Social Work and Adolescent Mental Health in Urban Lagos: An Empirical Investigation of Risk and Protective Factors

Adolescent mental health has emerged as a significant public health and social welfare priority in Nigeria, where urbanisation, family disruption, and poverty interact to create environments of heightened psychological risk. This study empirically investigates risk and protective factors for adolescent mental health in urban Lagos, South West Nigeria, and explores the social work implications of identified patterns. A stratified random sample of 300 secondary school students in Alimosho and Lagos Mainland local government areas is surveyed using validated mental health screening instruments alongside a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression and thematic analysis of complementary focus group data are employed. The study finds that family conflict, exposure to community violence, and school exclusion are significant risk factors for adolescent psychological distress, while positive family relationships, school belonging, and access to a trusted adult confidant are identified as protective factors. Social work presence in schools is minimal and inconsistent, limiting the profession's contribution to early identification and prevention. Drawing on ecological systems theory, the study argues that effective social work practice for adolescent mental health must operate simultaneously at individual, family, school, and community levels. Recommendations include establishing school-embedded social work roles in Lagos State secondary schools, training social workers in adolescent mental health first aid, and developing family-strengthening community programmes. Keywords: adolescent mental health, social work, urban Lagos, risk factors, ecological systems theory