Mental health in the moment: Protocol for an accelerated cohort measurement burst study of adolescent mental health

Adolescence is a key period of development for mental health; however, little is known about how (cumulative) daily life experiences impact long-term mental health development in this period, and vice versa. ‘Mental health in the moment’ (MHIM) is an accelerated cohort measurement burst study designed to illuminate these links. The current protocol describes the rationale and design for MHIM, which aims to recruit approximately 500 adolescents in five age-cohorts (aged 11-15 at baseline) and follow them over a 5-year data collection period. Data collections will include online surveys and EMA bursts every six months, annual caregiver surveys, and the collection of stress biomarker data at three key measurement points. The study is informed by young person advisory group (YPAG) consultations throughout its lifecycle. Data will be analysed using techniques such as dynamic structural equation modelling (DSEM). The study can provide insights into mental health development from a multi-timeframe developmental perspective, including insights into ‘daily life’ intervention targets for improving adolescent mental health.