Determinants of Psychosocial and Mental Health Risks of Multicultural Adolescents: A Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study 2023

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period when Psychosocial and mental health risks such as depression, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and aggression may shape lifelong mental health outcomes. In Republic of Korea, multicultural adolescents face additional vulnerabilities due to cultural identity struggles, discrimination, and family stressors.

Objective: This study examined the determinants of Psychosocial and mental health risks among multicultural adolescents using data from the 2023 Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study (MAPS).

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with adolescents from multicultural families. Outcomes included social withdrawal, depression, self-esteem, and aggression, measured by four-point Likert scales. Covariates comprised sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, parental nationality, parental education, parental occupation, and household income. Partial correlations, F-tests, and multiple linear regression were used to identify significant predictors.

Results: Female adolescents reported significantly lower self-esteem (p = 0.003). Region was associated with both self-esteem (p = 0.037) and aggression (p = 0.047), with adolescents living in metropolitan areas reporting lower self-esteem and higher aggression compared to those in capital areas. Non-Korean father nationality increased the likelihood of aggression (p = 0.036), while higher paternal education reduced aggression risk (p = 0.048). Overweight and obesity were linked to greater aggression (p = 0.007, p = 0.050, respectively).

Conclusions: The findings highlight the interrelated nature of Psychosocial and mental health risks among multicultural adolescents and underscore the influence of gender, family background, and body image. Addressing these factors within culturally sensitive school and community interventions is essential to support positive Psychosocial and mental health risk outcomes.