Unveiling Mental Health Profiles in Emerging Adults and Their Associations with Attachment Insecurity: A person-centered Approach

Guided by the dual factor model of mental health (DFMM), this study examined mental health profiles among emerging adults, considering both negative and positive mental health indicators. Additionally, we explored the associations of attachment insecurity and demographic factors (sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, educational level, and relationship status) with the likelihood of belonging to each profile. A sample of 1,925 emerging adults completed self-report measures assessing negative (depressive, anxiety, stress, and psychosomatic symptoms) and positive (subjective and psychological well-being) mental health indicators. Latent profile analysis revealed five distinct mental health profiles that partially aligned with the DFMM configuration. Three profiles corresponded to the DFMM categories of vulnerable, symptomatic but content, and troubled mental health. However, instead of a single favorable mental health profile, two profiles emerged: complete mental health and well-adapted, which together accounted for 70% of the sample. Higher levels of attachment insecurity, being woman, identifying as nonheterosexual, and lower educational attainment were associated with an increased likelihood of belonging to less favorable mental health profiles. These findings support the DFMM over traditional approaches and offer valuable insights to inform the development of tailored support services that address the unique needs of emerging adults.