School social work to address the holistic needs of adolescents from middle-income households
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the holistic needs of adolescents from middle-income households and how they can be supported through school social work services to successfully transition into young adulthood. The study focused on the socioeconomic challenges faced by these families in South Africa, highlighting their vulnerability to falling into poverty due to limited opportunities, a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilising the subjective holistic well-being theoretical framework and an interpretive research paradigm, a qualitative research approach was adopted. This approach was complemented by descriptive and contextual research designs. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select participants from two research populations: adolescents from middle-income households and their educators. Data were collected through individual interviews with adolescent participants and focus groups with educators. Ethical considerations included obtaining ethical clearance from the University of the Western Cape, permission from the Department of Basic Education and school principals, informed consent and assent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, anonymity, privacy, and data management. Thematic analysis yielded descriptions of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of adolescents from middle-income households, the challenges they face, and how school social workers can support their holistic well-being
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Keywords
Adolescence, Holistic needs, Middle-income, Social work, School social work