MENTAL HEALTH OF MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HANOI: PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

MENTAL HEALTH OF MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HANOI: PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Ngo Thanh Thuy* thuyngothanh@vnies.edu.vn The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Pham Thi Phuong Thuc thucptp@vnies.edu.vn The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phan Thi Huong Giang giangpth@vnies.edu.vn The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Mai Thi Mai maimt@vnies.edu.vn The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Hien hiennt@vnies.edu.vn The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Nguyen Le Thanh Van vannlt2410@gmail.com The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Summary: 
The mental health of adolescents has become an urgent concern in the global context. In Vietnam, the Ministry of Education and Training has implemented various policies and programs aimed at enhancing students’ mental health, especially at the general education. A study involving 847 students from grades 6 to 12 in Hanoi revealed that 24.44% of students exhibited signs of mental health symptoms, while 18.77% are categorized as high-risk. Common problems include difficulties with behavior, peer relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Notably, students face significant challenges in subjects such as Mathematics (11.3%), Foreign Languages (9.9%), Literature (9.2%), and Natural Sciences (7.8%). Additionally, difficulties in social and family relationships are also reported. Prominent psychological symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, and challenges with concentration. Particularly, students in grades 6 and 8 show a higher risk for emotional and behavioral issues. These findings highlight the importance of implementing psychological intervention measures in schools to support students in overcoming difficulties and achieving holistic development.
Keywords: 
mental health
mental disorder
psychological barrier
student
middle school
high school.
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