adolescents’ interpretation of the concept of wellness: a qualitative study

Introduction: this study sought to explore and describe the interpretation which adolescents ascribe to the term wellness at a selected high school in the western cape province of south africa. methods: a qualitative research design was utilized. nine focus-group discussions were conducted among 58 adolescents. sample was selected purposefully and collected data was analyzed using open coding. results: findings reflected adolescents’ interpretations of the term wellness in the realm of holistic well-being transcending the nonexistence of illness or sickness in the body. the interpretations given include: healthy living which embrace eating enough nutritious foods, exercising regularly and being actively involved in physical activities; practicing self-care habits such as personal hygiene and grooming; well-being of the mind (psychological, emotional); having a balanced personality and interpersonal processes; being focused and goal directed and spiritual well-being. conclusion: it is imperative to consider adolescents’ understandings of wellness when planning, designing, implementing and evaluating adolescent wellness programs.