Gender and Lower Economic Status Moderate the Relation between Positive Youth Development and Mental Health

Adolescent mental health problems account for almost half of overall health problems globally with a risk to mental health in adulthood. Since most mental health problems begin in adolescence, this developmental period should be a focus of strengths-based approach and prevention. The most researched positive youth development framework shown to be associated with youth mental health is The Five C model which distinguishes five indicators: competence, character, confidence, caring, and connection. The aim of the present study is to examine whether sociodemographic differences moderate the association of Five Cs positive youth development indicators and depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescence. The participants of the study were 3,438 students enrolled in the first year of secondary schools in Croatia who completed the Short Measure of the Five Cs, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales and reported the perception of the socioeconomic status of their family. Gender and socioeconomic status main effects were shown for seven out of ten models with depression and anxiety as criterion variables. Results show that girls with lower levels of competence, confidence, and connection and lower socioeconomic status reported the highest depression and anxiety scores. These results imply that confidence, competence, and connection could be sensitive to equality and distribution of resources for youth. Reducing youth mental health problems should include social justice perspective and more available public services for families. Supportive environments are key for positive development; therefore, promotive and preventive efforts should target factors operating on societal level as well.