Parental Marital Status and Its Association with Child Mental Health (Anxiety & Depression) in Drukgyel Central School, Paro

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between parental marital status (intact, divorced, widowed, separated) and children’s mental health, particularly the prevalence of anxiety and depression among children in varying family structures within the unique and evolving socio-cultural context of Bhutan. A survey was administered to 367 Bhutanese children in grades seven to 12. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7; anxiety) questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; depression), and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Although the study found no significant difference in depression levels among children, the results indicated a significant difference in anxiety levels between children from intact and non-intact families. Therefore, there is an urgent need for culturally specific policy interventions in Bhutanese schools and communities to support the mental health of children from diverse family structures and rapidly changing family environments.