Humanistic Counseling for Adolescent Mental Health in Toxic Relationships: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Adolescent mental health has become a growing global concern, particularly in the context of toxic relationships characterized by emotional manipulation, psychological aggression, excessive control, and various forms of dating violence. Although numerous studies have examined the psychological consequences of unhealthy relationships, limited research has synthesized these findings while exploring the potential contribution of humanistic counseling as a comprehensive intervention approach. This article aims to analyze the relationship between toxic relationships and adolescent mental health, identify factors influencing psychological outcomes, and examine the relevance of humanistic counseling in addressing these challenges. The study employed a qualitative Systematic Literature Review design by synthesizing empirical studies related to mental health, toxic relationships, dating violence, emotional regulation, social support, help-seeking behavior, and counseling interventions published in reputable scholarly sources. The collected literature was analyzed through thematic synthesis to identify recurring patterns, determinants, and intervention implications. The findings indicate that toxic relationships are consistently associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and reduced psychological well-being. These outcomes are influenced by emotional regulation, adverse childhood experiences, family dynamics, social support, mental health literacy, stigma, and access to mental health services. The review further highlights that humanistic counseling provides a relevant framework for promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance, personal growth, and emotional resilience among affected adolescents. The findings imply that integrating humanistic counseling into mental health support services may contribute to more holistic and empowering interventions for adolescents experiencing unhealthy interpersonal relationships.