The influence of social determinants and 5Cs of positive youth development on the mental health of Chilean adolescents

This study analyzes the influence of social determinants (SD) and positive youth development (PYD) on the mental health (MH) of Chilean adolescents. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational-explanatory design was used to analyze data from 612 adolescents (43.46% male and 56.54% female), aged between 11 and 19 years (M = 14.92, SD = 1.50). The assessed SD variables included parental educational level, family affluence, gender, migratory status, and ethnicity. PYD was measured using the 5Cs model (Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring). MH was conceptualized through the dual-factor model, which encompasses subjective well-being (SWB) and psychopathological symptoms (PTH). The analyses included confirmatory factor analysis to assess the measurement models and structural equation modeling to examine both the direct and indirect effects of the hypothesized relationships. The findings indicate that family affluence and gender are the factors most consistently associated with the dimensions of PYD and MH. Confidence and connection positively influence MH by enhancing SWB and reducing PTH. Furthermore, these two dimensions act as significant mediators between SD and MH. The study highlights the importance of considering both the socioeconomic context and individual capabilities in mental health promotion strategies, proposing an integrated approach that addresses both the positive and negative aspects of adolescent mental health.