The psychological well-being of disadvantaged youth in South Africa : an investigation into the use of an emotional intelligence workshop.
Date
2013-03-20
Authors
Smith, Lorandi
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Abstract
The legacy of apartheid in South Africa has contributed to the
increase of psychological problems and stressors, especially in
disadvantaged communities (Ruane, 2006). Literature surrounding
adversity points out that well-being and the realising of the highest
human good can be improved and should be studied in this
population group. Psychological well-being is not just exclusively
for the privileged segment of society (Ryff & Singer, 2008).
Psychological health has many benefits that can add to the positive
functioning of the disadvantaged youth in South Africa. The aim of
this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence (EI)
training could bring about an increase in psychological well-being
(PWB) and trait emotional intelligence (TEI) for disadvantaged
youth in South Africa. The study made use of a true experimental,
pre-test - post-test design within which the effect of emotional
intelligence training on PWB was investigated. The Ryff’s
Psychological Well- being scale (PWBS) was implemented to
determine the PWB of the participants, while the Trait Emotional
Intelligence Questionnaire – Short Form (TEIQue-SF) was utilised
to investigate TEI. The sample consisted of youth that were part of
the “bridge the gap” programme within Oasis [a local Non
Government Organisation (NGO)]. The “bridge the gap”
programme runs over a six month period with the aim to equip
youth with life skills to make them more employable. The sample
size consisted of 63 individuals, both male and female, ranging in
age from 18 to 27, who were randomly assigned to the
experimental (n=32) and control groups (n=31). All participants
were literate and fell within the same socio-economic class.
Results indicated that the PWB of the experimental group
improved, but not to the extent that the researcher had anticipated.
Furthermore, results showed no improvement in TEI. The
relationship between PWB and TEI was also explored, and it was
found that a strong relationship exists between these two
constructs. The present study aimed to add to the body of
knowledge that exists in promoting PWB for disadvantaged youth,
and thus amplify the necessity for programmes that do so. The
study concludes with a discussion of its limitations and suggestions
for future research in this specific area.