Happy and resilient? Mental health, resilience, substance use and sexual behaviour of college students in Bhutan: Policy implications

• DOI: 10.17102/bjrd.rub.13.2.001
• Publication Date: 2024-12-03T07:38:26Z
• Authors: Kezang Sherab; J Howard; Kezang Choden
• Keywords: Resilience

Bhutan is known for its guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). However, concerns have increased about the well-being young people, and many people are leaving Bhutan, uncertain their futures if they remain. A survey 2471 Bhutanese college students in 2016 explored mental health, substance use, sexual behaviour. The was repeated 2023 with 2043 addition Brief Resilience Scale questions optimism future. relatively low prevalence problematic risk behaviour identified, but findings continue to raise concerns. Specific identified related suicidal ideation, an increase current alcohol, tobacco betel nut low-level condom over 50% not regarding themselves as resilient, wanting a future outside Bhutan. Evidence informed policy required shape support responses health create realistic pathways feel valued, appreciated optimistic.