Factors Associated With Mental Health Literacy, Depression, and Anxiety Amongst Indonesian Adolescents

Unpad Research Explores the Complex Link Between Mental Health Literacy and Emotional Well-Being in Indonesian Adolescents

A multidisciplinary research team led by Desy Indra Yani from the National University of Singapore and Universitas Padjadjaran, working alongside collaborators from Metropolitan University, Norway, conducted a cross-sectional study to examine how mental health literacy relates to depression and anxiety among adolescents in Indonesia. Involving 615 students from four public schools, the study offers one of the most comprehensive insights to date on this pressing public health issue in the country.

The findings reveal that while adolescents with higher levels of mental health knowledge tend to show more positive attitudes and a greater intention to seek help, this knowledge does not automatically translate to reduced symptoms of depression or anxiety. Instead, the study highlights a range of interconnected determinants, including family environment, personal physical and psychological history, and the broader school context. For instance, factors such as parental criticism or support, academic stress, trauma, and the perceived safety of the school environment all played significant roles in shaping mental health outcomes.

These results highlight the need for mental health strategies that go beyond simply increasing awareness. Effective interventions must take a holistic and culturally sensitive approach, incorporating elements such as spirituality, emotional regulation, sleep hygiene, self-esteem building, and family engagement. This research reinforces the importance of aligning national adolescent mental health initiatives with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, emphasizing the need to build environments that promote psychological resilience from home to school and beyond.

📖 Read the full article via DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16742