Assessment of strength profiles in adolescents and the relationship to mental health concerns

Abstract

The purpose of the proposed investigation was to advance our understanding of the strengths concept in the adolescent population. The relationship between adolescent strengths and mental health, and individual differences in the strengths and mental health relationship were explored. The secondary purpose of the present study was to empirically validate the Strength Assessment Inventory (SAI) for Children and Adolescents. One hundred and thirty youth were recruited through the Lakehead Public School Board and the Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. Each participant completed a battery of questionnaires, and additional questionnaires were completed by parents or guardians. It was hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between strengths and mental health concerns, and that this relationship would be moderated through other variables. Results were largely consistent with this prediction. Strength scores were negatively correlated with mental health scores, and sex was identified as a moderator in the relationship between strengths and mental health. Results also suggest that the newly developed SAI is a psychometrically robust instrument. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of mental health disorders among the adolescent population.