Exploring the Psychosocial Challenges and Strengths of Indigent Adolescents: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Counsellor’s Insights

Abstract

Background: The Bronfenbrenner bioecological model of human development provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interactions between individual factors and environmental influences on adolescent mental health, such as limited access to resources, exposure to violence and trauma, and parental neglect. While discussing the challenges faced by at-risk adolescents, it is important to focus on the strengths of resilient adolescents living in similar conditions. These individual differences are the precursors in determining their futures. Methods: The present study aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges and strengths of indigent adolescents. Eight counselors who had been working with indigent adolescents for at least three years in school or NGO settings were identified through a snowball sampling design and interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews was done using Braun and Clarks’ protocol to identify themes. Challenges faced by indigent adolescents were a lack of parental supervision, vulnerability to cybercrime, emotional dysregulation, engagement in drug use, ambiguity in life aspirations and career goals, and societal mistrust and bias. The strengths identified were empathy, reconciliation dynamics and forgiveness, a yearning for change, a love of learning, help-seeking and help-providing behavior, attachment to religion and festivals, and a sense of gratitude and hopefulness, which indigent resilient adolescents display to navigate through their challenging lives. A detailed discussion of these challenges and strengths, along with their various dynamics, has also been provided. Conclusion: Identifying both the difficulties and strengths of indigent adolescents would promote more strength-based approaches to preventive and promotive mental health programs.

Keywords

• indigent adolescents
• psycho-social challenges
• thematic analysis
• individual strengths
• well-being
• mental health