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Tuong Van Nguyen^*✉ , Minh Trong Quang , Thu Anh Hoang Nguyen , Thuy Thanh Thi Ta , Tan Phu Thach Pham

1. Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
2. Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
3. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
4. Center for Mental Health Research and Support, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
5. Department of Social Work and Community Development, Faculty of Social Work, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
6. Department of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Abstract

Childhood storytelling experiences have been linked to resilience and well-being, but research on their relationship with positive mental health among Vietnamese university students is limited. This study examined this association among 364 undergraduate students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City. Retrospective data were gathered on three aspects of childhood storytelling experiences from the ages of 6-13: storytellers, story genres, and story usage ability as adults. Positive mental health was assessed using a validated scale. Most students reported occasional storytelling experiences, with mothers and teachers being the most common storytellers. Personal family stories and folktales were frequently heard. As adults, the students felt that story recall helped reinforce values, cope with difficulties, and share stories with others. Self-ratings indicated moderately positive mental health. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between all three aspects of the storytelling experience and current positive mental health. Students later in life correlated enhanced positive mental health with more frequent, diverse childhood storytelling experiences involving different storytellers and genres, as well as a retained ability to recall and retell cherished stories. These findings contribute to the limited research on this topic in Vietnam. Further investigation using longitudinal and mixed-methods approaches is warranted to deepen the understanding of storytelling’s impacts. The limitations include retrospective self-reporting and the cultural specificity of the positive mental health measure‎.

Keywords: Childhood storytelling experiences, Positive mental health, Vietnamese university students, Cross-sectional study, Protective factors

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