School Environment and Mental Health among High School Students: Evidence on Association and Regression-Based Explanatory Value from a Study in Da Nang
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3991/itdaf.v4i2.61657Keywords:
School environment; Student mental health; SDQ-25; Emotional and behavioral difficulties; High school students.Abstract
This study examined emotional and behavioral difficulties among high school students and their perceptions of a mental health-friendly school environment, as well as the association and predictive role of the school environment. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 students in Da Nang, Viet Nam, using the SDQ-25 and a five-dimension school environment scale. The scale showed acceptable reliability and a clear five-factor structure. Students reported relatively positive perceptions of the school environment (M = 3.77) and moderate levels of difficulties (M = 1.06). The school environment was significantly and negatively associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties (r = −0.42, p < 0.001) and remained a significant predictor in regression analysis (β = −0.38, p < 0.001). The model explained 21% of the variance. These findings underscore the importance of supportive, non-stigmatizing school environments in promoting student mental health.
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