Adolescent’s views of positive and negative influences of family on wellbeing

Abstract

Psychological wellbeing is a central component of mental health during adolescence. A range of risk and protective factors influencing adolescents’ wellbeing and mental health have been systematically identified, with the family context frequently highlighted as a critical domain. This study aimed to examine the family-related factors that adolescents perceive as having either a positive or negative impact on their mental health. Data were collected via two open-ended questions in a paper-and-pencil questionnaire, in which 9th- to 12th-grade students were asked to describe how family influences adolescents’ wellbeing. Responses were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings indicate that parental support (emotional, advice, academic), a favorable family environment, and the promotion of autonomy balanced with appropriate monitoring were frequently perceived as protective/promotive factors. In contrast, perceived risk factors included the absence of parental support, inadequate parental control, and inappropriate family environment. These results underscore adolescents’ recognition of the dual role that family (particularly parents) can play as both a source of risk and a protective/promotive influence on their wellbeing and mental health. The findings point to valuable directions for preventive interventions targeting parental roles in adolescent mental health.