Exploring a dual-factor mental health screening model with children in grades 5-10

The dual-factor mental health (DFMH) model posits that mental health comprises two distinct yet interrelated dimensions: psychological distress and psychological well-being. This study used responses to a 10-item measure within a self-report risk survey to explore the prevalence rates and criterion validity of a DFMH screening model based on norm-referenced classifications with a nationally representative sample of U.S. children in Grades 5-10 (N = 5,949). Students' responses were classified into one of four possible DFMH statuses: complete mental health, troubled, symptomatic but content, or vulnerable. Results indicated most students were classified as complete mental health (71.2%), followed by symptomatic but content (13.2%), vulnerable (10.6%), and troubled (5.1%), respectively. Criterion validity findings showed students classified in the complete mental health group had the most beneficial concurrent outcomes across several academic, behavioral, and emotional indicators when compared with students in all other DFMH groups. Additionally, students in the symptomatic but content group demonstrated substantively better outcomes than both vulnerable and troubled students, whereas students in the vulnerable group had similar concurrent outcomes compared to those in the troubled group. Overall, results from this study provide further validity evidence supporting the interpretation and use of a DFMH screening model in schools with a nationally representative sample of elementary, middle, and high-school-aged youth. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).