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Brain Sciences
Special Issues
Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents
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Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychiatry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 3868

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Dariusz Krok

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Psychology, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
Interests: clinical psychology; health psychology; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mental health and mental illness in adolescents have emerged as critical areas of research and significant social issues in recent years, driven by a combination of social, technological, and environmental factors. Mental disorders in children and adolescents can stem from various causes, including genetic, biological, social, and familial influences. Genetic factors may involve a family history of mental disorders or changes in DNA, while biological factors can relate to the impact of physical health on the psyche or the abuse of psychoactive substances. Other key factors affecting the mental health of adolescents include the increasing prevalence of mental health issues related to lifestyle changes, the impact of social media and technology, and academic pressures. Additionally, adolescents are facing heightened social pressure and stress from academic demands, exposure to traumatic events in their family and community—such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and community violence—and the dynamic cultural changes occurring in society.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore and identify the determinants, consequences, and mechanisms associated with mental health and mental illness in adolescents. As mental health problems can profoundly impact an adolescent's development, addressing mental health and mental illness in adolescents is crucial to ensuring their well-being, academic success, and healthy development into adulthood.

Potential research topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Theoretical perspectives on mental health and mental illness in adolescents;
  • The role of personality and social characteristics in adolescent mental health;
  • Cognitive and emotional processes in optimizing adolescent mental health;
  • Specific characteristics of mental illness in adolescents;
  • The impact of mental illness on social and academic functioning;
  • Coping with stress in the context of mental health challenges in adolescents;
  • The relationship between mental well-being and mental health;
  • The mental health needs of adolescents;
  • The effectiveness of psychotherapy for adolescents;
  • Psychosomatic interventions in adolescent mental health.

Prof. Dr. Dariusz Krok
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health
  • mental illness
  • adolescents
  • coping with stress
  • psychotherapy
  • medical treatment
  • well-being

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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22 pages, 804 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Dimensions of Perfectionism in Adolescence: A Multi-Method Study on Mental Health and CBT-Based Psychoeducation
by Magdalena Chęć, Krystian Konieczny, Sylwia Michałowska and Karolina Rachubińska
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15010091 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Background: Perfectionism in adolescents can have both adaptive and maladaptive forms, with implications for mental health and school performance. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among perfectionism, mental health factors, and emotional regulation in adolescents and to evaluate the efficacy of psychoeducational [...] Read more.
Background: Perfectionism in adolescents can have both adaptive and maladaptive forms, with implications for mental health and school performance. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among perfectionism, mental health factors, and emotional regulation in adolescents and to evaluate the efficacy of psychoeducational interventions. Methods: Two studies were conducted: (1) A cross-sectional study (n = 261) examined the correlations among perfectionism, mental health factors, and emotional regulation. (2) An experimental study (n = 115) evaluated the effects of psychoeducation on perfectionism and healthy habits compared with a control group. The measures included questionnaires on perfectionism, depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation. Results: Study 1 found that maladaptive perfectionism was positively correlated with depression (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), stress (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and difficulties in emotional regulation (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Adaptive perfectionism was negatively correlated with deficits in emotional understanding (r = −0.31, p < 0.05). Study 2 showed that psychoeducational interventions reduced maladaptive perfectionism (mean difference = −5.7, p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.62) and depression levels (mean difference = −3.2, p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.38) but increased stress in the experimental groups. No significant changes were observed in adaptive perfectionism or the anxiety level. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex relationships among perfectionism, mental health, and emotional regulation in adolescents. Targeted interventions can reduce maladaptive perfectionism and its associated negative effects. Further research is needed on the long-term outcomes and refinement of interventional strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents)
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21 pages, 866 KiB  
Article
Perception of Loneliness in Adolescence: Role of Maladaptive Personality Traits and Trauma-Related Symptomatology
by Fiorenza Giordano, Danilo Calaresi, Valeria Saladino and Valeria Verrastro
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15010086 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Loneliness is a heterogeneous phenomenon, generally defined as an emotional experience based on the perceived distance between an individual’s actual social relationships and those he or she would like to have. Adolescence is particularly vulnerable to loneliness because of the many changes [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Loneliness is a heterogeneous phenomenon, generally defined as an emotional experience based on the perceived distance between an individual’s actual social relationships and those he or she would like to have. Adolescence is particularly vulnerable to loneliness because of the many changes in values, feelings, and emotions that characterize it. Among the aspects that may influence this feeling of discomfort, the literature identifies maladaptive personality and a dysfunctional response to traumatic events. Our study aims to identify the possible role that maladaptive personality traits and post-traumatic stress symptomatology in the form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Disturbance in Self-Organization (DSO) may play in the perception of loneliness in adolescents: Methods: We identified a mediation model constructed through structural equation modeling (SEM) to test PTSD and DSO post-traumatic stress symptomatology as independent variables and maladaptive personality as a mediator in the relationship between these and perceptions of loneliness in a population of adolescents of both sexes, Italian high school students; Results: Our study identifies the significant role of PTSD and DSO symptomatology in influencing the state of loneliness, both directly and indirectly through maladaptive personality traits, which appear to exert a substantial influence on the perception of loneliness, potentially functioning as mediators in the relationship between the latter and PTSD/DSO symptomatology. Presumably, a maladaptive personality may complicate recovery from adverse and traumatic experiences by preventing the implementation of functional coping strategies and promoting dysfunctional responses. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of researchers and clinicians adequately considering different personality traits and the early identification of post-traumatic stress symptomatology. A focus on adolescents’ communication and interpersonal skills and their ability to respond effectively to stressful and traumatic events may prove useful in identifying more effective strategies for preventing and managing loneliness and related distress in adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents)
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18 pages, 760 KiB  
Article
Scouting as a Strategy in Support of Mental Health Development Through the Formation of Sense of Self-Efficacy
by Roman Ryszard Szałachowski, Weronika Własak and Wioletta Tuszyńska-Bogucka
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14121268 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 632
Abstract
Background: This research project examining the moderating role of the Scout Movement in supporting mental health through the shaping of personal competence is based on Bandura’s conception of social development (social cognitive theory) in terms of generating a sense of general self-efficacy. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: This research project examining the moderating role of the Scout Movement in supporting mental health through the shaping of personal competence is based on Bandura’s conception of social development (social cognitive theory) in terms of generating a sense of general self-efficacy. Methods: This research examined the moderating value of Scouting with regard to the connection between self-esteem and a sense of efficacy and styles of coping with stress in a group of 683 volunteers. Results: The results suggest that Scouting is a moderator of the relationship between the intensity of an emotion-focused stress coping style and a sense of self-efficacy—being a Scout intensifies the blocking effect of self-esteem on emotions in stressful situations, which can positively influence emotion regulation. Conclusions: The features described suggest the need to research Scouting as a non-formal education strategy to support the development of young people’s mental health in different theoretical and methodological contexts. This work provides conclusions regarding understanding the role of Scouting as a moderator in coping with stress and, consequently, ensuring good mental health. It detailed the knowledge pertaining to specific mechanisms thanks to which Scouting can influence the development of emotional regulation and adaptive response to stressful situations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents)
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20 pages, 760 KiB  
Article
Temperament and the Experience of Tension and Self-Injurious Behaviour in Adolescents—The Mediating Role of Maladaptive Perfectionism
by Magdalena Chęć, Sylwia Michałowska, Alicja Gnych-Pietrzak, Albina Rybarska and Klaudia Strochalska
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111140 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 880
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is an important point in the emotional development of young people. It is a time when young people are characterised by a high degree of emotional instability and seek effective ways to regulate their emotions. One of the frequent methods they [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescence is an important point in the emotional development of young people. It is a time when young people are characterised by a high degree of emotional instability and seek effective ways to regulate their emotions. One of the frequent methods they use to cope with emotional tension is self-injurious behaviour. Methods: In the context of the rising incidence of self-harm among adolescents, this study aims to understand the association of temperament with the experience of tension and self-injurious behaviour along with the mediating role of perfectionism among 366 adolescents aged 15 to 20 years (Mage = 17.98, SD = 1.302, 52.7% female). Participants completed questionnaires on temperament traits, level of perfectionism, and experience of tension and self-injurious behaviour. Results: The results show that traits such as perfectionism, sensory sensitivity and emotional reactivity increase the risk of self-injurious behaviour. Maladaptive perfectionism partially mediates the relationship between these traits and the tendency to experience emotional tension. A temperament profile with a protective role was also identified. Conclusions: The results of the study highlight the importance of innate traits as well as environmental and cognitive influences, and may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to self-injurious behaviour and strategies aimed at its prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents)
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16 pages, 1357 KiB  
Article
The Development of a Brief but Comprehensive Therapeutic Assessment Protocol for the Screening and Support of Youth in the Community to Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis
by Margaret Danielle Weiss, Eleanor Castine Richards, Danta Bien-Aime, Taylor Witkowski, Peyton Williams, Katie E. Holmes, Dharma E. Cortes, Miriam C. Tepper, Philip S. Wang, Rajendra Aldis, Nicholas Carson and Benjamin Le Cook
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111134 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1038
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a therapeutic assessment protocol for the Screening and Support of Youth (SASY). SASY provides brief but comprehensive community-based screening and support for diverse youth in the community. Methods: SASY [...] Read more.
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a therapeutic assessment protocol for the Screening and Support of Youth (SASY). SASY provides brief but comprehensive community-based screening and support for diverse youth in the community. Methods: SASY screening evaluates symptoms, functioning and clinical risk. The Kiddie Computerized Adaptive Test was used to evaluate seven different diagnoses and symptom severity. The Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Self was used to measure functional impairment. Measures were scored according to nationally developed norms. An algorithm was developed to aggregate symptom and function ratings into an overall score for clinical risk. The results are discussed with participants in a motivational interview designed to promote insight, followed by the opportunity for the participant to engage in an online intervention. Protocol changes necessitated by social distancing during the pandemic led to innovative methods including the use of a QR code for recruitment, integration of both online and offline participation, and expansion from in-person recruitment within the schools to virtual engagement with youth throughout the community. The final sample included disproportionately more Black or African American and Hispanic youth as compared to school and community statistics, suggesting that optimization of online and offline methods in research may facilitate the recruitment of diverse populations. Qualitative interviews indicated that the screening and feedback raised youth awareness of their wellbeing and/or distress, its impact on their functioning, and engagement with options for improved wellbeing. Conclusions: The emergence of innovative methods optimizing the advantages of both online and offline methods, developed as a necessity during the pandemic, proved advantageous to the feasibility and acceptability of community-based recruitment of at-risk, minoritized youth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents)
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