Determinants of psychological and social well-being among youth in Canada: investigating associations with sociodemographic factors, psychosocial context and substance use

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.41.2.02

Language of the publication
English
Date
2021-02
Type
Article
Author(s)
  • Capaldi, Colin A.
  • Varin, Mélanie
  • Dopko, Raelyne L.
Publisher
Public Health Agency of Canada

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Positive mental health is an essential part of youth's healthy development. For instance, positive mental health is associated with greater self-reported physical health, closer relationships and fewer conduct problems in youth. As positive mental health promotion is a public health priority, examining its potential determinants is important. METHODS: We analyzed data from students in Grades 7-12 (secondary I-V in Quebec), from nine Canadian provinces, who participated in the 2016/2017 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey. Psychological and social well-being (PSWB) was assessed using the Children's Intrinsic Needs Satisfaction Scale (CINSS). We conducted linear regression analyses to determine associations of sociodemographic, psychosocial and substance use variables with overall CINSS scores (n = 37 897). RESULTS: In general, youth in Canada reported fairly high PSWB. After adjusting for all included variables, being in a higher grade, being bullied, bullying others, reporting more behavioural problems and using cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cannabis at least once in the past 30 days were associated with lower overall CINSS scores for both male and female students. Reporting more prosocial behaviours was associated with higher overall scores for both sexes. CONCLUSION: A number of sociodemographic, psychosocial and substance use factors are associated with PSWB among youth in Canada. Prospective longitudinal and intervention studies could examine whether changes in these potential risk/protective factors are accompanied by changes in positive mental health.

Subject

  • Health

Keywords

  • psychological well-being,
  • social well-being,
  • eudaimonic well-being,
  • demographic factors,
  • bullying,
  • substance use,
  • youth,
  • positive mental health,
  • psychological well-being

Pagination

39-47

Peer review

Yes

Identifiers

PubMed ID
33599443
ISSN
2368-738X

Article

Journal title
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice
Journal volume
41
Journal issue
2

Citation(s)

Capaldi CA, Varin M, Dopko RL. Determinants of psychological and social well-being among youth in Canada: investigating associations with sociodemographic factors, psychosocial context and substance use. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2021 Feb;41(2):39-47. doi: 10.24095/hpcdp.41.2.02. PMID: 33599443; PMCID: PMC7923737.

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Collection(s)

Social determinants of health

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