Which of the following is an external factor that can influence adolescent mental wellbeing?

• A. Sleep
• B. Finances
• C. Coping skills
• D. Finances

Answer: (D)

External factors are elements of a young person’s environment that can influence mental wellbeing. Finances reflect the resources available in that environment, affecting stress levels, access to food, housing, healthcare, and opportunities for support or activities. When finances are limited, financial stress and practical barriers can contribute to anxiety, mood changes, and overall wellbeing. Sleep, while important to mental health, is primarily a biological/behavioral factor tied to routines and physiology rather than a resource in the environment. Coping skills are internal psychological resources a person uses to manage stress, not external conditions. So finances best represents an external factor that can influence adolescent mental wellbeing.