Adolescent psychopathology and psychological wellbeing: a network analysis approach

Abstract Background The extent to which psychological wellbeing may play a preventive and therapeutic role in the development maintenance of adolescent emotional disorders depends, part, on nature overlap between these two constructs. We estimated network analysis examine relationship psychopathology (measured by depression anxiety symptoms) happiness, optimism, social support, perceived control, gratitude). Methods This was cross-sectional study with large community sample Kenyan adolescents ( N = 2192, aged 13–18). Network analyses were conducted topology, stability, centrality, bridge nodes measures. Results Two distinct clusters emerged, one for another nodes, suggesting that are but connected concepts. Central identified. most central family provides help support self-blame; strongest negative edges depressed mood—I love life irritability—I am joyful person; main helps me I can talk about problems. Conclusions Our findings expand understanding an understudied population suggestive how inform psychopathological treatment efforts low-income regions such as those Sub Saharan Africa.