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This paper analyses psychological adjustment and checks a suggested theoretical model that relates the presence of psychopathological symptoms to a worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adult adoptees. The sample consisted of 177 young adopted adults (mean age 27.67). Measures of psychopathological symptoms (SCL-90), quality of life (SF-12), self-esteem (RSES), and resilience (BRS) were taken. The multiple mediation model shows that, in addition to the direct association between psychopathological symptomatology and a poorer HRQOL, resilience, and self-esteem have a buffering effect on this relationship. As a conclusion, empirical evidence of the impact of mental health difficulties on the HRQOL of adopted people is shown. The presence of positive psychological resources, such as resilience and self-esteem, causes psychopathological dimensions, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, or psychoticism to decrease. This paper supports the inclusion of resilience-building programs as a health promotion strategy, especially in the case of psychopathology, and among post-adoption services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude and impact of mental disorders does not correspond to the resources devoted to research and attention. Although we have made significant progress in their understanding and the efficacy of the psychological treatments, we are still far from an optimal situation. This paper focuses on one of the major issues which we consider fundamental challenges and needs in this area, the increase in research focusing on psychopathology, especially on the mechanisms and processes that explain and maintain mental disorders, as a key point for the design and development of new psychological interventions for the prevention, treatment, and promotion of mental health. The aim is to promote discussion among all stakeholders and debate on those lines we think as a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the general health recommendations indicate the importance of prioritizing the development of prevention programs, in mental health services we tend to focus the attention only on care. In child mental health units, as we intervene on children, we could think that the preventive task is being performed for these future adults. The presence of psychopathology in one or both parents may compromise the mental health of children from exposure to maladaptive patterns of parenting and bonding problems. Some countries are already investing resources to support and improve parenting skills for patients with a mental disorder as a protective and preventive action for these children at risk. In this paper we discuss the importance of healthy parenting and the establishment of a secure attachment for the development of a proper mental health. It describes initiatives taken in order to prevent disturbances in children whose parents have a mental disorder. And after this analysis, aware of the importance of preventive actions in this field, from our Children's Mental Health Unit, we propose to work with groups of parents from Adult Mental Health and Addictive Behaviour Units to strengthen attachment and improve parenting skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]