Examining the Influence of Psychological Factors on Mental Health Problems in Korean Adolescents

Background: It has been broadly witnessed that a large number of adolescents are suffering emotional and mental health problems after COVID-19, and such adverse experiences in early life often extend into adulthood, resulting in serious long-term implications. However, it is accepted that the literature examining the relationship between mental health problems in adolescents and their underlying psychological factors is limited. The purposes of the current study were to identify mental health problems of Korean adolescents and to investigate the possible influence of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and health locus of control on mental health problems. Methods: A total of 2104 Korean adolescents were randomly recruited from junior high and high schools located in Seoul, Korea. The Korean Symptom Checklist, and Self-esteem Scale, Health Locus of Control Scale, Self-efficacy Scale were applied to identify mental health problems and psychological factors among adolescents. Frequency analysis, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to test the study hypothesis. Results: Korean adolescents showed a high prevalence of depression (61.4%), anxiety (44.7%), interpersonal sensitivity (76.1%), and hostility (40.3%). In addition, the findings indicated significant gender and age differences in adolescent mental health problems. Moreover, results reported that the adolescents’ mental health problems were significantly associated with psychological factors (R² = 0.51 for depression, 0.38 for anxiety, 0.33 for interpersonal sensitivity, and 0.23 for hostility). Conclusions: The current findings highlight the need for comprehensive, culturally relevant mental health strategies for Korean adolescents. The interventions that foster psychological resilience, promote positive self-concept, and encourage internal control beliefs may be effective in mitigating mental health challenges.