Influences on life aspirations among adolescents in a low-income community in Cape Town, South Africa
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the influences on adolescents’ aspirations from a low-income community in Cape
Town. A sequential mixed method exploratory design was used following two distinct phases. The qualitative phase
comprised focus group interviews with 118 grade 12 learners attending a school in a low-income community (age range:
16–19 years) and focused on identifying factors influencing life aspirations. The quantitative phase with 191 adolescents
(males = 54.45 %, females = 45.55 %); age range: 14–18 years) from the same community aimed to ascertain the
influences of personal attributes on self-aspirations. Participants completed the Expectations/Aspirations measure, the
New General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social
Support. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Quantitative data were analysed using multiple regression. The
findings revealed that self-efficacy, self-esteem and social support were the most critical factors influencing adolescents’
aspirations. Self-efficacy was a major determinant of life aspirations among the adolescents. Life skills programmes with
youth from disadvantaged communities should seek to incorporate training aimed at developing adolescents’ self-efficacy.
Description
Keywords
Adolescents, Low-income community, Cape Town, Aspirations, Goals
Citation
Hendricks, G. et al. (2015). Influences on life aspirations among adolescents in a low-income community in Cape Town, South Africa. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 25(4),320–326. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2015.1078089