The research activity of the group is focused on the analysis of psychological well-being factors that affect the health of people of all ages, both in Spain and in Colombia. In this context, drug use is most often associated with mental health problems. Among young people, it is linked to issues such as low self-esteem or assertiveness, as well as the influence of gender stereotyping factors.

We are focusing this investigation on studying the protective factors that benefit and improve a person’s psychological well-being, while also considering gender factors.

The study also analyses the factors that contribute to alcohol and drug use among young people, especially those who start using during adolescence. On the other hand, we are developing and/or adapting reliable and valid measurement tools to assess people’s psychological well-being, which will allow comparisons between countries. These tools also make it possible to assess the gender-related factors associated with adolescence consumption behaviour, so that the efficiency of existing selective prevention programmes can be objectively evaluated after their implementation.