Author(s) :

Xinlei Gao.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Adolescent mental health issues have risen sharply over the past decade, emerging recently as a global health concern. This literature review looks into how different factors such as psychological, social and cognitive factors have contributed to the increasing prevalence of mental distress among youth with emphasis on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence has indicated that several factors interconnectedly exacerbate mental distress, including heightened academic pressure, increased social media use, bullying, dysfunctional family, dynamics, and substance use. COVID-19 has appeared as a consistent catalyst that aggravates preexisting vulnerabilities. Collectively, these findings underscore the need for prevention and intervention strategies to address escalating mental health challenges facing adolescents today.