The relationship between self-esteem, family relationships and social support as the protective factors and adolescent mental health

Purpose: Mental disorders begin to occur at the age of 10-29 years about 10-20 %. Protective factors to prevent mental disorders in adolescents were self-esteem, family relationships and social support. The purpose of this study was to deter- mine the relationship between the protective factors of self-esteem, family relationships, and social support and adolescent mental health. Methodology: This research employs a correlative design. The subjects were 452 students in 8 grade (aged < 15 years old) that chosen by a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by five questionnaires: demographic data, Rossenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Family Relation Index, Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale, Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Main Findings: The results show that the protective factors of self-esteem, family relationships, and social support have a positive and significant influence on adolescent mental health (p < 0; 05). Applications: These findings showed the important role of protective factors (self-esteem, family relationships, social support) to adolescent mental health. Schools, parents and mental health nurses need to develop programs to promote mental health by improving the protective factors of self-esteem, family relationships, and social support. Novelty/Originality: There are no studies involving comprehensive protective factors include individuals, families and communities on adolescent mental health.