European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF SELECTED RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS IN GADAG DISTRICT

Dr. G. S. Harish, Abiga George*, Dr. Gulappa Devagappanavar

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescence is a transformative stage of life marked by physical, psychological, emotional, and social changes. High school students often experience increased academic pressures, social comparisons, and identity struggles. These factors are further compounded in residential school settings where students are away from their families and accustomed environments, which can contribute to feelings of isolation, stress, and emotional instability. Mental health disorders among adolescents are a growing public health concern globally and in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10–20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet many remain undiagnosed and untreated. In the Indian context, several studies have indicated a rising incidence of emotional and behavioural disorders among school-going children. In residential schools, the structured and sometimes restrictive environment, lack of parental support, and peer pressure could significantly impact the mental health of students. While there have been efforts to understand adolescent mental health in general, specific attention to the residential school population, especially in rural districts like Gadag, Karnataka, is lacking. Given this gap, the present study aims to comparatively assess the mental health status of students from selected residential schools in Gadag district. Objectives of the Study: 1. To compare mental health status between students in different residential and non-residential schools. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional comparative research design was conducted to assess the Mental Health Status of High School Students of Selected Residential and Non-Residential Schools in Gadag District. Universal sampling technique was used to select high school students (grades 8 to 10) from selected residential and non-residential schools in the Gadag district. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire containing tools that helped evaluate emotional symptoms, conduct issues, peer relationships, and overall psychological distress. In terms of anxiety, depression, and pressure. Demographic data, including age, gender, and socio-economic background, was also collected. The data collected was entered and analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20.  Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the data. Results:  Residential and non-residential school students show a clear difference in self-perception and future outlook. In residential schools, a substantial 78.5% of students strongly disagree and 14.7% disagree with the statement, resulting in a high 93.2% who view themselves negatively or lack optimism about their lives and future. In stark contrast, only 53.2% of non-residential students share this sentiment. Furthermore, non-residential students express a more hopeful and positive self-image, with 24.2% either agreeing or strongly agreeing, compared to just 4% among residential students. Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of assessing and understanding the mental health status of high school students in both residential and non-residential school settings. Adolescents are in a sensitive developmental phase where academic stress, peer pressure, and emotional challenges can significantly impact their mental well-being. The findings of this study suggest that students in residential schools may experience different patterns of psychological distress compared to their counterparts in non-residential schools, possibly due to separation from family, adjustment to structured living environments, and limited emotional support systems.

Keywords: school counselling, mental health, anxiety, cocurricular activities, depression, pressure, environment.