Perceived Stress, Optimism, and Self-Concept as Predictors of Adolescent Mental Health in India

India is often touted as a young country with a sizeable population dividend. However, Indian adolescents, who will be the working population in the future, are fraught with several personal, social, and emotional challenges. The current study aimed at examining how perceived stress, optimism, and self-concept were associated and their relative significance in predicting mental health. The Perceived Stress Scale, Life Orientation Test- Revised, Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, and the Mental Health Inventory were used to survey 670 adolescents in Puducherry. The results showed that perceived stress was positively associated with negative domains of mental health, while optimism was positively associated. The regression analysis revealed that perceived stress, optimism, and all domains of self-concept except physical appearance significantly predicted mental health. Boys reported better life satisfaction and more freedom from anxiety, while girls reported higher levels of intellectual and school status and popularity. The results underscore the need to consider how adolescents view themselves and their future to help them cope effectively with the normative life-course challenges they face along with the various parental, societal, and peer influences which cause them distress.