Background <p>Most research on mental health in adolescent centers on anxiety, depression, and their predictors. The characteristics of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adolescents from an overall viewpoint remains unclear.</p> Objective <p>To understand the characteristics of depression, anxiety, and stress in different subgroups of adolescents and analyze the influencing factors.</p> Method <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales for Youth. Potential characteristics and related influencing factors were analyzed using latent profile analysis, a regression mixed model, and multiple logistic regression.</p> Results <p>A total of 1408 higher vocational college students aged 14 ~ 17 years were included in this study. A two-profile model was proposed as the best: a High DASS-Y group (8.95%) with moderate and above negative emotions and a Low DASS-Y group (91.05%) with normal levels of negative emotional symptoms. Negative life events in adolescents could be significantly predicted, supporting the model’s reliability. Adolescents from multi-child families (OR = 1.664, 95% CI: 1.077 ~ 2.571), those with chronic diseases (OR = 11.505, 95% CI: 6.354 ~ 20.840) and those with academic performance below 50% were at higher risk of negative emotions (OR = 1.705, 95% CI: 1.024 ~ 2.837). Adolescents who majored in science had a lower risk of negative emotions (OR = 0.513, 95% CI: 0.307 ~ 0.857).</p> Conclusions <p>These findings suggest that most of the negative emotional symptoms of adolescents were within the normal range. Although the High DASS-Y group was in a minority, the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were more serious, and more attention should be paid to adolescents, especially those from multi-child families, with chronic diseases and poor academic performance. Schools and parents should further provide relevant mental health education and strengthen emotional support for adolescents.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>