Author(s):
Anu Mathew, Jisha Mary George, Arjun Krishna, Hananya Ann Sabu, Reshma Xavier, Jiya Elizabeth Sajeev, Deol Joy, Josna George, Aiswarya R. Pillai, Adithya. A., Athira. B., Arya. G. Krishna, Mariya Jose, Harshana Ashraf
Email(s):
cherukathra@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00032 
Address:
Anu Mathew1*, Jisha Mary George2, Arjun Krishna2, Hananya Ann Sabu2, Reshma Xavier2, Jiya Elizabeth Sajeev2, Deol Joy2, Josna George2, Aiswarya R. Pillai2, Adithya. A. 2, Athira. B. 2, Arya. G. Krishna2, Mariya Jose2, Harshana Ashraf2
1Vice Principal, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Believers College of Nursing, Kuttapuzha, Thiruvalla 689103, Kerala, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Believers College of Nursing, Kuttapuzha, Thiruvalla 689103, Kerala, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Adolescence is a formative period marked by rapid physical and psychological changes, making mental health support a critical focus. Mental health literacy (MHL) is essential for recognizing disorders and accessing help, which contributes to positive mental health (PMH) and effective coping. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of mental health literacy and positive mental health among adolescents and evaluate the correlation between these two variables in selected schools in Thiruvalla Taluk, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A quantitative correlational research design was employed. A total of 114 adolescents aged 10–19 years were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire consisting of a socio-demographic sheet, a modified 29-item Mental Health Literacy Scale, and a 9-item standardized Positive Mental Health Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive measures, Chi-square exact tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The findings revealed that 86.80% of participants had a moderate level of MHL, while 11.40% had high and 1.70% had low levels. Regarding PMH, 48.20% exhibited high levels, 42.10% moderate, and 9.64% low levels. A weak yet positive correlation was found between MHL and PMH (r = 0.0111). MHL showed significant associations with age, gender, and previous exposure to mental health information. PMH was significantly associated with age, gender, and educational level. No significant associations were found with religion or family type. Conclusion: While most adolescents possess moderate mental health literacy, the weak correlation with positive mental health suggests that knowledge alone does not guarantee emotional resilience. There is a need to incorporate practical mental health education into school curriculums to foster self-esteem and emotional regulation.
Cite this article:
Anu Mathew, Jisha Mary George, Arjun Krishna, Hananya Ann Sabu, Reshma Xavier, Jiya Elizabeth Sajeev, Deol Joy, Josna George, Aiswarya R. Pillai, Adithya. A. , Athira. B., Arya. G. Krishna, Mariya Jose, Harshana Ashraf. A Correlational Study to Assess Mental Health Literacy and Positive Mental Health among adolescents of selected schools in Thiruvalla Taluk. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):153-8. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00032
Cite(Electronic):
Anu Mathew, Jisha Mary George, Arjun Krishna, Hananya Ann Sabu, Reshma Xavier, Jiya Elizabeth Sajeev, Deol Joy, Josna George, Aiswarya R. Pillai, Adithya. A. , Athira. B., Arya. G. Krishna, Mariya Jose, Harshana Ashraf. A Correlational Study to Assess Mental Health Literacy and Positive Mental Health among adolescents of selected schools in Thiruvalla Taluk. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):153-8. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00032 Available on: https://www.ajner.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-3-2
REFERENCES:
1. Jorm AF, Korten AE, Jacomb PA, Christensen H, Rodgers B, Pollitt P. Mental health literacy. Med J Aust. 1997; 166(4): 182–6.
2. Barry MM. Determinants of positive mental health. Int J Ment Health Promot. 2009; 11(3): 4–17.
3. Andrade C, Tavares M, Soares H, Coelho F, Tomás C. Positive mental health literacy. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(22): 15276.
4. World Health Organization. Adolescent mental health. Geneva: WHO; 2025.
5. World Health Organization. Promoting mental health. Geneva: WHO; 2004.
6. Teixeira S, Sequeira C, Lluch-Canut T. Positive mental health program. Lisbon; 2020.
7. Ravichandran R, Kumari S. Mental health literacy among adolescents in India. Asian J Psychiatr. 2025; 92: 103897.
8. Ahmad A, et al. Mental health literacy among adolescents. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2022; 68(4): 791–7.
9. World Health Organization. Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030. Geneva: WHO.
10. Bjørnsen HN, et al. Positive mental health literacy scale. BMC Public Health. 2017; 17(1): 717.
11. P. Balakrishnan. A Comparative study to assess the knowledge and attitude of adolescents (16-18 years) regarding alcoholism and its hazards between selected rural and urban Pre-University College at Bangalore. Asian J. Nur. Edu. And Research. 2011; 1(1): 31-36.
12. Vella Durai N.. A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Teaching Programme on Social Anxiety among Adolescents in Selected Schools at Puliangudi, Thirunelveli District, Tamilnadu. Asian J. Nur. Edu. & Research. 2011; 1(2): 68-70.
13. Lissa Paul,Ramya K. R.. Knowledge and Attitude towards Alcoholism among Adolescents. Asian J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2012; 2(4): 212-214
14. Divya Shettigar, Abu Mathew, Edweena Philip Monis, Vineesh.K.V.. Assessment of knowledge on Ill Effects of Cellphones usage among Adolescents with a View to Develop Information Booklet: An urban Community Based Study. Asian J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2013; 3(3): 167-170.
15. Ansu K. Jose, Saraswathi K.N., Sheela Williams. A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Vajrasana on Physical and Mental Health among Adolescents at Selected PU Colleges in Mysore. Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management. 2014; 2(1): 19-23.
16. Reeta Jebakumari, Nalini Jayavanth Santha. Adolescents – Need to be Cared!. Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management. 2014; 2(2): 112-117.
17. Paramesha, Buvaneswari. R. K., Sheela Williams, Vinay Kumar. G, Saraswathi. K.N.. A Correlation Study on Life Events and Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents Studying at Selected Schools in Mysore. Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management. 2015; 3(2): 119-123.
18. Thushara Vasukuttan. To assess and compare depression and suicide risk among residential and non residential adolescent girls. Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management. 2016; 4(3): 186-190.
19. Veerabhadrappa G. Mendagudli, Vijayalakshmi K. A Descriptive Study on Attitude and Practice Towards Alcoholism among Adolescents. Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management. 2017; 5(1): 59-64.
20. Meeha Jeganathan, Jamunarani.R, M.Arokiyamary. A Comparative Study to Assess the Level of Knowledge on Ill Effects of Tobacco use among Adolescents Residing in Urban and Rural Areas at Kanyakumari District in A View to Develop an Information Booklets. Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management. 2017; 5(2): 127-136.
21. Suvitha, S. Kamali, S. Kanimozhi, M. Kathiyayani, Kokkiligedda Madhuri. Literature Review related to Association between Mental Health and Academic Performance among Adolescents. A and V Pub International Journal of Nursing and Medical Research. 2023; 2(4): 130-2.