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


High scorers may experience:

  • Repetitive negative thoughts

  • An intolerance of uncertainty

  • A fear of judgement

  • Nervous energy and difficulty relaxing

Rigid High Standards


High scorers may experience:

  • Self-critical perfectionism

  • Perceived parental pressure

  • Fear of failure

  • Rigid behavioural control e.g., around eating and neatness

Re-experiencing Difficult Events


High scorers tend to report trauma related symptoms with additional features:

  • Hyperarousal

  • Dissociation

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Anxiety and mood problems

Emotional Agency


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)