Annalakshmi, N., Akilandeswari, M.
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
Alamelumangai, S
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
Pages:200-219
The present study aims to identify the association between socioeconomic status and
vulnerability among adolescents. A convenient sample of 4031 adolescents between
the ages of 10-19 years (M=13.19, SD =1.24) from government and corporation schools
located in two cities in TamilNadu, India was used in the present study. The participants
completed the self-report measures for risk for mental health, psychological problems,
and personal data sheet. Correlation and one-way ANOVA analyses were carried out.
Family income was negatively correlated with environmental risk for mental health. The
absence of a father increased externalizing and overall psychological problems, whereas
the absence of a mother did not have any significant effect on the study variables.
Father’s and mother’s illiteracy were associated with adolescents’ increased risk for
mental health. Additionally, the mother’s low level of education is linked to increased
externalizing and overall psychological problems. Adolescent’s mental health was not
associated with the father’s occupation but was significantly associated with the
mother’s occupation. Belonging to the lower caste category increased overall
psychological problems and risk for mental health among adolescents. To sum up,
socioeconomic status has a strong association with adolescent mental health. Identifying
at-risk adolescents and providing them with early intervention to build resilience may
help them thrive despite exposure to risk factors.