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The study aims to replicate the previous found association of 5-HTTLPR and inertia of negative affect in daily life of adolescents and young adults. Data of 877 adolescents (aged 14–21 years) of the Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study (epidemiological cohort study, Dresden, Germany) were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR/rs25531, grouped into SS/SLG/SLA/ LGLA/LGLG vs. LALA, and provided ratings on negative affect items, depression and anxiety (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) eight times a day over 4 days. Multilevel regression models did not reveal an association of 5-HTTLPR genotype and inertia of negative affect, nor associations with inertia of anxiety or depression. Inertia of negative affect seems not to be a psychological mechanism through which 5-HTTLPR acts on psychopathology.

Well-powered studies on the physiological concomitants underlying affect and its regulation during emerging adulthood are warranted to provide novel insight into mental health. The association between autonomic nervous system activity and emotional states occurring under natural conditions in daily life was investigated in individuals (N = 549, age 14-21, females 45.6%) without any lifetime mental disorder from an epidemiological cohort study in Germany. Using ecological momentary assessment, mood and optimism/pessimism were assessed over 4 days simultaneously with continuous heart rate monitoring. Lower vagal activity was found in mood states accompanied by high arousal (wakefulness, mania) and greater vagal activity in mood states with low arousal (calmness, pessimism). Findings illustrate important associations between autonomic nervous system activity and mood in youth under ecologically valid conditions. Vagal activity presents a prominent pathway by which mood may influence physiological function or vice versa. In contrast to commonly performed laboratory assessments, the ambulatory assessment in participants' daily life allows an application of the results to the field.

Objectives: The Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study is a population‐based cohort study of adolescents and young adults from Dresden, Germany. The aim is to investigate psychological and behavioral factors linked to a range of mental disorders and health behaviors and their interaction with social‐environmental and genetic/biologic factors. Methods: A random sample of 14–21 year olds was drawn from the population registry in 2015. The baseline investigation was completed 11/2015–12/2016 (N = 1,180). Assessments include standardized diagnostic interview, cognitive‐affective tasks, questionnaires, biosamples, and ecologic momentary assessment in real life with combined actigraphic/geographic monitoring. In the family study component, parents completed similar assessments and provided information on child's early development. Results: The participation rate (minimum response proportion) was 21.7%; the cooperation rate was 43.4%. Acceptance and completion of study components were high. General health data indicate that more than 80% reported no or only mild impairment due to mental or somatic health problems in the past year; about 20% ever sought treatment for mental health problems or chronic somatic illnesses, respectively. Conclusions: Data from BeMIND baseline and follow‐up investigations will provide novel insights into contributors to health and disease as adolescents grow into adulthood.