Prevalence of Intention to Seek Counseling, Sleep Quality, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Adolescents in Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of intention to seek counseling, sleep quality, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents in Bandung, Indonesia.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 308 high school students aged 15–19 years from two schools in Bandung. Data were collected using three validated instruments: the Intention to Seek Counseling Inventory (ISCI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). These tools assessed students’ readiness to seek psychological help, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being, respectively. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to explore relationships between variables.

Results: The findings revealed that a majority of participants experienced moderate to high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Poor sleep quality was also prevalent among the respondents. Although many adolescents reported a positive intention to seek professional counseling, several barriers were identified, including stigma surrounding mental health, lack of trust, and limited access to affordable and youth-friendly services. These obstacles often deterred students from seeking timely help.

Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need to develop accessible and youth-oriented mental health interventions. A digital application offering self-assessment tools, counseling access, and educational resources may help bridge existing service gaps. By reducing stigma and enhancing awareness, such platforms could play a critical role in improving the mental health and overall well-being of adolescents. The results serve as a valuable reference for educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers working to address adolescent mental health challenges in school settings