Personality patterns, clinical syndromes and psychological well-being in adolescents

Abstract

Dimensions of psychological well-being in adolescents with and without presence of clinical symptoms and personality patterns are analysed. For assessment purposes, SCL-90-R, MACI and a measure of psychological well-being (BIEPS) were administered to a sample of 305 adolescent students attending public schools in Buenos Aires city. We found presence of different kinds of psychopathology in 27% of the total sample. Psychological well-being was lower in subjects with clinical patterns and symptoms, mainly in the domains related with life projects and control of events. Subjects considered not being at risk showed tendencies to dramatize, were unruly and conforming and expressed concerns related to sexual discomfort and social insensitivity.