The Research Desk
Scientists at the University of Canberra found that adolescent mental health is mostly positive, but complete mental health has declined, especially among females.
Storm and Stress 2.0? A Dual-Factor, Person-Centered Analysis of Adolescent Well-being Across Two Year 7 Cohorts and Gender.
- Resilience
- Positive emotion
Zhou, H., O'Donnell, A., Rickard, N., O'Connor, M., Reynolds, K.
In plain language
This study investigates the mental health and well-being of adolescents using a dual-factor approach that considers both positive and negative aspects. By analyzing two cohorts of Australian year 7 students, the research identifies distinct mental health profiles and tracks changes over five years. The study reveals that while a majority of adolescents exhibit positive mental health, there is a concerning decline in those with complete mental health, especially among females.
The research challenges the deficit-based view of adolescence by highlighting resilience and positive affect in the majority of students, despite the observed increase in mental health troubles. These findings suggest the need for gender-sensitive interventions and a balanced perspective on adolescent mental health that acknowledges both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Key findings
- Four mental health profiles were identified: complete mental health, symptomatic but positive, resilient but disaffected, and troubled.
- Approximately 80% of adolescents showed some positive mental health.
- The proportion of students with complete mental health declined by 7.93% from 2018 to 2023.
- The percentage of students classified as troubled increased by 4.76%.
- Declines in mental health were more pronounced among female students.
Why it matters
This research matters because it highlights the importance of recognizing both positive and negative aspects of adolescent mental health, offering a more nuanced understanding of youth well-being.
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Readers can use this knowledge to advocate for mental health programs that focus not only on reducing symptoms but also on enhancing positive well-being, particularly with attention to gender differences in adolescents.