title: Relationships among mental health, self-esteem and physical health in Chinese adolescents: an exploratory study.
abstract: This study explored the relationships among mental health, self-esteem and physical health in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents. Chinese students (N = 1945) between the ages of 12 and 19 from four secondary schools of different regions were invited to participate in the study. This study revealed that a significant number of adolescents in Hong Kong are experiencing depressive symptoms. The overall results indicated that self-esteem of adolescents was correlated to and a predictor of their physical and mental health. Health care professionals should take a more assertive role in promoting relevant health education to the community with emphasis on helping adolescents develop positive self-esteem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. william3@hku.hk
authors.forename: Ho Cheung William
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Siu Ling Polly
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Oi Kwan Joyce
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Miu Ling Maureen
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Chui
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012107:Research Design; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult