Rural and urban adolescents' perceptions of mental health

This study investigated rural and urban adolescents' perceptions of mental health. A questionnaire containing nine vignettes (involving child abuse and adult and adolescent mental health issues) was devised based on a tool developed by Flaskerud (1980). Analysis of responses to the questionnaire indicated that there was general agreement among the students about unhealthy behaviors. However, there were some significant differences related to rural/urban setting, gender, and ethnic background. The findings provide insight into rural and urban students' perceptions of problematic behaviors, who should intervene, and how. It is recommended that health care providers assist adolescents in expanding their range of coping behaviors, especially in regard to alcohol abuse and violence.