Psychosocial Predictors of Mental Health Problems among Senior High School Students in the Tema Metropolitan Area of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

Mental disorders are common health problems in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It is estimated that about 20% of adolescents suffer from mental health problems which affect their general well-being, school performance, social and economic life. The present study investigated the impact of academic stress and social support on the mental health of senior high school students in the Tema Metropolitan area of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Two hundred and eighty-eight students were recruited for the study. They comprised 148 males and 140 females. Tests administered assessed mental health problems, perceived social support and academic stress. The results of the study indicated that about half of the participants reported high level of academic stress, while nearly one third reported high level of social support. A significant positive correlation was found between academic stress and mental health problems, while a significant negative correlation was found between social support and mental health problems. Regression analysis revealed that dimensions of academic stress (Workload Stress, Pressure from Study Stress and Self-expectation Stress) significantly predicted mental health problems. Family and Friends Social Support also predicted mental health problems. Developing and implementing programmes that reduce stresses and increase social support will help promote positive mental health as well as reduce mental health problems among senior high school students.