Introduction: Risk-taking and self-harm behavior among adolescent are a global challenge. This study explored family structure and history of childhood trauma and their association with risk-taking and self-harm behaviors among adolescents in Swaziland. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 470 male and female adolescents were sampled through simple random sampling from selected high schools in Swaziland. They completed a questionnaire assessing family structure, history of childhood trauma, and risk-taking and self-harm behaviors. Analysis of variance and t-test were used to analyze the results. Results: The findings revealed that family structure significantly influence risk-taking and self-harm behavior among adolescents [F_{(2, 247)} = 5.481; P < 0.004] those from child-headed and single-parent households reported higher risk-taking and self-harm behaviors. The results also revealed adolescents history of childhood trauma to be more risk-takers than those without history of childhood trauma t₍₄₆₈₎ = 3.409, p < 0.001. Discussion: Study results suggest that family structure and history of childhood trauma have significant association with adolescents' risk-taking and self-harm behaviors.

The phenomenon of street children is a challenging global social problem. Using an independent sample group design, this study explored the differences in self-esteem and resilience among street children and non-street children. A total of 300 (N = 300) street children with ages ranging from 8 to 18 years were selected using a purposive sampling method, while a total of 300 (N = 300) non-street children with ages ranging from 8 to 18 years were selected using a simple random sample to participate in this study. A questionnaire with three sections was used to collect data. Results of an independent sample t-test revealed that street children reported low self-esteem and poor resilience compared to non-street children. The study, therefore, concluded that street children and non-street children differ on self-esteem and resilience. It is recommended that social skills training be provided for the street children population.

We investigated gender differences in emotional intelligence and aggression among South African adolescents. Four hundred and forty-four adolescents (female =51.4 %; mean age =15.5 years, SD= 1.42 years; rural residence = 35.5%, urban residence = 65.5%) completed an emotional intelligence scale and an aggression expression survey. Exploratory independent sample t-test analysis revealed female adolescents to score higher on perception of and management of emotions than male adolescents. Female adolescents also scored higher on verbal aggression than their male peers, whereas male adolescents scored higher on physical aggression than the female adolescents.

Introduction: There is increasing recognition that raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is stressful and challenging, particularly for mothers in resource-constrained countries. The aim of this study was to learn more about the experiences of black African mothers raising children with ASD and to gain a better understanding of the care burden. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine purposively recruited mothers of children with ASD and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The findings revealed that caring for children with ASD puts a tremendous psychological, emotional, and financial strain on mothers. Mothers commonly faced social judgment and stigma, which manifested as internalized self-blame, isolation, and social exclusion for both themselves and their children. Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical need to increase psychosocial support for mothers of children with ASD who live in resource-constrained countries.

Introduction: Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present with challenges in their social communication, social interactions, and repetitive patterns of behavior. These challenges significantly impact the provision of education by newly appointed teachers with limited experience in teaching learners with ASD. Aim and Objective(s): The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges faced by teachers working in autism-specific schools. The study sought to achieve this aim by understanding the experiences of teachers who are newly appointed at autism special schools. Methodology: A qualitative research design was used, with two focus group discussions conducted with a total of 16 participants (9 participants in group 1 and 7 participants in group 2) working in autism-specific schools. The main research question included the following: What are the challenges encountered by new teachers in autism special schools? A Thematic Content Analysis was used to analyze the data collected from these discussions. Result(s): The study identified several challenges faced by teachers working in autism-specific schools. The challenges included managing challenging behaviors such as temper tantrums, meltdowns, communication difficulties, and disciplining learners. Conclusion: Other problems encountered by teachers included limited resources, lack of support, and lack of training and professional development opportunities.

Facebook is and was intended to provide a place for friends to connect within the bustling academic environment and to encourage openness for ideas and interests. When used sparingly, it can provide an individual with a sense of group belonging and connection, sharing and offering hope and advice. The misuse of Facebook can have detrimental effects on one’s quality of life that often lead to addiction. In this correlation design study, secondary-school-aged adolescents’ Facebook addiction was compared to personality attributes. Through a convenience sample, 240 teenagers in total (106 men and 134 females) were chosen. The respondents answered questions about their demographics, Facebook Addiction, and Junior Eysenck Personality. The findings showed a substantial inverse correlation between Facebook addiction and neuroticism (r = −0.260, p < 0.01) and psychoticism (r = −0.189, p < 0.01). There was no discernible statistical link between Facebook Addiction and Extraversion. The study comes to the conclusion that although social networking sites such as Facebook have good effects on adolescents’ lives, their use needs to be regulated, the risks were highlighted, and at-risk individuals can receive intervention approaches, such as social skills training.