Comparative Study of Mental Health between Male and Female Students and Implications on Career Development

Mental health is a crucial aspect that must be possessed by individual. This study aimed to describe the mental health conditions of students at SMKN 1 Surabaya from the perspective of gender differences and their influence on career development. This research used a descriptive quantitative method. The sample of the study were 150 students of grade IX. The data of this study were collected using a mental health measurement scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, focusing on mean differences between male and female students. The results of the analysis showed that for the affection indicator, the t-test yielded t = 0.494 with sig. = 0.622 (sig. > 0.050), indicating no significant difference in affection between males and females. The t-test for emotional ties showed t = 1.078 with sig. = 0.282 (sig. > 0.050). The t-test for satisfaction showed t = -0.571 with sig. = 0.568 (sig. > 0.050). The t-test for depression showed t = -1.565 with sig. = 0.118 (sig. > 0.050). The t-test for anxiety yielded t = -3.537 with sig. = 0.000 (sig. > 0.050), with the average anxiety level in females was higher than in males (8.945 > 8.295). The t-test for loss of control showed t = -3.095 with sig. = 0.002 (sig. > 0.050), with the average loss of control in females was higher than in males (7.272 > 7.966). The impact of mental health influences various factors such as psychological well-being, work-life balance, and others. From the results of analysis, it is evident that the indicators of affection, emotional ties, satisfaction, and depression showed no significant difference between males and females.