Natural history of mental health competence from childhood to adolescence

• Published in: Journal of epidemiology and community health (1979) Vol. 76; no. 2; pp. 133 - 139
• Main Authors: O'Connor, Meredith, Arnup, Sarah J, Mensah, Fiona, Olsson, Craig, Goldfeld, Sharon, Viner, Russell M, Hope, Steven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.02.2022; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescents; Age; Australia - epidemiology; Child; Child development; Children; Children & youth; Cohort Studies; Disadvantaged groups; Female; health inequalities; Humans; life course epidemiology; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Medical screening; Mental Competency - psychology; Mental Health; Original Research; Population; Sociodemographics; Socioeconomic factors; Teenagers; Australia; United Kingdom > UK; life course epidemiology; health inequalities; mental health
• ISSN: 0143-005X; 1470-2738
• DOI: 10.1136/jech-2021-216761

BackgroundMental health competence (MHC) involves psychosocial capabilities such as regulating emotions, interacting well with peers and caring for others, and predicts a range of health and social outcomes. This study examines the course of MHC from childhood to adolescence and patterning by gender and disadvantage, in Australian and UK contexts.Methods Data: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n=4983) and the Millennium Cohort Study (n=18 296). Measures: A measure capturing key aspects of MHC was derived summing items from the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, assessed at 4–5 years, 6–7 years, 10–11 years and 14–15 years. Analysis: Proportions of children with high MHC (scores ≥23 of range 8–24) were estimated by age and country. Random-effects models were used to define MHC trajectories according to baseline MHC and change over time. Sociodemographic patterns were described.ResultsThe prevalence of high MHC steadily increased from 4 years to 15 years (from 13.6% to 15.8% and 20.6% to 26.2% in Australia and the UK, respectively). Examination of trajectories revealed that pathways of some children diverge from this normative MHC progression. For example, 7% and 9% of children in Australia and the UK, respectively, had a low starting point and decreased further in MHC by mid-adolescence. At all ages, and over time, MHC was lower for boys compared with girls and for children from disadvantaged compared with advantaged family backgrounds.ConclusionsApproaches to promoting MHC require a sustained focus from the early years through to adolescence, with more intensive approaches likely needed to support disadvantaged groups and boys.