Insights into adolescent well‐being from computerised analysis of written language. (10th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shearer, Natalie J.; Gillespie, Alanna N.; Olds, Tim S.; Mensah, Fiona K.; Edwards, Ben; Fernando, Julian W.; Wang, Yichao; Wake, Melissa; Lycett, Kate
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 110:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1880
• Page End: 1889
• Publication Date: 2021-03-10
• Subjects: automated computerised analysis -- language patterns -- linguistic analysis -- mental health -- well‐being; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.15813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To examine associations between patterns of language use and early adolescent well‐being. Methods: Participants were 1763 Australian 11‐ to 12‐year‐olds in the Child Health CheckPoint. Six patterns of language use were identified from a writing activity using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count and factor analysis: Acting in the present and future, Positive emotion, Gender and relationships, Self‐aware, Inquisitive and time focused, and Confident . Well‐being measures represented a spectrum from negatively to positively framed psychosocial health. Associations between language use and well‐being were estimated using linear regression adjusted for age, sex and social disadvantage. Results: Positive emotion (high emotional tone, positive emotion) was associated with better general well‐being (standardised regression coefficient (SRC) 0.05; 95% confidence interval 0.00 to 0.11; p = 0.04), life satisfaction (0.06; 0.01 to 0.11; p = 0.03), psychosocial health (0.07; 0.02 to 0.12; p = 0.01) and quality of life (QoL) (0.06; 0.01 to 0.11; p = 0.02). Similarly, Self‐aware (high first person singular pronouns, authentic, low clout) was associated with better general well‐being, life satisfaction and psychosocial health (SRC 0.05, 0.09, 0.08), but Confident (high clout, first person plural pronouns, affiliation) was associated with worse life satisfaction, psychosocial health and QoL (SRC −0.06, −0.09, −0.06). Conclusion: If replicated in 'real‐world' settings (e.g., social media), language patterns could provide naturalistic insights into early adolescents' well‐being.