Psychological well-being in a context of adversity: Ghanaian adolescents' experiences of hope and life satisfaction

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Periodical article

Title:	Psychological well-being in a context of adversity: Ghanaian adolescents' experiences of hope and life satisfaction
Authors:	Wilson, Angelina Somhlaba, Nceba Z.
Year:	2016
Periodical:	Africa Today (ISSN 1527-1978)
Volume:	63
Issue:	1
Pages:	85-103
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	adolescents mental health
External link:	https://muse.jhu.edu/article/629573/pdf
Abstract:	Mental-health research in resource-scarce contexts has focused on individuals' psychological deficits, while positive psychological experiences and overall well-being have remained largely neglected. Using a qualitative method involving individual interviews, the present study explores the subjective experiences of hope and life satisfaction as representations of psychological well-being in eighteen school-going adolescents, selected from six schools in the Northern Region of Ghana. The results of the study are twofold. First, against and despite the backdrop of socioeconomic adversity, adolescents expressed confidence about their prospects, with family and religion being salient features in their conceptualization of hope. Second, the realization of set goals, a positive self-image, parental support, and positive peer relations emerge as important themes in evaluating adolescents' lives as satisfactory. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]