International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Objectives: This study aims to show whether there is a difference between mental health problems of girl and boy students in Haryana state.

Methods: The study population of this cross-sectional study consisted of male and female students aged 11-17 years, in the 6^th to 12^th grades studying in Government Sen. Sec. schools of two districts of Haryana state within the academic year of 2020-2021. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for adolescence, a standardized Persian version intended to screen teenagers aged 11 to 17 for mental health issues, was the instrument used to evaluate the mental health of students.

Results: Results disclosed that male adolescents had more conduct problem, hyperactivity problem and peer problem as compared to female students. Female students in both districts had more emotional problems but demonstrated better pro social behavior. Statistically significant differences were found between family environment perceived by adolescent boys and girls. Adolescent boys perceived better family environment than adolescent girls. Results of peer relationships of children as per sex show that males had high bullying (M=2.02) and victimization (M=1.97) while female students had better pro-social behavior (M=2.64).

Conclusions: Boys about preventing conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problem and strengthening pro-social behaviors require attention and effective action. A better family environment and good peer relationships for both sexes can reduce these problems. So the study suggests interventions designed to enrich both the peer relationship and family environment of students.