Dual factor model of adolescent mental: profiles of school-aged children in Luxembourg

Background
The Dual Factor Model (DFM) of mental health takes in account the psychopathology symptoms, but also the positive affects of well-being, in order to have a comprehensive view of mental health.

Objective
Explore the profiles of the well-being and mental health, based on the DFM, and the factors associated to it, during adolescence in Luxembourg.

Method
The study is based on the 2022 HBSC survey. It comprehends 7201 adolescents from 11 to 18-years old, that attended schools in Luxembourg with national curriculum. Based on DFM and according to subjective well-being (WHO-5 Index) and anxiety symptomatology (GAD-2), the sample was divided in 4 groups: 1. complete mental health; 2. incomplete mental health; 3. incomplete mental illness; 4. complete mental illness. It was performed descriptive and bivariate analysis based on a selection of sociodemographic, physical and social variables.

Results
Results show that most of the adolescents have Complete mental health (49.5%), followed by 21.9% of Complete mental illness (Incomplete mental health 16.3%; Incomplete mental illness 12.2%). Each group has different characteristics. For instance, Complete mental illness is characterized by girls, adolescents with fair/poor perceived health, frequent multiple health complaints, who rarely practice vigorous physical activity, who report low/medium support from teacher, low support from family and often feel lonely.

Conclusion
The four profiles vary according to the influence of well-being on mental health. Interventions and prevent strategies should focus on girls and physical and social dimensions of adolescents’ life.