Factores psicosociales en adolescentes de educación secundaria: un análisis mediante la herramienta POSIT. Psychosocial factors in adolescents of secondary education: an analysis using the POSIT tool.

Abstract

Adolescence is a stage marked by psychosocial factors such as the search for autonomy, consolidation of identity, peer group pressure, and adaptation to the school environment, which influence emotional and social development. This study aimed to determine psychosocial factors in high school students of an educational unit in Arenillas, El Oro, using the POSIT questionnaire (α = 0.74), which assesses seven dimensions of adolescent well-being. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 280 students selected by non-probabilistic sampling. The results showed that 27.0% reported school difficulties associated with substance use and 20.3% expressed persistent cravings. In mental health, 67.6% reported feeling lonely and 66.5% reported concentration problems. At the family level, 42.3% reported conflicts between parents and 48.0% frequently argued with them. In addition, 34.5% had friends with violent behavior, 40.6% presented difficulties in organizing homework, and 69.0% felt undervalued by the school. It is concluded that comprehensive and culturally adapted interventions are required to strengthen mental health and prevent substance use in adolescents.