Longitudinal prediction of positive and negative mental health in Germany, Russia, and China.

Jürgen Margraf,Xiao Chi Zhang,Silvia Schneider,Kristen L Lavallee,Joel Msafiri Francis

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0234997

Abstract

The present study examines a broad range of longitudinal predictors of dimensional positive mental health (PMH) and negative mental health (NMH), using data from the BOOM study. Participants were drawn from university student samples in Germany (1,608), Russia (677) and China (12,057). A structural equation model was conducted with four groups of predictors and PMH/NMH as criteria (outcomes). Five of the six salutogenic predictors were predictive of both positive mental health (positively) and negative mental health, as measured by depression (negatively). Pathogenic predictors anxiety and depression were related to future depression, but not to positive mental health. Stress at baseline was related to both future positive mental health (negatively) and future depression (positively). Being male in this study was associated with increased future depression. Results hold across Germany, Russia, and China. Results support the conceptualization of positive and negative mental health as related, but independent dimensions across three cultures.

Highlights

Mental health has been defined defacto as the absence of psychopathology [1,2,3]
As positive mental health (PMH) and mental health problems can present simultaneously, they best viewed as separate interdependent dimensions [1, 2, 7], and should both be taken into account in research on mental health [8]
This study examines the following positive constructs thought to be relevant to mental health and illness: resilience, social support, social rhythm, family affluence, physical health and expectations for fertility

Summary

Introduction

Mental health has been defined defacto as the absence of psychopathology [1,2,3]. This view is recognized increasingly as overly simplistic, with positive mental health being a distinct and important construct for understanding the human condition [1, 2]. With the rise of positive psychology, there is an increased interest in facilitating human flourishing and thriving, not just establishing a neutral state of mind [4]. Most studies in clinical psychology and psychiatry continue to exclusively focus on negative aspects of mental health

Methods

Results

Conclusion