How to link assessment and suitable interventions for adolescents: relationships among mental health, friendships, demographic indicators and well-being at school

ENOver the last 10 years, a noticeable deterioration in mental health has affected adolescents’ lives. Methods: This study was conducted in 12 secondary schools and 14 high schools located in different cities across Lithuania from October to December 2023. The survey included students aged 12 to 17 years. The adolescents filled out a questionnaire about the need for outside help, friendships, and well-being at school and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The goal of our study was to analyze the risk factors that influence adolescents’ psycho-emotional state. Results: A total of 4124 students were involved in this study, with a mean age of 14.48 ± 1.15 years. The sample consisted of 50.9% males and 49.1% females. The boys showed a statistically significantly lower total difficulty score on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ TDS) and internalizing score (IS) than the girls (12.45 ± 5.39 vs. 14.93 ± 5.76; 5.39 ± 3.30 vs. 7.49 ± 3.64, p <0.001). Also, the SDQ TDS, IS, and externalizing score (ES) were statistically significantly lower in the group of adolescents who lived with both parents (13.50 ± 5.69 vs. 14.76 ± 5.72; 6.32 ± 3.61 vs. 6.98 ± 3.65; 7.18 ± 3.23 vs. 7.78 ± 3.35, p <0.001). Linear regression analysis of the SDQ TDS (R2 = 0.406) indicated a significant impact on the feeling of safety at schools (β = −0.173, p <0.001) and loneliness (β = 0.314, p <0.001). Linear regression of the SDQ IS (R2 = 0.469) showed that there was a significant predictor effect of bullying (β = 0.170, p <0.001) and loneliness (β = 0.345, p <0.001). However, the linear regression of the SDQ ES (R2 = 0.256) showed that there was a significant predictor effect of the feeling of teacher care (β = −0.163, p <0.001) and loneliness (β = 0.166, p <0.001). We determined that gender (OR = 2.30) and loneliness (OR = 1.77) were the most significant factors associated with adolescents seeking help.Conclusions: It is crucial to determine specific risk factors and particular groups of teenagers who need psycho-emotional support the most. The findings of this study may offer valuable insights for advancing additional prevention or support programs aimed at adolescents within higher-risk groups. Keywords: adolescents; mental health; well-being; school; friendships; interventions; internalizing difficulties; externalizing difficulties. [From the publication]