Relationship between Mental Health and Life Satisfaction of Adolescents

Page: 315-319
Vinita Tiwari1 and Saroj Verma2 (Department of Psychology, Patliputra University, Patna, Bihar1 and Department of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh2)

Various research found a negative relationship between adolescent mental health issues and life satisfaction. During adolescence, gender differences in well-being grew more prominent. Thus, gender is also a significant factor. The study examined the relationship between mental health issues and various aspects of adolescent life satisfaction. The study also examined the impact of gender differences in mental health and life satisfaction. This research used a cross-sectional correlational research design. This research included 400 adolescent boys and girls (200 boys & 200 girls) ranging in age from 15 to 19 years. To assess the target variable, the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale and the General Health Questionnaire were used. In the light of the reviewed literature, it was assumed that there would be gender differences regarding mental health issues and life satisfaction. It was also assumed that various domains of life satisfaction would be negatively correlated with mental health issues. Descriptive analysis revealed that mean scores for boys and girls were more or less equal for various domains of life satisfaction and mental health issues except for social dysfunction scores. Correlational analysis revealed that life satisfaction was negatively related with mental health issues among boys and girls. According to the results of the regression analysis, overall life satisfaction was found to be a strong predictor of the majority of mental health concerns among adolescents. The present study indicated the significance of mental health in the life satisfaction of adolescent children. Further research may establish a causal relationship in understanding the association between mental health issues and subjective well-being. The findings also aid in the development of intervention programmes for adolescents to improve their mental health status and well-being, as well as in the prevention of mental illnesses.