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 1681

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Medical College, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Interests: health psychology; road traffic noise

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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
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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
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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

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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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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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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
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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

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
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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
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