DetectaWeb Project: study protocol of a web-based detection of mental health of children and adolescents

Abstract

IntroductionTraditionally, research and practice addressing mental health has been conducted within a unidimensional model, explaining mental health as the presence/absence of psychological problems (distress or psychopathological symptoms). More recently, accumulative evidence has supported a bi-dimensional model, which conceptualises psychological problems and psychological strengths (well-being) as related-yet-distinct continua that, when considered together, yields a more comprehensive understanding of individuals. The DetectaWeb Project is a web-based early detection assessment of the mental health continuum (MHC) for children and adolescents and aims to: develop a web-based platform for screening of the MHC, including both psychological problems (anxiety, depression and suicidality) and personal strengths (emotional, cognitive/psychological and social aspects); examine the prevalence of the MHC among children and adolescents; and analyse key determinants (risk and protective factors) of the MHC.Methods and analysisWe will conduct an ongoing, multicentre observational, cross-sectional study of Spanish children and adolescents. Participants will be assessed through a web-based platform. In order to validate the web-based screening system, a clinical reappraisal will be completed among a subsample of respondents. To elucidate youth’s levels of subjective distress and well-being, we will include measures of anxiety, depression, suicidality, well-being, externalising problems and socio-demographic variables.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained at all sites. All participants will sign a free and informed consent form before the assessment. Results of the study will be communicated during national and international meetings in the field of clinical and health psychology with children and adolescents. Publications will be sought in journals usually read by psychologists or psychiatrists involved in the development of epidemiological studies and interventions for mental health promotion based on resilience building for children and adolescents.

Social Emotional Health Survey-Secondary (SEHS-S): A Universal Screening Measure of Social-Emotional Strengths for Spanish-Speaking Adolescents

“…The SDQ uses a three-option response format (0 = not true, 1 = somewhat true, 2 = certainly true). The internal consistency for this study's sample was similar to those reported in previous studies [11,35,36]. In S2, Omega hierarchical was 0.73 for externalizing symptoms, 0.80 for internalizing symptoms, 0.78 for prosocial behavior, and 0.80 for the total score.…”

“…The survey instrument was administered online to students schoolwide within a universal prevention framework [11]. In the present study, we used the web-based assessment protocol for BMHM of children and adolescents, the DetectaWeb Project (for further details, see its description in Piqueras et al) [11]. The convenience sample of recruited students were organized within their respective centers in order to complete the questionnaire in their schools' computer rooms.…”

“…This model has shown incremental validity in predicting concurrent outcomes compared with models that include only distress or psychopathology indicators [7][8][9][10]. It is further recognized that educational institutions are a primary setting in which mental health promotion programs based on the BMHM are developed and implemented [11,12]. Many different authors have indicated that school-based screening measures can play a critical role for the dual purpose of fostering all students enhanced complete mental wellness while simultaneously providing early identification of children who need mental health services before problems arise and become more difficult to address [13,14].…”

What is the Role of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Adolescent Suicide Behaviors?

“…This study falls within the framework of a broader research on mental health in adolescents (2016/2017) (DPS-JPR-004–16) [37], where 909 students between the ages of 12 and 18 years from the province of Alicante formed an initial sample at time 1 (t1). The second time of assessment was made six months later (t2) and consisted of 238 adolescents.…”

Socio-emotional Strengths Against Psychopathology and Suicidal Ideation in Fear of Covid-19

“…This protocol aims to self-assess personal resources to cope with the psychological impact of the current health crisis. The survey was carried out using the online data collection platform DetectaWeb (Piqueras et al, 2017). Participants completed the survey online and, at the end, received a report with their personalized results along with recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of personal resources and the reduction of the health crisis's impact.…”