The youth of Atlantis : can found youth be lost? : problems, needs and psychodynamics : an exploratory analysis

Objective: There is an urgent need to conduct community based research into the issue of youth development in a post-apartheid South Africa. The aim of this study is to explore the problems, needs I and experiences of youth in Atlantis using an action research approach. Method: A purposive convenience sample of 15 youth between the ages of 12 and 21 were interviewed using semi-structured in-depth interviews (average length 70 minutes). In addition, two focus groups were held. The data were analysed using descriptive analysis and open coding. The descriptive results were fed back at a workshop open to all youth in Atlantis. Results: The problems cited most frequently included the lack of recreational facilities, unemployment and family disintegration. These problems were validated at the workshop and a process designed to address the problems was set in motion. Needs identified included the need for a teen-centre and various inter-relational needs. Conclusions: Some features of this sample of youth are considered and recommendations for the implementation of results and further research are offered.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1994

Author dc:creator

• Richardson, Kim

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Swartz, Leslie

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13495

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/13495