System Dynamics of Preadolescent Mental Wellbeing: A Causal Loop Diagram of the Scientific Evidence

Preadolescent mental wellbeing is influenced by several interconnecting factors spanning individual, familial, and societal levels. Despite the potential of complex systems methods based in system dynamics to increase the understanding of these interdependencies, their application in youth mental wellbeing remains limited. This paper is the first to identify the underlying system dynamics that drive the mental wellbeing of preadolescents by integrating insights from a literature review and focus groups with scientific experts into a comprehensive causal loop diagram (CLD). The study followed three steps: a scoping umbrella literature review was performed to identify factors underlying preadolescents' mental wellbeing; focus groups with scientific experts were held to identify system dynamics (e.g., feedback loops, underlying mechanisms); and finally, a CLD was built and validated. The resulting CLD comprised nine subsystems based on underlying mechanisms: increasing pressure, seeking for own identity, parenting challenges, neighborhood ties, safety and security, healthy habits, always online, mental health talk, and supportive bonds. Thirty-eight feedback loops underlie these mechanisms, most of them being reinforcing. The CLD and its identified system dynamics highlight the complexity of preadolescent mental wellbeing and underscore the necessity of developing actions that target multiple leverage points across different system levels to drive change. By viewing this complex health issue through a systems lens, practitioners and policymakers should be better equipped to look beyond individual determinants and consider the broader structures, goals, and beliefs — laying the groundwork for sustainable, systemic change to benefit preadolescents' mental wellbeing.