Qualitative exploration of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent community-controlled social and emotional wellbeing program

Renae Earle; Floyd Leedie; Robyn Littlewood; Simone Nalatu; Jacqueline Walker

doi:10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100266

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Qualitative exploration of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent community-controlled social and emotional wellbeing program

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Qualitative exploration of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent community-controlled social and emotional wellbeing program

Renae Earle, Floyd Leedie, Robyn Littlewood, Simone Nalatu and Jacqueline Walker

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Vol.49(4), pp.1-9

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100266

PMID: 40784061

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Abstract

adolescent

health equity

indigenous

qualitative

rural health

wellbeing

Objective Wellbeing in adolescence is an important opportunity to shape healthy futures. However, psychosocial distress is high amongst adolescents, and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents are at an increased risk. Situated within a rural Queensland community-controlled health service, this research explored community perceptions of an adolescent social and emotional wellbeing program. Methods Through yarning circles, adolescents, parents/guardians, community leaders, Elders and health service staff shared their perceptions of the program. Participants were purposively sampled through their existing community-controlled engagement forums. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed using NVivo 11. Results Thirty people (n=30) participated in the research, of whom, 83% identified as Aboriginal. Four themes suggest the program is highly valued. Participants perceived the program as improving adolescent confidence and empowerment, preparing adolescents for adulthood and providing positive role models. Participants felt the program should be upscaled and sustained. Conclusions The program was perceived as achieving its target outcomes, and several success factors were identified that are consistent with the literature. Implications for Public Health The program is an example of how adolescent social and emotional wellbeing can be done well in the community-controlled setting. Exploring program expansion and further evaluation is encouraged.

Details

Title: Qualitative exploration of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent community-controlled social and emotional wellbeing program
Authors: Renae Earle (Corresponding Author) - The University of Queensland
Floyd Leedie - Goondir Health Services (Australia)
Robyn Littlewood - The University of Queensland
Simone Nalatu - The University of Queensland
Jacqueline Walker - The University of Queensland
Publication details: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Vol.49(4), pp.1-9
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100266
ISSN: 1753-6405
PMID: 40784061
Copyright note: © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Public Health Association of Australia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Grant note: This research was funded by a University of Queensland Higher Degree by Research Graduate School Tuition Scholarship held by the first author.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991245898302621
Output Type: Journal article

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