The Research on Risk Factors for Adolescents' Mental Health

Abstract

There is a growing tendency for mental health disorders to emerge during adolescence. These disorders impair emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, such as unsatisfying peer relationships, disruptive behavior, and decreased academic performance. They also contribute to vulnerability in later adulthood which negatively influences life-long well-being. Thus, research into etiology is imperative to provide implications for prevention and intervention within family and school practices. It is suggested that the onset of psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, is closely related to stress levels and patterns of stress reaction. Therefore, considerable research has investigated the link between hereditary factors, economic status, dispositional vulnerability, social relationships, and stress levels. The current study examines existing evidence and identifies multifaceted risk factors for adolescents' mental problems across three layers, including individual traits and personality, family status and practices, as well as peer relationships, and school climate. It is also suggested that factors from these three perspectives interact and are closely interconnected, directly or indirectly contributing to adolescent psychopathology. The implications for future development of prevention and intervention programs, as well as therapy, are discussed.

Keywords: adolescents; depression; mental health; parenting styles; self-efficacy.

Figure 1

Summary of the interaction between individual vulnerability, family environment, peer relationships and adolescents’ mental health. ① Individual vulnerability is bidirectionally predictive of peer relationships. ② Family environment is linked to individual vulnerability. ③ Peer relationships are associated with adolescents’ mental health issues. ④ Family environment is associated with adolescents’ mental health issues. ⑤ Family environment influences peer relationships. ⑥ Individual vulnerability is associated with adolescents’ mental health issues.