Organized Activities in Peer Groups Improve Mental and Social Well-Being in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Mental and social well-being in adolescents can be improved by organized activities in peer groups. This qualitative study aimed to explore organized activities in peer groups related to mental and social well-being in adolescents. Methods: Five focus groups were carried out with 30 adolescents aged 12–24 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Participants were purposively selected and had all experienced organized activities. A thematic approach was used for analysis and data collection was completed at the point of data saturation. Results: Four interconnected themes emerged from the data; (a) self-esteem and self�regulation, (b) resilience, hardiness and mental toughness, (c) social adjustment and (d) social support in organized activities. Adolescents who involve in sports, arts, and clubs have high confidence, easiness to control their emotion, stronger in facing various problems. They also felt more adapt, respect, tolerant of others and get social support. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that organized activities in peer groups improve mental and social well-being. Adolescents can have good self-esteem, self-regulation, resilience, hardiness and mental toughness. Adolescents also can have good social adjustment and social support. One of the efforts to prevent a mental and social problem is early recognition or detection in adolescents. Keywords: organized activities, peer groups, mental and social well-being, adolescents, qualitative research, focus groups