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

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): 19–2