Health Psychology Research / HPR / Volume 12 / Issue 1 / DOI: 10.52965/​001c.120045
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Psychological Distress Among High School Students in Bangkok   Thailand 

Chatchai Thanachoksawang1 Sara Arphorn1 Suchinda Jarupat Maruo1 Suwatsa Punneng2 Tomohiro Ishimaru3 Goontalee Bangkadanara4*
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1 Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
2 Health Science Programs, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
3 Department of Medical Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
4 School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Submitted: 28 May 2024 | Accepted: 31 May 2024 | Published: 22 June 2024
© 2024 by the Author(s). Licensee Health Psychology Research, USA. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
Abstract

Introduction

This study investigated psychological distress among high school students in Thailand.

A sample of 8,345 students from thirty-five Bangkok schools voluntarily participated, responding to a questionnaire and undergoing stress assessments. Socio-demographic factors including grade level, school scale, hometown, parental marital status, presence of siblings, gender, health conditions, online classes, and family monthly income were analyzed.

Results

Of the participants, 1,087 (13.02%) experienced psychological distress. Grade level, school scale, hometown, parental marital status, and siblings’ presence showed no significant associations with distress. However, being female or transgender correlated with higher distress levels. Students with health issues and those in online classes also experienced elevated distress. Additionally, a family monthly income below 10,000 Thai Baht was associated with distress.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on factors contributing to psychological distress in high school students. It highlights the need for tailored support for vulnerable groups within the student population, emphasizing the role of educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in addressing these challenges.

Keywords
Psychological Distress
Stress
High school student
Bangkok
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Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Health Psychology Research, Electronic ISSN: 2420-8124 Published by Health Psychology Research