Tracing psychological resources and mental health: the role of sense of coherence, resilience and self-efficacy in young adulthood

Background Psychological resources such as resilience, sense of coherence (SOC), optimism, self-efficacy, and locus of control are central to adaptive functioning and mental health. However, their developmental antecedents and interrelations remain insufficiently understood. Methods Using longitudinal data from a population-based cohort, this study examined a) associations between psychological resources and psychopathology in young adulthood (18–19 years), and b) early predictors of these resources, including psychopathology, social competences, maternal psychopathology, and bonding. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to test the structure of psychological resources. Results Higher levels of resilience, SOC, optimism, and self-efficacy were associated with lower psychopathology symptoms in young adulthood, even after controlling for early risk factors. SOC emerged as the strongest unique predictor, indicating a central integrative role. Exploratory factor analysis supported a dominant general psychological resource dimension. Psychopathology predicted lower psychological resources, whereas maternal factors showed limited and inconsistent direct effects. Conclusions Psychological resources are closely intertwined with mental health in young adulthood, with SOC appearing as a particularly central component. These findings underscore the relevance of psychological resources for understanding individual differences in mental health and suggest their potential value as targets for future longitudinal and intervention-based research.