A cluster analysis of psychosocial risk and hidden distress in adolescent students

Íñiguez-Berrozpe, Tatiana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Marcaletti, Francesco (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Elboj-Saso, Carmen (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cebollero-Salinas, Ana (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Adolescent mental health problems and suicidal vulnerability have become major public health concerns, requiring more nuanced approaches to the identification of psychosocial risk. This study explores the diversity of adolescent distress from a psychosocial perspective, through a cluster analysis based on indicators of emotional well-being, social ties and mental health. Using data from 1,975 adolescents (aged 11–18), four profiles were identified that combine variables such as loneliness, suicidal ideation, social self-esteem, bullying, emotional regulation, and problematic internet use. The results reveal a particularly worrying profile, characterised by high levels of suicidal ideation despite average levels of social adjustment, suggesting the existence of invisible emotional distress. Another profile stands out for its psychosocial resilience, while the remaining two express distress through conflict or relational and emotional vulnerability. These findings underscore the need for multidimensional detection strategies and differentiated interventions that transcend visible symptoms to prevent mental health risks in adolescence.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-53567-4

Año: 2026

Publicado en: Scientific reports (Nature Publishing Group) (2026), [38 pp.]
ISSN: 2045-2322

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Sociología (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)
Área (Departamento): Área Didáctica y Organiz. Esc. (Dpto. Ciencias de la Educación)