Effects of Mental Illness Exposure From Parents and Friends on Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being

Abstract

Youth exposure to mental illness in family or friends is a known risk factor of internalizing disorders. The current study examines the relationship between mental illness exposure and adolescents' mental health and well-being in a cross-sectional school-based population using all self-report measures. Multilevel modelling was used to estimate adjusted effect of mental illness exposure on mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, well-being, and quality of life. The results indicated that there are statistically significant associations between mental illness exposure (through parents only, friends only, both, or none) and adolescent mental health. Compared to adolescents who had no exposure, depression and anxiety were significantly higher for those who had exposure through parents only, friends only, or both. They also had significantly lower well-being and quality of life. This study provides insight into how exposure to mental illness through friends or parents relates to adolescents' mental health. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(5):228–235.]