ZDROWIE PSYCHICZNE POLSKICH MATURZYSTÓW – CZYNNIKI RYZYKA I ZASOBY OCHRONNE
MENTAL HEALTH AMONG POLISH SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS: RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTIVE RESOURCES

Summary/Abstract: The presented article aims to analyse the mental health of Polish youth in their final years of secondary school. Empirical data were collected using the auditorium questionnaire technique combined with an online survey. A total of 3,941 correctly completed questionnaires were qualified for the data analysis. The results indicate that the surveyed group of secondary school leavers exhibits mental health disorders. According to the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (≤50), 78% of the respondents demonstrate reduced well-being. Internalising disorders, as measured by the CES-D scale (≥12), are observed among one quarter of the participants. Moderate to high levels of perceived stress, measured using the PSS-C scale, are present among 81% and 13% of the respondents, respectively. Over one-third of the respondents report dissatisfaction with life. A linear regression analysis shows that the principal predictors of psychological distress among the surveyed youth are: female gender, lack of parental and peer support, negative self-assessment of one's weight, lack of physical activity, problematic use of the internet, lower academic performance, worse perceived material conditions, and higher cultural capital. Physical activity is a resource in fostering resilience among Polish youth. Educational and local government authorities should place greater emphasis on utilising physical activity in preventive mental health initiatives.

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