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

Abstract

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.