Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Negative Life Events and the Mental Health of Children in Distress

This study applies the two-factor model of mental health and employs a random-effects model to perform a meta-analysis of 119 effect sizes from 77 studies, with the objective of clarifying the relationship between negative life events and the mental health of children in challenging circumstances. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between negative life events and adverse mental health indicators, highlighting robust and consistent associations. In contrast, negative life events are significantly negatively correlated with positive mental health indicators, though these correlations are weaker and more variable. Importantly, the relationship between negative life events and the mental health of distressed children is consistent across various age groups and subgroups. These findings provide critical insights for the development of intervention strategies designed to enhance the mental health of children experiencing adversity.