Poverty Youth mental health Psychological well being, Self esteem Socio economic status Psychological resilience

Poverty is a pervasive social challenge affecting communities across the globe, with profound implications for the psychological well-being of young people. In many low-income settings, including Uselu in Benin City, poverty deprives adolescents of essential emotional, social, and psychological support, thereby undermining their mental health and overall development. This study was designed to assess the impact of poverty on the mental health of youths in Uselu, Benin City. Its primary objective was to contribute to existing knowledge by exploring how economic hardship influences emotional stability, self-esteem, and psychological resilience among young people in the area. Additionally, the study sought to generate empirical data that could inform teachers, social workers, counselors, psychologists, community leaders, and parents about the mental health challenges faced by youths living in poverty.
A sample size of 50 respondents was selected from the target population. The convenience sampling technique was employed to select youth participants, while purposive sampling was used to select key adult informants such as teachers and social workers who interact regularly with youths in the community. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for data collection. Data analysis was carried out using frequency counts and percentages, presented in tabular form for clarity and ease of interpretation. The key findings of the study revealed that a significant proportion of the respondents experience frequent feelings of anxiety, sadness, and low self-worth, which they directly