Protective and Risk Factors for the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorders, and Promotion of Well-Being

Dear Colleagues,

Epidemiological studies (Merikangas et al., 2009; Solmi et al., 2022) have shown that the onset of the first mental disorder occurs before the age of 14 in one-third of individuals. Anxiety disorders are the most common condition in children, followed by behavioural disorders, mood disorders and substance use disorders. Regarding gender differences, girls show higher rates of internalising problems (mood and anxiety disorders) and boys show higher rates of externalising problems (behaviour disorders). The gender ratio for substance use disorders is equal.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety are more likely to begin in childhood, whereas behavioural disorders start in early adolescence. In addition, mood disorders are more likely to begin in late adolescence.

Therefore, it is evident that childhood and adolescence are critical times for mental health, considering how many psychiatric problems begin in this period. Moreover, all mental health problems in childhood and adolescence, both externalising and internalising, are linked to relevant personal, familiar, social and economic costs across an individuals’ lifespan, and have adverse consequences on future emotional and social development. According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders are the leading cause of health-related disability in children and adolescents worldwide (WHO, 2020; 2021). Mental health problems are also associated with poorer academic performance, even to the point of dropping out of school, and an increased risk of suicide (Auerbach et al., 2014; Copeland et al., 2014; Hetrick et al., 2016).

For these reasons, it is important to detect not only those risk factors that are relevant to understanding the development of mental health problems in children and adolescents, but also protective factors that can help inform programs aimed at preventing psychological distress and promoting well-being. Indeed, among the protective and risk factors, it is particularly valuable to recognise and detect those factors that are modifiable, i.e., amenable to change, in order to reduce the risk of mental disorders and increase well-being (Barcaccia et al., 2022; Cabral & Patel, 2020; Cairns et al., 2014; Kassis et al., 2017; Lynch et al., 2021; Shortt & Spence, 2006; Yap et al., 2014). 

References

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Barcaccia, B., Hartstone, J.M., Pallini, S., Petrocchi, N., Saliani, A.M., & Medvedev, O.N. (2022). Mindfulness, Social Safeness and Self-reassurance as Protective Factors and Self- Criticism and Revenge as Risk Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Youth. Mindfulness, 13, 674–684. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1007/s12671-021-01824-0

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Dr. Barbara Barcaccia
Dr. Alessandro Couyoumdjian
Guest Editors

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• mental health
• children
• adolescents
• protective factors
• risk factors
• prevention
• treatment
• promotion of well-being