Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated with Internalising Problems Among Singapore Youth: A Review of the Literature

In the past decade, mental health issues among Singapore youth have been of increasing concern, with studies suggesting that they are among the most vulnerable group in Singapore society. Some research indicates that more young people in Singapore grapple with internalising problems (e.g., depression, anxiety) than with externalising problems (e.g., behavioural issues, delinquency); yet Singapore youth mental health research has focused more on the latter, with much less known about what places youth at risk for the more “invisible” disorders. The chapter synthesises the literature on the psychosocial risk factors associated with internalising problems in Singapore children and adolescents. Results across 31 studies found that youth who were exposed to highly conflictual, abusive, or neglectful family environments, had challenging interpersonal relationships, and experienced significant achievement-related pressures, had a greater likelihood of having internalising problems. Individual characteristics, such as being of female gender and going through mid-to-late adolescence, also placed youth at an elevated risk for these problems. Results on the influence of sociocultural (e.g., socioeconomic status, family structure, and ethnicity) and technological factors (e.g., gaming, social media) were mixed, in part because these topics are understudied. Implications for policymakers, educators, and academics seeking to improve youth well-being are discussed.