Interpreting the Symptom Dimensions

The four transdiagnostic dimensions measured using the Youth Mental Health Map were identified using a factor analysis on a large mental health dataset. Each dimension reflects a pattern of thoughts, emotions, or behaviours that commonly co-occur.

Each individual's scores on the four dimensions are presented to support formulation and clinical conversations. Scores are standardised for interpretability and should be understood as relative to one another, rather than against an external benchmark.

How to interpret the scores:

  • Higher scores reflect greater endorsement of the thoughts, feelings or behaviours captured by that dimension.

  • Lower scores reflect less relevance of that pattern for the individual.

  • The dimension with the highest score typically reflects the most prominent psychological theme and may serve as a useful entry point for discussion.

The four dimensions

Uncontrollable Thinking Patterns

This symptom dimension reflects worry, rumination, and persistent negative thought loops.
High scorers tend to report:

  • Difficulty concentrating due to intrusive worries

  • Worrying even when it feels unproductive

  • Unexpected, repetitive worry-related thoughts

Rigid High Standards

This symptom dimension reflects inflexible self-standards and harsh self-evaluations.
High scorers tend to endorse:

  • Perfectionistic or conditional self-worth beliefs (e.g., “Only outstanding performance is good enough”)

  • Fear of being judged based on mistakes or imperfection

  • Difficulty relaxing internal standards

  • Avoidance of certain foods in order to influence shape or weight

Re-experiencing Difficult Events

This symptom dimension captures the psychological impact of trauma or adversity.
High scorers tend to report:

  • Flashbacks or strong physiological reactions to reminders

  • Feelings of blame related to past events

  • Risk-taking behaviours and disrupted sleep

Emotional Agency

This symptom dimension assesses awareness of, connection to, and expression of emotions.
High scorers may report:

  • Feeling disconnected from emotions

  • Rarely expressing or sharing feelings

  • Low use of emotion regulation strategies (e.g., perspective-taking, deep breathing)