Socio-ecological domains and adolescent mental health: An application of the dual-factor model.

Comprehensive assessment of mental health includes wellbeing and psychopathology. Using the dual-factor model of mental health, this study explored associations between socioecological domains and mental health profiles and subsequent moderations by sex, race and ethnicity, and age. Cross-sectional data were from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort (N = 2826). Adolescents were 11-17 years old (mean age 14.4 ± 2.1), 55.3% non-Hispanic White, and 48% girls. Using latent profile analysis, four mental health groups were identified: positive mental health; parent-endorsed symptoms, but content; vulnerable; and troubled. Latent regression analyses showed that, overall, better family, peer, and teacher-school relationships were found in the positive mental health group compared with other groups. No significant moderations were observed. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Duke Scholars

Author Laura Kristin Newby Medicine, Cardiology