Mentalization and mental health outcomes in adolescents with internalizing disorders: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis.
Areas Malenka, Candela García Domench, Anna Babl et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis examined correlations between mentalization and mental health indicators in adolescents with internalizing disorders. It included 23 studies reporting 154 effect sizes, with overall moderate-to-low risk of bias. The pooled analysis found a significant, medium-sized negative correlation between mentalization and mental health indicators (z = -0.24, p < .001, r = -0.24). Sensitivity analyses found no significant effects of the moderators examined. The findings indicate an association, but do not establish that mentalization deficits cause internalizing symptoms or that changing mentalization improves outcomes.
Key findings
- Across 23 studies and 154 effect sizes, mentalization was negatively correlated with mental health indicators (z = -0.24, p < .001, r = -0.24).
- Sensitivity analyses found no significant effect of the moderators examined.
- Included studies were judged to have overall moderate-to-low risk of bias.
Why it matters
The pooled association suggests that mentalization is relevant to understanding mental health in adolescents with internalizing disorders. Considering it in assessment may help characterize these young people’s difficulties, while the correlational evidence does not show whether mentalization contributes to symptoms or is a consequence of them. Further research is needed to clarify its clinical implications.
What to keep in mind
The analysis synthesised correlational data, so it cannot establish causality. The abstract also notes that further research is needed to determine the clinical implications of mentalization.