Coissard, Thisseas (2025) Exploring the correlation between stereotypical gender norms and early adolescent mental health in Indonesia. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a crucial period for mental health, with over 50% of mental disorders developing during this period. Literature posits that conformity to stereotypical gender traits (GST) and roles (GSR) may lead to increased mental health problems among adolescents. In Indonesia, mental health remains a significant concern, with one in three adolescents reporting mental health problems between 2020 and 2021. However, there is still a gap in research exploring how adolescents’ beliefs about gender stereotypes may affect their mental well-being. To shorten this gap, this research project aims to investigate the correlation between GST, GSR, and adolescent depressive symptoms in Indonesia, hypothesizing that those who conform to gender norms are more likely to experience mental health challenges, such as depression. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess and determine the correlation between GST, GSR, parental closeness, feelings of unsafety in the neighbourhood, and depression symptoms in early adolescent boys and girls in Bandar Lampung, Denpasar and Semarang in Indonesia. Methods: This research project implemented a cross-sectional study design using secondary data collected from a sample of 4,684 students that participated in the Global Early Adolescent Studies in Indonesia baseline survey. Statistical analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate analysis using a Chi-square test with a confidence interval of 95% and a p-value of 0.05. Additionally, multivariable analysis was conducted using logistic regression analysis with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: The study found that adolescents with high Gender Stereotypical Trait beliefs were 1.82x times more likely to report depressive symptoms than those with low GST beliefs. But on the other hand, adolescents with high Gender Stereotypical Role beliefs were slightly less likely to report depressive symptoms than those with low GSR beliefs. Strong parental/caregiver connectedness was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms, and early adolescents who reported high levels of unsafety in their neighborhood were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Conformity to stereotypical gender traits is significantly associated with increased risk of depression among early adolescents in Indonesia. The findings underscore the need for early educational interventions that challenge stereotypical gender norms and promote supportive family and safe environments. Keywords: Stereotypical Gender Traits (GST), Stereotypical Gender Roles (GSR), Gender Norms, Mental Health, Depressive Symptoms, Indonesia, Global Early Adolescent Studies (GEAS)
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Name supervisor: | Pinandari, A.W. |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jul 2025 10:15 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jul 2025 10:15 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/725 |
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