Mental Health of Adolescents with Native, Immigrant, and Mixed-Heritage Backgrounds: The Mediating Role of Family and School Experiences

Despite the growing population of youth with mixed-heritage background, little is known about their mental health. This study examined differences in life satisfaction, psychological, and somatic complaints between adolescents with native, immigrant, and mixed-heritage backgrounds, and whether the quality of their family and school relationships accounts for divides in mental health. A total of 150,920 adolescents ( M age =13.54, SD = 1.65; 51.79% female) from 32 countries participated in the 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. Compared to natives, mixed-heritage adolescents had poorer mental health and worse family and school relationships, which accounted for observed mental health divides. Compared to immigrant-origin peers, mixed-heritage adolescents had slightly more psychological complaints but higher family support. Findings highlight more risks than resources associated with a mixed-heritage.