Awareness and Attitude Towards Mental Health among Young Adults in Delhi-MCD: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Mental health awareness and positive attitudes toward mental health are increasingly recognized as essential determinants of psychological well-being, help-seeking behavior, and stigma reduction. Despite growing public discourse regarding mental health, substantial gaps in mental health literacy continue to exist among young adults, particularly in developing countries such as India (Jorm et al., 1997; Jorm, 2012; Kutcher et al., 2016). The present study examined awareness and attitudes toward mental health among young adults residing in Delhi-MCD and explored their relationship with emotional intelligence and psychological well-being. A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational research design was employed among 60 young adults aged 18–21 years. Data were collected using the Awareness and Attitude Towards Mental Health Scale (Bali, 2025), the Emotional Intelligence Scale (Hyde, Pethe, & Dhar, 2002), and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO, 1998). Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analyses were conducted. Findings indicated moderate levels of mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being. Significant positive correlations were observed among awareness and attitudes toward mental health, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being. The findings suggest that emotional intelligence and psychological well-being function as important psychological correlates of mental health awareness and attitudes. The study highlights the need for comprehensive mental health literacy initiatives, emotional intelligence training programs, and psychological well-being interventions among urban youth.