Objectives: To identify and analyze existing models of evaluation of risk factors and protective factors related to mental health. Method: An systematic review of the literature survey, conducted in: Medline, Lilacs and Pubmed. Results: 119 potential studies were selected by extracting 63 instruments that met the inclusion criteria, leaving 27 instruments available online for free access. Conclusion: It is noted that it was not always possible to obtain the original instrument available, which composes a limitation to the study. Thus, caution is recommended when comparing the individual characteristics of the instruments and it is recommended that a specific instrument is designed to assess the mental health of many human groups