HUBUNGAN TOXIC FRIENDSHIP DENGAN KESEHATAN MENTAL PADA SISWA SMAN 1 BANGSAL

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