Factors Enhancing the Psychological Well-Being and Positive Sexual Behaviour of South African Adolescent Males

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the factors enhancing the psychological well-being and positive sexual behaviour of South African adolescent males. The research method for this paper is the systematic review for it provides a logical understanding of literature findings from journal articles, secondary books and doctoral theses to identify gaps of the previous research. This paper is guided by Ryan and Deci’s Self-determination Theory and Ryff’s six dimensions of psychological well-being, namely; autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships with others, purpose in life and self-acceptance. Despite myriad of social challenges faced by male youth, this paper found that sex-education, sound teen-parent communication, modelling and church could potentially improve the sexual behaviour and subsequent psychological wellbeing of adolescent males. Psychological programmes in Black communities and schools should be implemented to encourage adolescent males to lead a positive life style.