Testing the validity of a novel, conceptual, strength-based model in predicting resilient functioning in an UK-based, adolescent, student population: a prospective evaluation

Introduction: Mental health problems in adolescence can be precursors of psychosocial problems in adulthood, increasing the likelihood for engaging in health-risk behaviours. Given that most of mental health problems remain untreated for years with subsequent repercussions for society and economy, governments have stressed the need to implement universal, resilience interventions early in adolescence. Adolescence is a pivotal developmental period, favouring the large-scale roll-out of universal, resilience interventions. Due to the inconsistent effects of these interventions in decreasing mental health problems and promoting resilience, their content and structure should be reconsidered. As such, it is vital to investigate the underpinning pathways between stress and resilient functioning. Aim: This study aims to test the validity of a novel, conceptual, strength-based model in predicting resilient functioning in an UK-based, adolescent population. Methods: A prospective, questionnaire-based, cohort study with a baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments was conducted. Overall, 561 adolescents aged 11-16 were enrolled and participated in this study. Measures: Seven validated questionnaires were used, namely: i) the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), ii) the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C), iii) Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA), iv) the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), v) the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), vi) Positive & Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and viii) the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Analysis: A panel, moderated-mediation, path model was analysed. The proposed model consisted of a predictor variable (PSS), a mediator variable (SEQ-C), a moderator variable (ERQ-CA), and four outcome variables (WEMWBS, RCMAS, PANAS, & SDQ). Results: Perceived self-efficacy was found to be a significant mediator between: stress perceptions and anxiety symptoms (0.13, 95%CI = 0.06, 0.21, p≤0.001), stress perceptions and socio-emotional disturbances (0.18, 95%CI = 0.14, 0.24, p≤0.001), stress perceptions and positive emotions (-0.42, 95%CI = -0.52, -0.32, p≤0.001), and stress perceptions and mental well-being (-0.49, 95%CI = -0.59, -0.39, p≤0.001) while emotion regulation was found to significantly moderate the relationship between stress perceptions and perceived self-efficacy. Discussion: Perceived self-efficacy and emotion regulation were found to counterbalance stress levels and increase resilient functioning. Future interventions will benefit from following a strength-based approach