The status of mental health literacy and its association with mental health among adolescents

CHEN Xiao; JIA Shoumei; CHENG Cheng; WANG Anni; ZHANG Lei; ZHANG Weibo

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0827

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (9) : 953-958. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0827

Child Mental Health and Emotional Problems

The status of mental health literacy and its association with mental health among adolescents

CHEN Xiao¹, JIA Shoumei¹, CHENG Cheng¹, WANG Anni¹, ZHANG Lei², ZHANG Weibo³

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the level of mental health literacy (MHL) among adolescents, to identify associated factors, and to examine its association with mental health, so as to provide evidence for improving adolescent mental health education. Methods From December 2023 to April 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to recruit 1 239 adolescents (Grades 6 - 12) from three secondary schools in Minhang District, Shanghai. Participants completed the general information questionnaire, Adolescent Mental Health Literacy Assessment Questionnaire (AMHLAQ), Family Assessment Device (FAD), and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with MHL, and Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between MHL and mental health. Results The mean MHL score was 82.34±10.88, and 24.21% of participants had good MHL.Multiple linear regression revealed that grade level (β=0.065), gender (β=0.153), class position (β=0.069), receipt of mental health education (β=0.076), problem solving (β=0.082), role (β=0.102), behavior control (β=0.087), and overall functioning (β=0.172) were all positively associated with MHL(P<0.05).The overall mental health score among adolescents was 12.33±7.21.Total MHL was negatively correlated with GHQ-12 scores (r=-0.164, P<0.01). Specifically, the recognition dimension of MHL was positively correlated with GHQ-12 scores(r=0.067, P<0.05), while knowledge, attitude, and behavior dimensions were negatively correlated with GHQ-12 scores (r=-0.164, -0.104, -0.268, P<0.01). Conclusions Adolescent MHL in Minhang District, Shanghai remains relatively low. It is recommended that mental health literacy be enhanced and mental health standards improved through categorised interventions and family support.

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mental health literacy / mental health / adolescents

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CHEN Xiao, JIA Shoumei, CHENG Cheng, WANG Anni, ZHANG Lei, ZHANG Weibo. The status of mental health literacy and its association with mental health among adolescents[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(9): 953-958 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0827

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