Subjective well-being, mental health enhancing knowledge level, and related factors in adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between adolescents’ subjective well-being, their level of knowledge enhancing mental health, and related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 387 students between June 2021 and December 2021. Data were collected from the Sociodemographic Characteristics Collection Form, the Adolescent Subjective Well-Being Scale (ASWS), and the Mental Health Improvement Information Scale (MHIIS). Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values in the descriptive analysis of the data; In comparative/relational analyses, Spearman correlation test, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used because the variables did not conform to normal distribution. Results: The ages of the students participating in the study are between 14 and 21, 74.7% of them are girls and 68.7% of them are high school students. It was determined that there was a positive and significant relationship between the MHIIS score and the scores of ASWS and the sub-dimensions of the scale: Satisfaction in family relationships, satisfaction in relationships with important people, life satisfaction and positive emotions (p<0.0001). It was determined that there was a significant difference between the total score of ASWS and demographic data such as gender, education status, income status, being diagnosed with a mental illness, receiving mental support, and being diagnosed with a mental illness in the family. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the total score of MHIIS and the variables of educational status, educational status of parents, being diagnosed with a mental illness, receiving mental support, and being diagnosed with a mental illness in the family. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that there was a positive and significant relationship between the mental health-promoting knowledge level of adolescents and their subjective well-being.