Associations of psychological distress, sleep, and self-esteem among Kosovar adolescents

Abstract

Mental health among children and adolescents is considered a global public health challenge worldwide. The purpose of this paper was to examine the correlates of psychological distress among adolescents living in Kosovo. A sample of 200 adolescents (M = 10.8; SD = .44) were assessed using a variety of measures, including psychological distress, sleep behaviors, and self-esteem. The research findings indicate significant correlations between electronic use, bedtime fears/worries and insomnia, and higher levels of psychological distress among the study sample. The research results show positive correlations between self-esteem and lower levels of psychological distress. An examination of gender differences revealed that females tended to report higher levels of sleep, whereas males reported higher levels of electronic use and psychological distress. The results are discussed within the context of general health, mental health, and wellbeing among Kosovar children.