The Crucial Trio for Adolescent Happiness: Mental Health, Social Support and Stress

Abstract

The study investigates the interrelationship between mental health, social supportand stress, in shaping adolescent happiness. Given the crucial role of psychological well-being during adolescence, this research aims to bridge gaps in understanding the impact of these variables in culturally diverse settings.A descriptive research design was employed, surveying 120 adolescents aged 12 to 19 in Rameswaram Island, India. Quota sampling was used to ensure a representative sample. Data was collected using validated instruments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Mental Health Inventory (MHI-18), Perceived Stress Scale, and Multidimensional Social Support Scale. Statistical analyses, including regression andcorrelation, were conducted to determine the influence of stress and social support on adolescent happiness.Findings show that social support has a significant positive correlation with happiness and mental health, while stress is negatively associated with both. Adolescents with strong peer and family support reported higher levels of happiness, whereas those experiencing high stress exhibited lower level of happiness. The results find that approximately 30.6% of the variance in adolescent happiness is explained by mental healthand social support.The study highlights the necessity of fostering strong social support networks and implementing stress management interventions to enhance adolescent happiness. These findings emphasize the need for culturally specific mental health programs in schools and communities, promoting resilience and overall happiness among adolescents.