Identifying the Components Influencing the Holistic Health of Adolescents with Emphasis on the Role of the Family

Parvaneh Doodman; Bayram  Aghapour; Havva  Motamedi Barabadi; Nooshafarin  Safari

Authors

Parvaneh Doodman Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9200-2381
Bayram Aghapour Department of Education Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0692-5090
Havva Motamedi Barabadi Department of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2742-7284
Nooshafarin Safari Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5646-5219

Keywords:

Adolescents, Holistic Health, Family Functioning, Psychological Well-Being, Parenting, Social Support, Lamerd

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the components influencing the holistic health of adolescents with particular emphasis on the role of the family.

Methods and Materials: This qualitative study was conducted using an exploratory design. The participants consisted of 20 individuals with relevant knowledge and experience in the fields of education, family, children, and adolescents in Lamerd City, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews focused on perceptions of adolescent holistic health, family functioning, psychological and behavioral characteristics, lifestyle patterns, educational experiences, peer relationships, and environmental conditions. Interviews were audio-recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Meaning units were identified, condensed, coded, and continuously compared. Similar codes were organized into subcomponents and broader conceptual categories, and the analytical process continued until sufficient conceptual depth and thematic saturation were achieved.

Findings: Analysis of the interviews resulted in 68 final codes organized into 15 subcomponents and four overarching components. The identified components were family functioning and family-based support, individual and psychological capacities, healthy lifestyle and physical well-being, and educational, social, and environmental support. Family functioning emerged as the central component and included emotional security and affection, effective parent–adolescent communication, parenting and behavioral guidance, family cohesion and stability, and parental monitoring and developmental support. Individual and psychological capacities included emotional regulation, resilience, identity development, self-esteem, self-efficacy, coping, and problem-solving. Healthy lifestyle encompassed physical activity, appropriate sleep and nutrition, balanced digital media use, and prevention of high-risk behaviors. Educational and environmental factors included supportive school environments, healthy peer relationships, and access to cultural, recreational, and community resources.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that adolescent holistic health is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by interacting personal, familial, educational, social, and environmental factors.

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