Cumulative risk and adolescents’ mental health: Mediating roles of social problem solving and coping efficacy

Based on the theoretical framework of risk and resilience model and a dual-factor model of mental health, the multiple mediating effects of social problem solving and coping efficacy on the associations between cumulative risk (CR) and adolescents’ mental health was tested. Self-report scales of CR, social problem solving, coping efficacy, anxiety/depression, and life satisfaction were administered to 675 (Grades 10 and 11; 57.9% girls) Chinese adolescents. Results indicated that CR’s impact on mental health was mediated through the two mediators and the direct effect of social problem solving on mental health was nonsignificant and its effect was mediated through coping efficacy. Our study reveals a synergistic effect of social problem solving and coping efficacy between CR and mental health and has provided evidence for integrating social problem solving and coping efficacy into mental health programs.