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Does Positive Mental Health in Adolescence Longitudinally Predict Healthy Transitions in Young Adulthood?

Author

Listed:
  • Meredith O’Connor

    (Geelong Grammar School
    University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
    Royal Children’s Hospital)

  • Ann V. Sanson

    (University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences)

  • John W. Toumbourou

    (Deakin University)

  • Jacolyn Norrish

    (Geelong Grammar School)

  • Craig A. Olsson

    (University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
    Deakin University
    Deakin University
    Murdoch Childrens Research Institute)

Abstract

The present study examined the longer-term implications of adolescent positive mental health for successful young adult transitions. Positive mental health in adolescence was defined by indicators roughly corresponding to Seligman’s positive psychology PERMA framework (positive emotional experiences, engagement, relationships, purpose, and accomplishment), with the addition of health. Data were drawn from one of Australia’s longest running studies of social and emotional development (Australian Temperament Project, est. 1983, N = 2443), which has followed a large representative community sample from infancy to 27–28 years of age. In the analyzed sample of n = 999, positive mental health at 15–16 years was associated with indicators of career progression (educational attainment and perceived competence) and taking on citizenship responsibilities (volunteering and civic activities) over a decade later at 27–28 years. Mental health problems in adolescence were more relevant to establishing romantic partnerships in young adulthood: adolescent antisocial behaviors predicted higher likelihood of being in a relationship, while depressive symptoms predicted lower quality partnerships. The results suggest that successful transitions into young adult roles and responsibilities may be facilitated by targeted mental health promotion interventions designed to both foster positive mental health and address mental health difficulties in adolescence.

Suggested Citation

  • Meredith O’Connor & Ann V. Sanson & John W. Toumbourou & Jacolyn Norrish & Craig A. Olsson, 2017. "Does Positive Mental Health in Adolescence Longitudinally Predict Healthy Transitions in Young Adulthood?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 177-198, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:18:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-016-9723-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-016-9723-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. W. Hallam & C. Olsson & M. O’Connor & M. Hawkins & J. Toumbourou & G. Bowes & R. McGee & A. Sanson, 2014. "Association Between Adolescent Eudaimonic Behaviours and Emotional Competence in Young Adulthood," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(5), pages 1165-1177, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Iva Burešová & Martin Jelínek & Jaroslava Dosedlová & Helena Klimusová, 2020. "Predictors of Mental Health in Adolescence: The Role of Personality, Dispositional Optimism, and Social Support," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(2), pages 21582440209, May.
    2. Marco Giovanni Mariani & Rita Chiesa & Elena Lo Piccolo & Gerardo Petruzziello, 2023. "Invest in Your Mental Health, Support Your Career. Exploring the Impact of Mental Health Activities on Movement Capital and the Mediating Role of Flourishing and Career Engagement during the Transitio," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Regina Winzer & Kimmo Sorjonen & Lene Lindberg, 2018. "What Predicts Stable Mental Health in the 18–29 Age Group Compared to Older Age Groups? Results from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort 2002–2014," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Sónia Teixeira & Carme Ferré-Grau & Teresa Lluch Canut & Regina Pires & José Carlos Carvalho & Isilda Ribeiro & Carolina Sequeira & Teresa Rodrigues & Francisco Sampaio & Tiago Costa & Carlos Alberto , 2022. "Positive Mental Health in University Students and Its Relations with Psychological Vulnerability, Mental Health Literacy, and Sociodemographic Characteristics: A Descriptive Correlational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.

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