Stability and change of psychopathology symptoms among youth with chronic physical illness: A latent transition analysis.

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examined whether youth transition between different mental health symptom profiles over time, and what factors predict these transitions. Understanding the stability and change in psychopathology helps discern whether certain behaviours are temporary or signs of persistent problems.MethodsData were drawn from a longitudinal study of 263 youth (ages 2-16) with chronic physical illness and their parents, assessed at baseline (T1), six months (T2), 12 months (T3), and 24 months (T4). Parents reported on youth psychopathology using the Emotional Behavioural Scales (EBS). Latent profile analysis identified psychopathology profiles, and latent transition analysis quantified the probability that youth remained or moved between groups over time.ResultsFour profiles were identified: low psychopathology (LP), primarily internalizing (PI), primarily externalizing (PE), and high psychopathology (HP). Homotypic continuity (i.e., remaining in the same profile over time) was lower for the PI, PE, and HP subgroups. Youth in the PI subgroup were more likely to transition to the LP, while those in HP showed greater stability, with many remaining in the high-symptom groups. Child age, parent psychopathology, and parent education significantly predicted profile transitions.ConclusionsMost youth showed changes in their mental health over time, but a small proportion with HP (<5%) had more persistent problems. Results demonstrate the need for early identification and intervention for youth at risk of chronic mental health difficulties.