Multidimensional and Ecological Model for Assessing the Mental Health of Children and Young People

The conceptualization of mental health problems and quality of life requires a comprehensive, multidimensional model of subjective health, a mental health and quality of life should be understood as psychological constructs encompassing physical, psychological, mental, social, and functional well-being.
The main objective of this study is to propose an integrated model for assessing the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young people from the municipality of Vale de Cambra, based on a biopsychosocial and environmental perspective. The main indicators include psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, and stress), perceived well-being, and stress management skills—core variables for the mental health of children and adolescents.
The total sample consisted of 618 participants, half of whom were male (50.2%), aged between 9 and 18 years (M = 12.2; SD = 2.88), ranging from the third year of primary school to secondary education.
Results revealed moderate levels of well-being and stress management skills, and low levels of psychological symptomatology. Strong and significant correlations were found between higher stress management and greater well-being, as well as negative associations with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant gender differences were observed, with girls reporting more symptoms and boys showing better stress management skills, as well as age differences, with older adolescents reporting greater psychological distress.
Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that individual, family, relational, and school variables significantly predicted mental health, explaining between 5% and 6% of model variance. Robust predictors included life satisfaction, sleep quality, screen dependence, personal concerns, and perceptions of classroom conditions.
Overall, the results underscore the importance of an ecological approach to understanding and promoting mental health among children and adolescents. This study demonstrates that the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents should be understood through a biopsychosocial and environmental perspective, where individual, social, and contextual factors interact dynamically. Diagnosis therefore requires a multidimensional assessment model, using multi-method and multi-context evaluations. Practical implications and recommendations for local, national, and international public policies are discussed.

assessment model; mental health; children and adolescents; ecological perspective

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