Patterns of subjective well-being and psychopathology trajectories in adolescence: a population-based cohort study

Mental health encompasses subjective well-being (SWB) as well as psychopathology (PP). SWB and PP are related but separate domains: some individuals experience high SWB despite high PP, and others experience low SWB despite minimal PP. Given substantial and heterogeneous developmental changes in both domains during adolescence, examining their co-developmental trajectories may clarify how they integrate across this period.

Using data from the Tokyo Teen Cohort (N = 2994), a population-based prospective birth cohort study, we conducted parallel process latent class growth analysis to cluster SWB-PP trajectories at ages 10, 12, 14, and 16 years. We then investigated various sociodemographic, individual, familial, and socioenvironmental correlates for each class.

We identified four distinct classes: high SWB-low PP (55.0%), high SWB-mid PP (20.2%), low SWB-mid PP (17.0%), and mid SWB-high PP (7.7%). SWB declined from ages 10 to 16 years across all four classes. Lower PP did not necessarily correspond to higher SWB, and in some pairs of classes, the relationship between SWB and PP levels was reversed. When comparing the two classes with moderate PP, higher aspirations, more prosocial behavior, and better interpersonal relationships were associated with the high SWB class. In contrast, being female and having a higher household income were associated with the low SWB class.

Discrepant SWB-PP trajectories suggest characteristic patterns of developmental integration between these domains during adolescence. Considering their interplay may complement domain-specific approaches and inform psychosocial supports aimed at maintaining SWB even in the presence of PP.