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Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives
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Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives

A special issue of Diseases (ISSN 2079-9721).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 December 2025 | Viewed by 6342

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Boris G. Tilov

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Guest Editor
Medical College, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: health psychology; road traffic noise
Dr. Mariya Dimitrova

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Guest Editor
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: materials science; innovation of polymer technology; polymers; nanomaterials; polymer synthesis and characterization; biopolymers; 3D-printed polymers; polymer applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Amal Mitra

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Guest Editor
Department of Public Health, Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
Interests: public health; mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mental health across the lifespan has become an increasingly important global concern due to the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that influence well-being at every stage of life. This Special Issue focuses on understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with mental health through a multidisciplinary lens, incorporating perspectives from psychology, medicine, public health, social work, and other related fields. By addressing mental health within this broader framework, the aim of this Special Issue is to explore innovative interventions and preventive strategies that promote well-being across all age groups.

This Special Issue seeks to compile at least 10 high-quality articles that examine mental health across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches. Submissions should address topics such as the influence of social relationships, cultural factors, and health conditions on mental health, alongside therapies, interventions, and prevention strategies. The overarching goal is to underscore the importance of collaborative and integrative efforts in improving mental health outcomes at different stages of life.

This Special Issue is dedicated to advancing knowledge on mental health across the lifespan by fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts from diverse disciplines. It aims to feature interdisciplinary research on resilience, mental health therapies, and psychosocial interventions designed to enhance well-being. The objective is to deliver innovative and practical solutions that respond to the growing global mental health needs of individuals, improve quality of life, and address the unique challenges faced at each life stage.

Suggested Themes and Article Types:

We welcome original research articles and review papers. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Psychological resilience, well-being, and quality of life: integrated approaches to mental health.
  • Multidisciplinary interventions for preventing cognitive and mental health disorders.
  • Innovative psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy approaches tailored to different developmental stages.
  • Preventive strategies in public health and psychology across the lifespan.
  • The impact of physical activity on mental health and overall well-being.
  • Addressing social isolation and fostering social integration to enhance mental health outcomes.
  • The role of healthcare innovations in improving self-esteem and mental health.
  • Oral health and its connection to mental health: a lifespan perspective.

We look forward to receiving work that reflects cutting-edge research and multidisciplinary insights into mental health across the lifespan.

Dr. Boris G. Tilov
Dr. Mariya Dimitrova
Prof. Dr. Amal Mitra
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diseases is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health
  • lifespan perspective
  • multidisciplinary approaches
  • psychological resilience
  • cognitive health
  • preventive strategies
  • psychosocial interventions
  • healthcare innovations
  • oral health and mental health
  • physical activity and mental well-being

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 792 KiB  
Article
Relationships Among Childhood Bullying, Academic Satisfaction, and Mental Health Outcomes in Adults with Disabilities
by Bryan R. Christ, Bani Malhotra, Ghizlane Moustaid, Olivia Chapman and Paul B. Perrin
Diseases 2025, 13(6), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13060165 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 147
Abstract
Purpose/Objective: Children with disabilities are at a greater risk of being bullied and experience mental health and academic problems that may persist in adulthood. This study examined the association of childhood bullying experiences with current mental health (anxiety and depression) among adults with [...] Read more.
Purpose/Objective: Children with disabilities are at a greater risk of being bullied and experience mental health and academic problems that may persist in adulthood. This study examined the association of childhood bullying experiences with current mental health (anxiety and depression) among adults with disabilities, and whether academic satisfaction mediated the relationship between childhood bullying and adult mental health outcomes. Research Method/Design: A sample of 409 adult participants with disabilities who had had their disabilities while attending school, and currently, completed an online survey assessing bullying experiences (California Bullying Victimization Scale-Retrospective), academic satisfaction (Academic Satisfaction Scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Bivariate correlations and two mediation analyses were conducted to identify the direct and indirect effects of school bullying experiences on current mental health outcomes, via academic satisfaction. Results: Participants reported a moderate amount of childhood bullying and relatively high levels of depression and anxiety symptomology (with averages close to or exceeding clinical cutoffs of 10). Bivariate correlations among the four variables were all significantly moderately or strongly correlated. Bullying and academic satisfaction had direct associations with depression and anxiety. Academic satisfaction partially mediated the relationships between bullying and both mental health outcomes. Conclusions/Implications: Bullying prevention interventions and programs, especially geared toward preventing bullying in students with disabilities, are critical to stop the likely long-term impacts of bullying on mental health outcomes in disabled communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives)
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14 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Impact of Personalized Recovery Interventions on Spinal Instability and Psychological Distress in Oncological Patients with Vertebral Metastases
by Noémi Németh, Florica Voiță-Mekeres, Liviu Lazăr, Lavinia Davidescu and Călin Tudor Hozan
Diseases 2025, 13(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13030085 - 16 Mar 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Background: Patients with vertebral metastases often experience spinal instability, chronic pain, and psychological distress, all of which can significantly reduce quality of life. Spinal instability, measured by the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), may exacerbate functional impairment and emotional distress, underscoring the potential [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with vertebral metastases often experience spinal instability, chronic pain, and psychological distress, all of which can significantly reduce quality of life. Spinal instability, measured by the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), may exacerbate functional impairment and emotional distress, underscoring the potential benefit of personalized recovery interventions. Material and methods: This prospective, observational study investigated the impact of personalized recovery interventions on spinal instability, psychological distress, and quality of life in oncological patients with vertebral metastases. Results: The experimental group received tailored rehabilitation strategies, while the control group underwent standard oncological care. Spinal instability was assessed using the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), psychological distress was measured with the Hopelessness Depression Symptom Questionnaire (HDSQ), and quality of life was evaluated using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower mean SINS scores, indicating reduced spinal instability, and lower HDSQ scores, suggesting decreased psychological distress. They also exhibited improvements in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression dimensions of the EQ-5D. Furthermore, the experimental group had longer survival times, lower fracture rates, and reduced prevalence of osteoporosis, anemia, and vomiting. These findings underscore the potential benefits of integrating physical and psychological rehabilitation into routine oncological management. Conclusions: Personalized recovery interventions appear to enhance functional independence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life in patients with vertebral metastases. Future research should focus on longitudinal, multicenter, randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and further elucidate the complex interplay between spinal instability, psychological distress, and functional recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives)
12 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Association Between Biomass Fuel Use and Depression Symptoms in the Adult Population of Oaxaca, Mexico
by Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga, Silvia Mercedes Coca, Moréniké Oluwátóyin Foláyan, Javiera Fanta Garrido and Gabriela Narcizo de Lima
Diseases 2025, 13(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13020047 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 667
Abstract
Background: The impact of biomass fuel exposure on mental health, along with the associated gender disparities, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the association between biomass fuel use and depressive symptoms in the population of Oaxaca, Mexico, while also identifying gender [...] Read more.
Background: The impact of biomass fuel exposure on mental health, along with the associated gender disparities, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the association between biomass fuel use and depressive symptoms in the population of Oaxaca, Mexico, while also identifying gender differences in this relationship. Methods: This study used data from the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Depressive symptoms, the outcome variable, were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). The primary predictor variable was biomass fuel use, with gender, age, and residency stratum included as covariates. First, a binary logistic regression model was developed to estimate the dichotomous variable “depression symptoms”. Subsequently, a second binary logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate potential interactions between the covariates and the predictor variable. Findings: The sample included 1.4 million adults from Oaxaca, with a prevalence of depressive symptoms of 15%. Biomass fuel was used by 15.4% of the population. The first logistic regression model showed that women (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.249; 95% CI: 1.235–1.263; p < 0.001), individuals aged 60 years and older compared to the younger population group (OR: 12.192; 95% CI: 12.064–12.321; p < 0.001), those residing in rural areas (OR: 1.245; 95% CI: 1.232–1.259; p < 0.001), and individuals using firewood or charcoal for cooking (OR: 1.674; 95% CI: 1.651–1.697; p < 0.001) had higher odds of depressive symptoms. In the second binary logistic regression model, all associations and OR coefficients retained their direction, although the coefficients underwent a slight adjustment following the introduction of the interaction term, indicating the presence of an interaction. Conclusions: The study findings suggest a gendered association between biomass fuel exposure and depressive symptoms in the adult population of Oaxaca, with older women and women dwelling in rural areas being the most vulnerable. Interventions aimed at reducing biomass air pollution exposure and strengthening mental health support for women are strongly recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives)
20 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
The Association Between Childhood Experience of Living with a Heavy Drinker and Self-Rated Mental Health in the Adult General Population
by Danica Romac, Varja Gaić Đogaš, Ljiljana Muslić, Sandro Krašić, Marija Kušan Jukić and Sanja Musić Milanović
Diseases 2025, 13(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13020028 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 602
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering the link between childhood experiences with adult health and well-being, this study examined how living with a heavy drinker (HD) during childhood affected self-rated mental health (SRMH) in adulthood, while identifying risk and protective factors and assessing the prevalence [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Considering the link between childhood experiences with adult health and well-being, this study examined how living with a heavy drinker (HD) during childhood affected self-rated mental health (SRMH) in adulthood, while identifying risk and protective factors and assessing the prevalence within a regional context. Materials and Methods: Data (N = 11,113) were obtained from a cross-sectional DEEP SEAS survey (2021) of the general population, aged 18–64 years, in six countries (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Italy). Results: A statistically significant difference in SRMH was found, related to the childhood experience of living with an HD (MD = −0.221, 95% CI −0.250–0.172, N = 10,886) and being negatively affected (MD = −0.216, 95% CI −0.311–0.122, N = 2978). The correlation analysis revealed that individuals who lived with an HD during childhood perceived poorer SRMH in adulthood, consistently across all observed countries. Subsequent logistic regression identified different predictors for SRMH between those who were negatively affected and those who were not. The relationship satisfaction (RAS) was the strongest predictor, significantly contributing to better SRMH, especially in the subgroup that was not negatively affected (OR 28.724, 95% CI 3.450–239.173). A high prevalence of individuals negatively affected was found, especially in Hungary (34.4%) and Croatia (26.5%). Conclusions: Growing up with someone who was a heavy drinker may have lasting negative consequences on SRMH, with a negative subjective evaluation of mental health in adulthood. Targeted public health and preventive measures are needed to protect those living with heavy drinkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

Review

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11 pages, 266 KiB  
Review
Youth Suicide in Japan: Exploring the Role of Subcultures, Internet Addiction, and Societal Pressures
by George Imataka and Hideaki Shiraishi
Diseases 2025, 13(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13010002 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3591
Abstract
Background: Youth suicide remains a significant public health concern in Japan, driven by multifaceted factors such as academic pressures, social isolation, bullying, and family dysfunction. Recent societal changes, including the rise of internet addiction and subcultural influences from anime, manga, and gaming, have [...] Read more.
Background: Youth suicide remains a significant public health concern in Japan, driven by multifaceted factors such as academic pressures, social isolation, bullying, and family dysfunction. Recent societal changes, including the rise of internet addiction and subcultural influences from anime, manga, and gaming, have further shaped the psychological landscape of Japanese youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, intensifying feelings of loneliness and anxiety about the future. Methods: This study explores the impact of these factors on youth suicide risk through a systematic review of existing literature and statistical data, focusing on trends from 2000 to 2024. Results: In 2023, 513 school-aged youth in Japan died by suicide, marking persistently high rates. High school students accounted for the majority of cases, followed by middle and elementary school students. Key risk factors include intense academic expectations, cyberbullying, and internet addiction, which are often compounded by cultural stigmas surrounding mental health. Subcultures offer both solace and potential alienation, influencing youth emotions in complex ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened mental health issues and heightened suicide risks among this vulnerable group. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support systems tailored to Japanese cultural contexts. Recommendations include enhancing access to school-based counseling, promoting family-based interventions, and implementing policies to regulate harmful online content. Additionally, efforts must address cultural attitudes that stigmatize mental health care. Collaborative societal and policy-level interventions are crucial for mitigating youth suicide and fostering a supportive environment for young people in Japan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives)
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