The Contribution of Social and Emotional Support Towards Youth Wellbeing: Coping and Resilience Among the Youth in Kampala, Uganda

Peninah Beinomugisha – Head of Institute of Education & Lifelong Long Learning, Victoria University-Kampala, Uganda
Amy Vatne Bintliff – Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego
Rebecca S. Levine – PhD Student, Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego
Zaharah Namanda – MSc Education, Public Policy & Equity with Distinction, University of Glasgow.
Executive Director, Africa Education & Leadership Initiative-Uganda
Wendy Wei Cheung – Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego
Nalutaaya Norah – Teacher, Africa ELI board member.

Email: pbeinomugisha@vu.ac.ug

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the contribution of social and emotional support towards youth wellbeing, coping, and resilience among the youth in Kampala, Uganda. The main objective of the study is to examine the contribution of social connections to youth wellbeing. The 4W LIFT wellbeing model was used to study adolescent behaviors where mixed participatory methods were employed in collecting data. Findings reveal that adolescents’ human connections to family, parents, and peers amplify their coping and resilience skills. Most participants expressed that their families have persisted in their school success in spite of financial challenges, and that alone makes them happy, loved, and appreciated. Adolescents believe that their families play an instrumental role in helping them thrive through life and contribute positively to their wellbeing. Family members should embrace their children’s wellbeing from early stages of growth. Parents should prepare their children’s copying and resilience skills as they prepare them for school and life outside their homes.