Adolescent Quality of Life: Unraveling the Impact of Social Skills and Perceived Social Support

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental phase, where social interactions profoundly influence well-being. Understanding how social skills and perceived support shape adolescent quality of life is vital for comprehensive mental health initiatives. Current research aims to elucidate the intricate interplay between these factors to enhance support strategies and improve overall adolescent well-being. Involving 500 adolescents of both genders, this cross-sectional study utilized purposive sampling. Data collection employed a self-designed demographic sheet and standardized scales (MPSS, Social Skills scales by Ronaldo Rigii, WHO-QOL). Employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including normality tests, correlation coefficients, T-tests, and regression analysis, the study uncovered a strong positive correlation (r = .513, p < 0.01) between perceived social support and Quality of Life. Additionally, a robust positive correlation (r = .61, p < 0.01) was found between perceived social support and social skills, indicating their interconnectedness in enhancing life satisfaction. The study reveals that perceived social support (PSS) significantly predicts both quality of life and social skills among participants. It emphasizes that higher perceived social support levels strongly relate to better quality of life. Additionally, gender doesn't appear to impact perceived social support levels in the studied population. In light of these findings, it is recommended that future studies focus on developing and implementing strategies that leverage the identified mechanisms, offering practical pathways to enhance individuals' lives. Moreover, current research is a call to action for researchers to prioritize investigations into the specific mediating factors that link perceived social support, quality of life, and social skills, providing a foundation for targeted interventions aimed at improving overall well-being.