South Africa

Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 4))

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention to improve levels of psychosocial well-being in a group of learners between the ages of 15–17 years, with the implementation of a mixed method approach. The experimental group (n = 64) received an intervention focussing on psychosocial wellness and flourishing via the development of skills linked to selected strengths such as self-regulation, persistence, gratitude, perspective, enthusiasm, and kindness, whereas the control group (n = 49) followed a generic youth programme. Quantitative data were gathered by using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Coping Self-efficacy Scale, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Regulation Scale, Fortitude Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire: Depression Symptoms, and General Health Questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered with a descriptive qualitative inquiry approach during the post- and follow-up phases. Quantitative and qualitative evidence indicated that the well-being intervention contributed in some respects to increased levels of psychosocial well-being and a decrease in symptoms of ill-health in the experimental group. The strengths- and skills-development focus of the intervention fostered psychosocial well-being and symptom relief in a growth enhancing manner over time. Future research ought to examine what makes individuals more likely to benefit from well-being interventions.

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Acknowledgement

The research for this chapter was made possible by funding from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). Opinions expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the NRF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychosocial Behavioural Sciences and The Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Izanette van Schalkwyk & Marié P. Wissing

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  1. Izanette van Schalkwyk
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  2. Marié P. Wissing
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Correspondence to Marié P. Wissing .

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  1. The Africa Unit for Transdis. Health, Research, North-West University:, School of Psychosoc. Behav. Scs. and, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Marié P. Wissing

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van Schalkwyk, I., Wissing, M.P. (2013). Evaluation of a Programme to Enhance Flourishing in Adolescents. In: Wissing, M. (eds) Well-Being Research in South Africa. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6368-5_27

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