Abstract
The start of college is a powerful time of transition and development for emerging adults. There are many experiences involved with increasing independence and decreasing previous supports, changes in roles and identities, and the formation of new goals and connections. A more comprehensive view of mental health is needed to capture an evolving process that takes into account indicators of both distress and well-being. This article applies Bohlmeijer and Westerhoff's (2021) model of sustainable mental health to cross-sectional young adult risk behavior and mental health data from the Northeastern United States in Fall 2021 and considers loneliness, risk behaviors and self-harm, mental health distress, and flourishing in the context of this model. This research offers an initial application of a model that firmly considers distress and well-being as indicators of youth mental health. It is vital that there is an ongoing consideration to support youth and young adults that experienced the pandemic.