Enhancing Adolescent Mental Health Through Independence and Social Support

A Cross-Sectional Study in Makassar, Indonesia

Authors

  • Indra Fajarwati Ibnu Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
  • Grestin Sandy Psychology Study Program, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24252/al-sihah.v17i1.55439

Keywords:

adolescent, depression, mental health, self-efficacy, social support

Abstract

Despite the growing recognition of adolescent mental health challenges, there is limited evidence on how adolescent independence and social support interact to influence psychological distress, highlighting the need for contextualized findings to guide mental health interventions. This study explores the relationship between adolescent independence, social support, and psychological distress levels in Makassar, Indonesia. A total of 300 students aged 15–18 years were selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection was performed using validated instruments measuring adolescent independence, social support, and psychological distress levels. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (chi-square test), and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) to identify dominant factors influencing adolescent independence. Approximately 60% of adolescents reported high independence, while 75% experienced mild to moderate psychological distress. High social support was significantly associated with greater independence (p < 0.05). Self-efficacy emerged as a key protective factor against psychological distress. These findings underscore the importance of integrating social support and self-efficacy, building programs into school curricula to mitigate anxiety and depression among adolescents.

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References

Abidin, F. A., Tijdink, J. K., Joefiani, P., Koesma, R. E., & Siregar, J. R. (2023). Social context factors influence basic psychological need satisfaction; a cross-sectional survey among Indonesian adolescents. Current Psychology, 42(11), 9195-9217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02012-y

Acoba, E. F. (2024). Social support and mental health: the mediating role of perceived stress. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1330720. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1330720

Adekanmbi, F. and Ukpere, W. (2021). Promoting the mental health of healthcare workers during covid19 pandemic. Harvard Deusto Business Research, 10(2), 346-369. https://doi.org/10.48132/hdbr.355

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Published

2025-06-27

How to Cite

Ibnu, I. F., & Sandy, G. (2025). Enhancing Adolescent Mental Health Through Independence and Social Support: A Cross-Sectional Study in Makassar, Indonesia. Al-Sihah: The Public Health Science Journal, 17(1), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.24252/al-sihah.v17i1.55439

Issue

Volume 17, Nomor 1, January-June 2025

Section

Article

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Indra Fajarwati Ibnu, Grestin Sandy

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