Longitudinal Patterns of Strengths Among Youth with Psychiatric Disorders: A Latent Profile Transition Analysis

Abstract

A better understanding of variability in the strengths of youth with psychiatric disorders is critical as a strength-based approach can lead to recovery. This study aimed to identify subgroups of strengths among youth with mental disorders and determine whether subgroups changes were associated with mental health recovery. Youth with mental disorders (N = 2228) from a statewide database were identified in the state fiscal year of 2019. Using the latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis, we identified three strength profiles (i.e., essential, usable, and buildable). Over 90% of youth sustained or developed strengths over time. Positive transitions were associated with mental health recovery, symptom reduction, and personal recovery. Buildable strengths supported youth’s personal recovery independent of improving mental health needs. The findings suggest that subgroups of strengths may be a promising source for planning and tracking youth’s progress and guiding clinicians to more efficiently allocate community-based resources.