Abstract

This study examines emotional and behavioral difficulties among 400 students from ten upper secondary schools in Dong Thap Province surveyed in the second quarter of 2026. Data were collected using the self- report SDQ-25 and supplementary interviews and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results showed that 85 students were classified as at risk and 58 as experiencing difficulties, representing 21.3% and 14.5% of the sample, respectively; together, they accounted for 35.8%. The combined proportions across individual domains were 43.0% for hyperactivity/inattention, 38.0% for emotional symptoms, 34.0% for peer problems, and 28.0% for conduct problems. These figures represent screening classifications rather than diagnosed mental disorders, and overlapping domains should not be aggregated. Despite the limitations of self-report data, the findings support further assessment, accessible school counselling, confidentiality protection, and coordinated student support.

Keywords: Emotional and behavioural difficulties, psychological screening, school counselling, SDQ-25, upper secondary school students.