Abstract:
Toxic friendship is an unhealthy interpersonal relationship that can negatively affect an
individual's psychological well-being. Adolescents, as individuals undergoing a transitional
stage of development, are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems due to social
pressures, including toxic friendships. This study aimed to determine the relationship between
toxic friendship and mental health among students at SMAN 1 Bangsal. This study employed
a quantitative research design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 271
students at SMAN 1 Bangsal. The sampling technique used was proportionate Stratified
Random Sampling, resulting in a sample of 271 respondents. The independent variable was
toxic friendship, while the dependent variable was mental health. Data were collected using the
Friendship Quality Scale to measure toxic friendship and the Mental Health Inventory-38
(MHI-38) to assess mental health. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's rho test with SPSS
version 21. The results showed that the majority of respondents had a moderate level of toxic
friendship, with 106 students (39.1%), and most respondents had good mental health, with 111
students (41.0%). The Spearman's rho test yielded a p-value of 0.030 (α < 0.05) and a
correlation coefficient of 0.132, indicating that H₀ was rejected. This means that there is a
significant relationship between toxic friendship and mental health among students at SMAN
1 Bangsal. The correlation coefficient indicated a very weak negative relationship, suggesting
that the higher the level of toxic friendship experienced by students, the greater the likelihood
of mental health problems. Unhealthy friendships characterized by manipulation, emotional
pressure, and a lack of social support may increase psychological stress, thereby negatively
affecting adolescents' mental health. Therefore, fostering healthy friendships and strengthening
