Abstract:

Research on the health of Polish teenagers in recent years shows that the number of young people who have difficulties with both physical and mental health is increasing (CBOS, 2021, Kicińska, Palma, 2021). Their well-being was additionally negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (Grzelak, Żyro, 2023). The aim of the qualitative research was to understand the functioning of students in social situations at and outside the school and the perception of their personal situations by respondents in the context of assessing well-being in its selected dimensions. 60 individual interviews were conducted with students from Polish secondary schools from five cities of various sizes; interviews were conducted in first, second and third grades. The interview involved issues including the daily rhythm of students on an average working day and on the weekend, the bonds with school, the socialisation processes, risky behaviours, self-image, and future plans. Analysis of the interviews shows that teenagers have a largely negative perception of school and its impact on their lives. The picture emerges of young people who are chronically tired and stressed from school. On the other hand, respondents declare positive ways of coping with stress and present a generally positive image of their social relationships, both with peers and teachers. They also see their future positively.

The interviews conducted are part of the research carried out in the project "Evaluation of the Project Lustro preventive program" for the National Center for the Prevention of Addiction.

Keywords:

Well-being, secondary school, education.