Flourishing Among Children and Adolescents: Structure and Correlates of Positive Mental Health, and Interventions for Its Enhancement

Abstract

Past research on child and adolescent mental health has focused upon outcomes characterized by the absence of ill-health, such as the absence of substance abuse or depression. In contrast to this pathology or deficit model, we review research focused upon positive indicators of youth mental health, such as the presence of happiness or engagement. We first describe the complete state and dual-factor models of mental health, in which mental health and mental disorder are viewed as separate but (inversely) related dimensions of functioning. We then review evidence in support of these conceptualizations. Next, we examine predictors of youth’s scores on the mental health dimension of functioning, such as need satisfaction, character strengths, benefit finding, engagement, and nature involvement. We then turn to interventions aimed at boosting scores on the mental health dimension, including hope-enhancing interventions and those emphasizing mindfulness and gratitude expression. We conclude by examining additional conceptualizations of the interplay of mental health and mental disorder dimensions of functioning in youth, and offer suggestions for areas of future investigation.