Stress, psychological symptoms, social support and health behaviour among black students in South Africa

Abstract

The study investigated stress
events, perceived stress and social support in relation to various common
health behaviours among black South African students.
The sample included 624 students: 314 Grade 12 Secondary school students and
310 third year social science university students in South Africa. The study found a low
prevalence of healthy behaviour, which was inversely
related to psychological symptoms and depressive symptoms and positively
related to social support and perceived stress. It is suggested that
psychological symptoms and social support need to be included in enhancing
lifestyle intervention programmes among youth.

Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2004, 16(1): 19–23