Early warning indicator system for adolescent student mental health: theoretical construction of the relationship-belief-process-state model

Background Adolescent mental health problems are rising, but existing early warning systems are limited by shallow theory, poor cultural fit, and static risk-factor approaches. Aim To construct a philosophically grounded, culturally adapted early warning indicator system for adolescent mental health in China. Methods Based on two core propositions of Marxist humanism: “the essence of man is the ensemble of social relations” and “free, conscious activity is the species-character of man,” we developed the Relational Characteristics-Activity Beliefs-Congruent Process-Polar States (5R-5B-5P-5S) model. Each dimension was theoretically derived and operationalized. Results The model specifies five relational characteristics (emotional connection, autonomy support, instrumental competence, fairness/reciprocity, shared meaning); five activity beliefs (success-failure, gain-loss, righteousness-benefit, self-other, effort-destiny); five congruent process indicators (awareness, acceptance, deconstruction, integration, implementation); and bipolar polar states (e.g., tension-relaxation, anxiety-peace, meaninglessness-fulfillment). A new early warning logic is proposed shifting from symptom checklists to systemic functional diagnosis, from state thresholds to high-risk configuration identification, and from generalized advice to targeted interventions. Conclusion The 5R-5B-5P-5S model offers a theoretically robust, culturally conscious, and operationally feasible framework for adolescent mental health early warning, supporting a proactive health system in China.