The Role of Mental Health in Coping with Psychological Stress Among Youth – A Case Study of Those Visiting Al-Razi Hospital for Mental and Psychological Disorders in Tripoli

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mental health in coping with psychological stress among young people and to identify individual differences between males and females in coping with stress. To this end, the researcher utilised a scale measuring psychological stress coping strategies developed by the researcher (Jama Saleh), The study sample consisted of 89 individuals, comprising 60 males and 29 females. Mental health is defined by numerous criteria; if these criteria are met, the individual is considered to be mentally healthy; if they are lacking, the individual is considered unbalanced and not mentally healthy. These criteria include: – mental competence; the ability to manage internal psychological conflicts; emotional integration; sound and positive feelings; a sense of psychological security and stability; and the ability to adopt sound attitudes and make wise decisions – a sound and accurate self-concept; awareness and understanding of one’s own abilities and potential; and a relationship with reality and with others. Scott, Sutherland and Smith also adopted other criteria by which one can distinguish between those with sound mental health and those whose mental health is abnormal or disturbed, namely: Working for the good of humanity as a whole – the ability to live in a community – self-confidence – integration and harmony of personality – the ability to face problems and work successfully to resolve them – optimism and hope for the future – and the ability to be productive.