Cognitive, emotional, and social factors promoting psychosocial adaptation: a study of latent profiles in people living in socially vulnerable contexts

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1321242
• Publication Date: 2024-04-12T16:18:15Z
• Authors: Nuria Carriedo; Odir A. Rodríguez...; Sebastián Moguilner; Juan Pablo Morale...; Daniela Huepe-Art...; Vicente Soto; Daniel Franco-O’B...; Agustín Ibáñez; Tristan A. Bekins...; David Huepe
• Keywords: Locus of control

Introduction Social adaptation is a multifaceted process that encompasses cognitive, social, and affective factors. Previous research often focused on isolated variables, overlooking their interactions, especially in challenging environments. Our study addresses this by investigating how cognitive (working memory, verbal intelligence, self-regulation), social (affective empathy, family networks, loneliness), psychological (locus of control, self-esteem, perceived stress) factors interact to influence adaptation. Methods We analyzed data from 254 adults (55% female) aged 18 46 economically vulnerable households Santiago, Chile. used Latent profile analysis (LPA) machine learning uncover distinct patters socioadaptive features identify the most discriminating features. Results LPA showed two psychosocial profiles: one characterized effective another poor The adaptive featured individuals with strong emotional, behavioral self-regulation, an internal locus high lower stress levels, reduced robust support, decreased loneliness. Conversely, poorly adapted exhibited opposite traits. Machine pinpointed six key differentiating various pathways within same context: low higher education, increased support. Discussion This carries significant policy implications, highlighting need reinforce protective resources, such as foster adversity. Additionally, we identified critical risk impacting populations, advancing our understanding intricate phenomenon.