Work

Adolescent mental health in Hong Kong: a longitudinal analysis of positive self‐evaluation, contextual influences and adverse experiences (2009–2014)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To examine whether positive self-evaluation and contextual variables-such as those created by family, peers and schools-serve as promotive factors or protective factors in the context of adversity. METHODS: Data were drawn from two waves of the youth survey of a population-representative cohort in Hong Kong. Adolescents aged 10-14 (n = 3475) completed questionnaires about positive factors, adverse experiences and mental health at Wave 1 from March 2009 to April 2011, and 2696 of them were followed up at Wave 2 from August 2011 to March 2014. Those who completed both waves were included in the analysis (n = 2171). RESULTS: Positive self-evaluation, high family cohesion, positive peer relationship and positive school experience were statistically significantly associated with better behavioural well-being at Wave 2, with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 1.01. Only positive self-evaluation (IRR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and positive school experience (IRR: 1.01, 1.00-1.02) were associated with better emotional well-being in the fully adjusted models. We identified a statistically significant interaction between life stress and positive peer relationships in relation to behavioural well-being (p = .009). The association between positive peer relationships and behavioural well-being was only found among adolescents with ≥3 stressful events (IRR: 1.02, 1.01-1.04). CONCLUSION: Adolescents who possessed a positive sense of self and were nurtured in positive family, peer and school environments tended to exhibit better behavioural or emotional well-being. Interventions should collaborate with families and schools to actively promote positive self-evaluation and environments, with a particular emphasis on fostering positive peer relationships to enhance the health and well-being of adolescents.

Source: Child and Adolescent Mental Health

DOI: 10.1111/camh.70073

Authors: Yanyan Ni, Ying Chen, Xiao Xiao, Corine S.M. Wong, Sunita M. Stewart, Michael Y. Ni

Institutions: University of Hong Kong, Harvard University, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,520