Prevalence of psychotic-like experiences and their correlations with internalizing problems: A study of early adolescents in rural area in Karawang, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents who live in rural areas have been found to experience more mental health problems than those who live in urban areas. In Indonesia, adolescents who live in rural areas have limited facilities to access mental health services. On the other hand, there is still a strong belief in the rural communities that mental health problems are the consequence of demonic possession, having committed a sin, lack of faith, etc. Rural communities tend to seek traditional remedies such as advice from traditional healers or witchdoctors. Unfortunately, previous studies have indicated that the onset of most mental health problems is during adolescence, and this includes psychotic symptoms that are often manifested as psychotic-like experiences (PLEs).

Methods: The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to examine internalizing problems. PLEs were used to examine psychotic symptoms. Data were collected in 3 junior high schools in Karawang. A total of 270 adolescents (aged between 11 and 16 years old) who live in the rural area in Karawang participated in this research.

Results: The study found that the prevalence of adolescents with at least 2 symptoms of PLEs was 7%. The result of the study indicated that there is no significant correlation between psychotic-like experiences and internalizing problems (r = .075, P = .22).

Discussion: PLEs significantly correlated with peer-relationship problems rather than with internalizing problems. Further investigation is needed to examine the factors that contribute to PLEs in rural settings.

Keywords: adolescents; internalizing problems; mental health; psychotic-like experiences; rural.