Adolescent Mental Health Risk Factors and Counseling Based Intervention Strategies: A Literature Review

Arrisqa Vrisya; Irena Listya; Selvi Mahlia; Isnaria Rizki Hayati

Authors

Arrisqa Vrisya University of Riau
Irena Listya University of Riau
Selvi Mahlia University of Riau
Isnaria Rizki Hayati University of Riau

Keywords:

Adolescent Mental Health, Risk Factors, Counseling-Based Intervention, School Counseling

Abstract

Mental health disorders have become one of the most pressing global public health issues of the 21st century. According to the World Mental Health Report (World Health Organization, 2022), an estimated 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental disorder in 2019, with 82% residing in low- and middle-income countries. Adolescents represent a particularly vulnerable group, as risk factors during this developmental stage have lasting impacts on academic, social, and emotional well-being. This study aims to examine the risk factors contributing to mental health disorders among adolescents and to evaluate the extent to which counseling-based intervention strategies address these challenges. The method used is a literature review of sources from Google Scholar, PubMed, and DOAJ published between 2013 and 2026, analyzed through a thematic approach and narrative synthesis. The findings reveal that adolescent mental health risk factors are multidimensional, encompassing biological aspects as a contextual foundation, psychological aspects such as traumatic experiences and poor stress-coping abilities, and socio-environmental aspects such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of social support. Cyberbullying and uncontrolled social media use have also emerged as new triggers of stress, anxiety, and depression. Counseling-based interventions considered effective include digital literacy education, the integration of technology into guidance and counseling services, and the strengthening of school-based counseling and psychoeducation programs. Schools and school counselors (guru BK) play a strategic role in early detection, prevention, mental health education, and counseling services. However, challenges remain, including uneven distribution of programs, a shortage of school counselors, and weak regulations on digital bullying. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration is key to ensuring sustainability and broader reach. This review is expected to serve as a foundation for developing more comprehensive, locally relevant counseling-based mental health programs for adolescents in Indonesia.

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