Engagement with family, peers, and Internet use and its effect on mental well-being among high school students in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study explores the correlation of the engagement in family activities (EFA), engagement in peer activities (EPA), Internet use, and mental well-being (MWB) among high school students aged 15-19 years in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. This quantitative study was carried out using a multi-stage probability sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from 1074 high school students in three schools during the 2012 academic year. The analysis shows that family and communication factors significantly affect high school students' MWB. Based on regression analysis, EFA are more important than other factors in explaining the variations in students' MWB. The results of this study support building EFA and EPA for enhancing MWB and reducing the risk of depression among youth.