MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY AMONG YOUTH

Abstract

Mental health is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel, behave, and interact with others. Young people represent one of the most vulnerable groups to mental health problems because of the rapid biological, psychological, and social changes they experience during adolescence and early adulthood. Factors such as academic stress, family conflicts, social media use, unemployment, peer pressure, substance abuse, and uncertainty about the future significantly affect their mental well-being.  The present study was designed to assess the relationship of mental health, stress and social support among youth. A sample of 120 youth (60 male and 60 female) of Bhiwani and Rohtak districts of Haryana state has been taken for this purpose. A questionnaire on Mental Health Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered on the samples. The obtained data was analyzed through mean, SD and Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. The results showed that the perceived stress is negatively associated with mental health, whereas perceived social support is positively associated with mental health among youth. Both relationships were statistically significant at the 0.01 level, supporting the study's objectives and highlighting the importance of stress management and social support in promoting positive mental health among young people.