Assessment of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among Adolescent Girls in a Government School, Delhi

Reg ID: 348

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by significant emotional and behavioral changes. In India, adolescents constitute about one-fifth of the population, yet mental health problems in this group remain under-documented. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and pattern of emotional and behavioral problems among adolescent girls in a government senior secondary school in Delhi using a validated screening tool.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 433 adolescent girls from classes 9 to 12 at Government Girls Senior Secondary School No.1, Najafgarh. Participants were selected via stratified random selection based on course groups and probability proportional to size. Data were collected using a socio-demographic profile and the self-administered Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which assesses five subscales: Emotional, Conduct, Hyperactivity, Peer, and Prosocial behavior.

Results: The mean age of participants was 15.5 ± 1.24 years. Analysis of socio-demographic data revealed that 31% of participants were from Class 12, 30% from Class 11, 20% from Class 9, and 19% from Class 10. A vast majority (93%) identified as Hindu, 68% lived in nuclear families, and 54% had two or fewer siblings. Findings indicated a substantial mental health burden, as nearly 60% of students demonstrated borderline or abnormal total SDQ scores. Specifically, abnormal behaviors were most prevalent in hyperactivity (34%) and peer difficulties (24.9%), while 16.4% showed abnormal emotional difficulties. Significant associations were found between hyperactivity and nuclear family structures (p=0.04), while conduct problems were significantly more frequent in younger students £ 15 years (p=0.001). Emotional difficulties were also significantly associated with the presence of siblings (p=0.04).

Conclusion: A significant mental health burden exists among adolescent girls, with 60% showing emotional or behavioral difficulties. Factors such as age, family type, and sibling presence significantly influence these outcomes. Strengthening school-based mental health programs through the effective implementation of "Manodarpan" is essential for early detection, counseling, and enhancing emotional resilience.