Internalising and externalising problems during adolescence and the subsequent likelihood of being Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) among males and females: The mediating role of school performance

Abstract

Mental health problems are associated with a greater risk of being Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) during young adulthood. Yet evidence on the extent to which self-reported mental health problems precede males' and females’ NEET status and on the potential pathways linking mental health problems to NEET is lacking. This study examines the longitudinal associations that internalising and externalising problems during adolescence share with the risk of being NEET in young adulthood, with a focus on the mediating role of school performance. Data comes from a representative sample of 4,452 Swedish youth (51% females) who provided information on internalising and externalising problems at age 14–15 years. Information on secondary school grades (age 15–16 years), completion of upper secondary school (age 20–21 years) and NEET status at 21–22 years were drawn from administrative registers. Overall, 6% of participants were NEET at 21–22 years of age and rates were higher for those who had internalising and externalising problems at age 14–15 years. A series of gender-stratified multivariate regression models showed that for both genders, greater internalising and externalising problems predicted lower school grades and a reduced likelihood of upper secondary school completion. However, externalising problems were associated with an increased risk of being NEET for males, while internalising problems were associated with a higher likelihood of being NEET for females. The effects of externalising and internalising problems for males and females, respectively, were partially mediated by school performance. The findings indicate that mental health problems in adolescence are associated with exclusion from the labour market and education in early adulthood, but that internalising and externalising problems represent different risks for males and females. Furthermore, school performance in comprehensive and upper secondary school helps explain links between mental health problems and subsequent NEET status.

Adolescents' longitudinal trajectories of mental health and loneliness: The impact of COVID‐19 school closures

“…Stressful life events and social isolation are known to be highly influential factors for externalizing disorders and this may be why, contrary to established research (see Plenty et al, 2021 ), girls reported more externalizing symptoms than boys at T3 and T4 school lockdown and reopening. Females tend to make plans with nonfamily members more often than males do and have greater quality of friendships (de Jong Gierveld & Van Tilburg, 2010 ; Houghton et al, 2014 ).…”

“…During childhood and adolescence, well‐established gender differences exist for mental health and this gap increases with age during adolescence (Van Droogenbroeck et al, 2018 ). For example, girls report significantly more internalizing disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety) (Campbell et al, 2021 ), whereas boys present with more externalizing disorders (Plenty et al, 2021 ). A recent systematic review of studies during the COVID‐19 pandemic showed females were more affected than males for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders during this period (Santomauro et al, 2021 ).…”

Work functioning among young adults: the role of mental health problems from childhood to young adulthood

“…Recent research shows that mental health problems in childhood and adolescence have a negative impact on young adult employment status (eg, having a paid job or not). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Previous studies mainly examined mental health problems in relation to young adults' employment status. Only a few examined the relationship between young adults with long duration mental health problems and employment status.…”

Trends of amenable deaths due to healthcare within the European Union countries. Exploring the association with the economic crisis and education

“…Early school dropout is a fundamental factor that significantly increases difficulties in adulthood, namely through a higher risk of unemployment, poverty, sustained dependence on public assistance and social exclusion later in life ( De Witte et al, 2013 ; Mackenbach, 2012 ; Plenty et al, 2021 ). Therefore, early leavers are more prone to poor physical and mental health, self-rated health and functional limitations, and more likely to engage in criminal and violent activities ( Brunello & Paola, 2014 ; Smyth & Esri, 2009 ).…”