Beyond diagnosis: Mentalization and mental health from a transdiagnostic point of view in adolescents from non-clinical population. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ballespí, Sergi; Vives, Jaume; Debbané, Martin; Sharp, Carla; Barrantes-Vidal, Neus
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 270(2018)
• Page Start: 755
• Page End: 763
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Social cognition -- Reflective function -- Insight -- Theory of mind -- Tom -- Mentalizing -- Meta-cognition -- Social intelligence -- Emotional intelligence -- Inter-personal intelligence -- Intra-personal intelligence -- Analytic function -- Mindblindness -- Awareness -- Consciousness -- Psychopathology -- Impairment -- Adjustment -- Comorbidity -- Mental disorder; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Mentalization contributes to mental health beyond symptoms. Mentalization deficit is not so much associated to general psychopathology. Higher mentalization deficit is not associated to higher comorbidity. Mentalization is associated to good role, social and general functioning. Mentalization is associated to self-esteem, resiliency and well-being. Abstract: An increasing volume of evidence suggests that mentalization (MZ) can be an important factor in the transition from mental health to mental illness and vice versa. However, most studies are focused on the role of MZ in specific disorders. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between MZ and mental health as a trans-diagnostic process. A sample of 172 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old ( M = 14.6, SD = 1.7; 56.4% of girls) was assessed on measures of MZ, psychopathology and psychological functioning from a multimethod and multi-informant perspective. Contrary to predictions, MZ was not associated with general psychopathology and comorbidity, even when explored from a broad, trans-diagnostic perspective. However, we observed a robust association linking MZ to functioning and well-being across many dimensions, involving social, role and several psychological indicators of adjustment and mental health. These results suggest that MZ may contribute to mental health beyond symptoms, not so much associated with psychopathology, but rather resilience and well-being.