Gender and Socio-Economic Status as moderators in the associations between Social Support Sources and Adolescents’ Mental and Behavioral Health Indicators

Background Extensive research has established the intricate links between diverse social support sources and vital adolescent health indicators, such as mental wellbeing (MWB), problematic social media use (PSMU), and physical activity (PA). However, existing studies have not explored these interrelationships within a unified model or examined the moderating effects of gender and socio-economic status (SES). Methods This cross-sectional study employed a representative Danish sample of 2.034 adolescents, aged 13 and 15 years. A Multi-group Structural Equation Model (SEM) and covariance-based comparisons analysis utilized items from Multidimensional Scales of Perceived Social Support, The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, Social Media Disorder Scale, and measures of PA duration and frequency. Results The associations between MWB-Teacher Support and MWB-Classmate Support were stronger in low SES adolescents than those with mid-high SES. Notably, the PSMU-Family Support negative association was more pronounced among girls, while PSMU-Friend Support’s negative relationship was stronger among boys. The PA-Family Support positive relationship was more robust in boys, while the PA-Teacher Support positive association was stronger among low-mid SES adolescents than those in high SES. The positive correlation between PA and MWB was stronger among boys and mid-low SES adolescents. Conclusions Strategies designed to enhance family and school support, considering gender and SES, could effectively promote MWB and deter behavioural issues like PSMU and sedentary behaviours in adolescents.