Coping Strategies on Stress and Emotional Distress among Hong Kong Youths

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health problem is a global public health concern and an effective primary care would minimize stigma for mental health care. A significant association was identified between elevated risks of mental disorders and suicide and maladaptive coping strategies in youths. The current study aims to investigate how youths aged 15-19 cope with stress and emotional distress in Hong Kong. Methods: A total of 1,704 Form 4-6 students of 9 secondary schools participated in a survey in the 2019 fall semeser. Respondents were requested to complete a self-administered questionnaire, including questions on demographics, how to cope with stress and emotional distress, suicidal ideation in the past 12-month, and their willingness to seek help. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square tests were performed. Results: A total of 1,676 valid questionnaires were collected with a mean age of 16.0, where 822 (49.1%) were males and 836 (49.9%) were females. 415 respondents (25.3%) reported suicidal ideation in the past 12-month. The most common negative strategies were “indulgence in video games” (35.1%) and “self-isolation” (26.6%), while “talking with someone” (68.9%) and “doing other things for relaxation” (65.6%) were the most popular positive selections. Most respondents trusted their “friends or classmates” (87.9%) but less would turn to “family” (38.4%) or “other professionals” (all < 15%), including social worker (11.4%), counsellor/psychiatrist/clinical psychologist (3.4%), and traditional Chinese/Western medicine physician (0.8%). Females tended to “find someone to share” and males preferred “video games”. Respondents with suicidal ideation were more likely to “self-isolate” and “cry”, while those without suicidal ideation tended to “talk with others”. Conclusions: It shows local youths intended to cope with self-distress by both positive and negative strategies, but generally they lacked interest in professional help-seeking, especially primary care. How to enhance youths’ awareness and confidence in primary care mental health help-seeking should be addressed.