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Abstract Background Adolescence is a critical period of human development, however, limited research on programs to improve health and well-being among younger adolescents living in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings exists. The purpose of this study was to assess the comparative effectiveness of an economic empowerment program on young adolescent outcomes in a complex humanitarian setting. Methods This longitudinal, mixed methods study examined the relative effectiveness of an integrated parent (Pigs for Peace, PFP) and young adolescent (Rabbits for Resilience, RFR) animal microfinance/asset transfer program (RFR + PFP) on adolescent outcomes of asset building, school attendance, mental health, experienced stigma, and food security compared to RFR only and PFP only over 24 months. A sub-sample of young adolescents completed in-depth qualitative interviews on the benefits and challenges of participating in RFR. Results Five hundred forty-two young adolescents (10–15 years) participated in three groups: RFR + PFP (N = 178), RFR only (N = 187), PFP only (N = 177). 501 (92.4%) completed baseline surveys, with 81.7% (n = 442) retention at endline. The group by time interaction (24 months) was significant for adolescent asset building (X2 = 16.54, p = .002), school attendance (X2 = 12.33, p = .015), and prosocial behavior (X2 = 10.56, p = .032). RFR + PFP (ES = 0.31, ES = 0.38) and RFR only (ES-0.39, ES = 0.14) adolescents had greater improvement in asset building and prosocial behavior compared to PFP only, respectively. The odds of missing two or more days of school in the past month were 78.4% lower in RFR only and 45.1% lower in RFR + PFP compared to PFP only. No differences between groups in change over time were found for internalizing behaviors, experienced stigma, or food security. Differences by age and gender were observed in asset building, prosocial behavior, school attendance, experienced stigma, and food security. The voices of young adolescents identified the benefits of the RFR program through their ability to pay for school fees, help their families meet basic needs, and the respect they gained from family and community. Challenges included death of rabbits and potential conflict within the household on how to use the rabbit asset. Conclusion These findings underscore the potential for integrating economic empowerment programs with both parents and young adolescents to improve economic, educational, and health outcomes for young adolescents growing up in rural and complex humanitarian settings. Trial registration NCT02008695. Retrospectively registered 11 December 2013.

Abstract Background Despite the recent increase in HIV infections among adolescents, little is known about their HIV knowledge and perceptions. This study, therefore, sought to examine the factors associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma, and HIV risk perceptions among young adolescents aged 10–14 years in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Additionally, consenting parents and assenting young adolescents were tested for HIV. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the 2017 Akwa Ibom AIDS Indicator Survey to analyze comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma, and HIV risk perceptions among young adolescents. Demographic characteristics of young adolescents were summarized using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test in cases of small subgroup sample sizes) was used to elicit associations between demographics and study outcomes. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were then conducted to determine associations with the study outcomes. Sampling weights were calculated in order to adjust for the sample design. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results A total of 1818 young adolescents were interviewed. The survey highlighted significant low levels of comprehensive HIV knowledge (9.4%) among young adolescents. Adolescent-parent discussions [AOR = 2.19, 95% C.I (1.10–4.38), p = 0.03], schools as sources of HIV information [AOR = 8.06, 95% C.I (1.70–38.33), p

Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes the sixth most common cancer in world. Oral cancer is known as an elderly disease mostly occurring between the 5th and 6th decades of life. It is mainly attributed to the use of tobacco and alcohol. Only 4-6% of OSCC is reported to occur below 40 years of age. This report describes a rare occurrence of OSCC in a 35 year old male patient, with a disproportionate history of tobacco chewing since the age of 14years; and literature review about tobacco use among younger generation.

Background: The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Malawi is 29%. About 25% of those are married while 30% are unmarried adolescents (15–19 years old) who use contraceptives. Data on contraceptive use has focused on older adolescents (15–19 years old) leaving out the young adolescents (10–14 years old). This study assessed factors that influence contraceptive decision-making and use among young adolescents aged 10–14 years. Methods: This was a qualitative study that used the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) model to understand the processes that influence contraceptive decision-making among young adolescents (10–14 years old) in urban Lilongwe. The study was conducted in six youth health-friendly service centers and 12 youth clubs. Two focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted among sexually active in and out of school young adolescents and key informants. The results are organized into themes identified during the analysis. Results: Results showed that contraceptive decision-making is influenced by social factors (individual, interpersonal, society) and adolescents' perceptions regarding hormonal contraceptives. There is also a disconnect between Education and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health policies. Conclusion: The findings suggest that interventions that scale up contraceptive use need male and female involvement in decision making. Addressing myths around contraceptives, and harmonization of Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health policies in the country would motivate adolescents to use contraceptives. Plain language summary: There is limited data on modern family planning method use of young adolescents aged 10–14 years compared to older adolescents aged 15–19 years. The study assessed factors that influence modern family planning method decision-making and use among young adolescents aged 10–14 years. The Theory of Reasoned Action model was applied to understand the processes that influence modern family planning method decision-making and use among young adolescents. The study was conducted in 6 youth health-friendly services clinics and 12 youth clubs where adolescents access contraceptives. We conducted 2 focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews. The study involved sexually active, in and out of school young adolescents and influential decision-makers in reproductive health. The results are presented in a narrative format using themes identified during analysis in line with study objectives. The study discovered that modern family planning method decision-making is influenced by social factors; hormonal side effects of modern family planning methods and improper linkage between Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Education policies. The findings suggest the need to empower girls in decision-making. Address myths surrounding modern family planning methods. Then harmonize Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Education Policies in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though boredom has been shown to be a distinct emotional experience that is prevalent among youth and that predicts a wide range of personal and societal problems, it remains often overlooked and poorly understood. Therefore, based on the Flemish data from the 2018 edition of the International Survey of Children's Well-Being, this article studies boredom proneness among young adolescents (average age = 12 years). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the short version of the Boredom Proneness Scale–Child Version contains two dimensions referring to internal—a difficulty in keeping oneself interested and entertained—and external stimulation—the need for change and variety in the situations one encounters. Subsequent regression analyses demonstrated that both boredom proneness and social conditions predict aspects of subjective well-being (i.e., leisure boredom and life satisfaction). Our analyses revealed complex interactions between individual differences and social conditions with respect to aspects of well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of middle level learners vary, and unfortunately, some are deficit-oriented, labeling young adolescents as "hormonal" and "erratic" without a deep understanding of their emotional and physical development or the knowledge and skills that they bring to a classroom. In this paper, we provide empirical evidence for this deficit narrative—including the marginalization of middle level learners—from interviews conducted with teacher candidates in elementary, middle, secondary, and K-12 programs in two different states. Three themes around perceptions of teaching middle grades students are shared: adult needs and interests, resistance to student agency, and challenging the deficit narrative. We posit that developing a broader understanding of young adolescents might inform and inspire teacher candidates to choose to become middle school teachers. Thus, we encourage an asset approach to recruitment of middle level teacher candidates entering teacher preparation programs, and we offer recommendations for middle level recruitment into teacher education programs with an explicitly asset lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore current attitudes towards sun protection, and sun-seeking behaviour among young Australian adolescents. It was done as part of a larger project aiming to develop a digital resource to support young people in making informed sun-health decisions. Results: Ten (4 male, 6 female) adolescents (12–13 years of age) living in Perth (Western Australia) were recruited through a social media-based strategy. Each participant engaged in a semi-structured telephone interview which explored their sun-health decision-making, with interview transcripts assessed qualitatively using NVivo. Three major themes (and eight sub-themes) were identified: (1) 'personal sun health considerations'; (2) 'attitudes towards sun protection'; and (3) 'recommendations'. The importance of sun protection was appreciated by participants. However, females were more diligent in the use of sun protection while males were indifferent. Behaviours were influenced by parental input, the school environment and engagement in sport. Adolescents had limited knowledge of the UV Index and its implications for sun protection, and the health importance of sun-derived vitamin D. Overall, the importance of sun protection was acknowledged but did not consistently translate into sun protective behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: One of the largest global hazards to public health is believed to be tobacco use, particularly in emerging nations like India. Some trendsetting innovations/alternatives have been marketed successfully as safe alternatives to smoking cigarettes, and as a strategy to help people quit smoking. As a result, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of youth attracted to the same. Initial reports show that the effect on oral tissues is similar to that of conventional smoking. It is essential that pediatric dentists are made aware of the potential problems related to these alarming addictive habits in terms of oral health and behavioral changes for early detection in young adolescents. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the awareness of pediatric dentists on this recent lifestyle norm in young adolescents. Methodology: A close-ended questionnaire was circulated through Google Forms among pediatric dentists. A single response from each participant will be accepted. Results: Results will be obtained after statistical analysis. Conclusion: It is an ongoing study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though many empirical studies have shown the positive relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience, the bidirectional relationship need to be further explored. Moreover, little research uses holistic approaches to study the relationship among a series of contextual variables, EI and perceptions of resilience in adolescents. Objective: The present study investigated the bidirectional relationship between EI and perceptions of resilience in adolescents and explored the effect of contextual variables on their development. Method: In a three-wave, longitudinal study, 988 students of sixth graders (mean age of 11.38 years) completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Shanghai High School Student Development-Questionnaire to investigate EI, perceptions of resilience and contextual factors, respectively. A structural equation modeling (SEM) examining the relationship among EI, perceptions of resilience and contextual factors was conducted. Results: SEM indicated EI and perceptions of resilience at T1 (first semester in sixth grade) predicted EI and perceptions of resilience at T2 (second semester in sixth grade), respectively. EI at T2 can predict perception of resilience at T3 (second semester of seventh grade), but perceptions of resilience at T2 cannot predict EI at T3. As a protective factor, social support positively predicts EI and perceptions of resilience, while family conflicts, school bullying as risk factors negatively predict EI and perceptions of resilience. Conclusions: The findings clarified the bidirectional relationship between EI and perceptions of resilience and highlighted the importance of contextual factors. Particularly, good quality of environment such as sufficient social support, combating school bullying and mitigating family conflicts is required to improve adolescents' EI and resilience to help them cope with the challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interpersonal Regulation Questionnaire (IRQ) is a scale developed to measure the tendency and efficacy of intrinsic interpersonal emotion regulation across positive and negative affective states. As the psychometric properties of the IRQ across cultures and different ages have not been well established, the current study was conducted to examine the applicability of the translated IRQ in a sample of Chinese young adolescents (initial n = 487; 50.20% are males; M = 14.52 years old, SD =.75). The original four-factor structure of the IRQ (i.e., negative-tendency, negative-efficacy, positive-tendency, and positive-efficacy) and other parsimonious models were examined and compared using confirmatory factor analysis. The results demonstrated that only the correlated-four-factor model had acceptable model fit indices. The internal consistencies of the four sub-scales were all above.70. Strict measurement invariance (i.e., configural, metric, and scalar) was achieved between males and females. In addition, latent mean comparison showed that females reported higher negative-efficacy and positive-tendency than males, while no gender variations were found for the remaining two factors. The validity of the IRQ was further supported by its convergent–discriminant associations with emotional well-being and distress, emotional expressivity, social competence, empathic responding, cognitive reappraisal, and delinquent behavior. Taken together, the IRQ is a reliable and valid measure for Chinese young adolescents' intrinsic interpersonal emotion regulation. Public Significance Statement: The present study suggests that after being translated to Mandarin, the Interpersonal Regulation Questionnaire (IRQ), which was originally developed by Williams et al. (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2018, 115, p. 224) to assess the tendency and efficacy of interpersonal emotion regulation in Western adults, applies to Chinese adolescents. It documents that the psychological attribute measured by IRQ may be an important concept universal for broader population groups and cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young people's exposure to fake news is a growing concern in terms of the risks that are beginning to emerge related to health (anxiety and stress), democracy (loss of trust in the media and institutions) and post-truth (permanent questioning of the facts). To ascertain Spanish adolescents' exposure to false news, their level of awareness and how they value the credibility of digital information, the 'CHECK-M' questionnaire was designed and administered to 480 adolescents (N = 480). The results reveal that most have heard of fake news but trust their abilities to detect this kind of content. This self-confidence leads them to also state that they know that there is information designed explicitly to deceive citizens. However, when evaluating the veracity of information, they do not attach importance to fundamental criteria such as having a recognized author or being accurate. This raises the need to reinforce adolescents' critical thinking starting in the most elementary stages of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, there is a need to significantly reduce the rate of new infection among children and young adolescents. Identifying the correlates of testing behaviour is necessary to improve HIV testing campaigns by refining messages that target individuals in this age group. The objective of this study was to determine the correlates of HIV testing among children and young adolescents in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria.Methods: The outcome was a secondary data analysis of the 2017 Akwa-Ibom AIDS Indicator Survey. Data of 4037 children and young adolescents aged 0-14 years was assessed in this study. Analysis was done using STATA version 16. Chi-squared test and logistic regression models were used to measure association and its strength between uptake of HIV testing and some independent variables (child/caregiver's age, sex, educational status, child's location, caregiver's knowledge of HIV and caregiver ever tested for HIV) at 5% significance level.Results: Result showed that only 14.2% of the children and young adolescents have been tested for HIV. Previous history of blood transfusion (AOR = 5.33, 95%C.I = 2.60-10.92, P = < 0.001), caregiver's level of education (AOR = 2.67, 95%C.I = 1.30-5.51, P = 0.008) and caregiver ever tested for HIV (AOR = 8.31, 95%C.I = 5.67-12.19, P = < 0.001) were significantly associated with uptake of HIV testing.Conclusion: This study concludes that a large proportion of children and young adolescents in Akwa-Ibom state have never been tested for HIV. There is a need for HIV testing interventions to be targeted towards this age groups and their parents/guardian. Addressing the knowledge gap amongst caregivers especially in rural areas is crucial towards improving the effectiveness of HIV testing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In most Sub-Saharan African countries, little is known about young adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Though some efforts have been made to understand and improve SRH of older adolescents, very young adolescents (VYAs) are often overlooked, and little is known about their sexual knowledge and behaviors. The goal of this study was to describe SRH knowledge, information-seeking, and sexual behavior of VYAs in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered in 33 primary schools in June and July of 2016. Trained interviewers administered surveys to adolescents ages 10–14 regarding SRH knowledge, information-seeking, sexual behavior, and relevant covariates. Continuous variables were summarized as means (SD) or medians (IQR) whereas categorical variables were summarized as proportions (percentages). Results A total of 1096 adolescents were included in this analysis, 81.8% of which were from rural areas, with a median age of 12. Regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) knowledge; 95% knew HIV while 37% knew other STIs apart from HIV. Although 47% knew at least one way in which HIV is acquired only 8% knew at least four ways. Regarding contraceptive knowledge, 56% mentioned at least one modern method of preventing pregnancy (condoms, pills, intrauterine devices, implants, or injections). The majority (85%) of VYAs reported accessing SRH information in the media with 35% reporting accessing media with sexual content while 10% vs 22% consulted their father or mother respectively and 31% a school source. At least 7.6% of VYAs had ever had sexual intercourse, 90% of which were not using any protection. Conclusion Comprehensive SRH knowledge was low among VYAs in this study. Media remains an important source of information for SRH for this age group though it may be misused as some adolescents reported accessing sexual content that may be inappropriate. A large proportion of sexually active VYAs reported sexual risky behaviors. This study highlights the need for an accurate and more comprehensive SRH education approach for VYAs in Uganda at an opportune age before the majority engage in sexual behavior.

Background: Few researchers have examined young adolescents’ perceived qualities and satisfaction in their relationships with their mothers, fathers and best friends simultaneously, using a cross-cultural perspective. This study aimed to compare the perceived qualities and satisfaction of USA and Portuguese adolescents in their relationships with their parents and best friends and to examine the influence of perceived relationship qualities on the satisfaction of young adolescents with their close relationships. Methods: The sample consisted of 347 USA adolescents (170 boys, 177 girls) and 360 Portuguese adolescents (176 boys, 184 girls) who completed the Network of Relationships Inventory Social Provision Version to assess perceived support, negativity, power balance and satisfaction in their relationships with their mothers, fathers and same-sex best friends. Results: Adolescents from both countries perceived their relationships with parents to be more negative and imbalanced in power than their relationships with friends, but the magnitude of differences was greater in the USA. Furthermore, USA adolescents reported higher satisfaction in their relationships with friends than in their relationships with parents. Country differences in the concomitants of relationship satisfaction were found. Conclusions: These findings support the notion that young adolescents’ perceived qualities and satisfaction in close relationships may differ depending on cultural norms.

The present study explores possible relations between students' epistemic perspective, learning strategies and text comprehension. In Study 1, 79 sixth graders completed paper-and-pencil instruments to measure their epistemic perspective and learning strategies. Students' epistemic perspective was assessed using a scenario-based instrument, the Livia Problem. Students were epistemically profiled as Absolutists, Multiplists and Evaluativists. Students' learning strategies were assessed through the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Pintrich & De Groot, 1990). In Study 2, 20 of the students who participated in Study 1 were individually interviewed to measure their learning strategies, where they were asked to read a text and think aloud. Results revealed that students who were profiled as Evaluativists showed greater self-efficacy, intrinsic value, use of cognitive strategies and self-regulation. In addition, students who were profiled as Evaluativists engaged in more effective learning strategies and exhibited better text comprehension compared to students who were profiled as Absolutists. In particular, students who exhibited an Evaluativist epistemic perspective engaged in the strategies of understanding vocabulary, summarising and underlying, while students who exhibited an Absolutist epistemic perspective engaged more in repeating information and quick reading. Our findings show that a mature epistemic perspective is associated with effective usage of learning strategies and text comprehension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While trait emotional intelligence (EI) has been found to be related to young adolescents' affect, the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored. Previous findings are also limited by common method problems arising from the use of cross-sectional design involving single-wave data capture. Objective: The study aims to clarify the relation between trait EI and young adolescents' positive and negative affect by further exploring the mediating roles of personal resilience, social support, and prosocial behavior. Method: We conducted a three-wave survey among 714 Chinese junior high school students (mean age of 11.11 years) with temporal separations of the research measures to reduce common method variance. Trait EI was measured at the beginning of Grade 6; personal resilience, social support, and prosocial behavior were measured at the end of Grade 6; positive and negative affect were measured at the end of Grade 7. Results: Trait EI at the beginning of Grade 6 was positively related to positive affect and negatively related to negative affect by the end of Grade 7. The influence of trait EI on positive affect was fully mediated by personal resilience, social support, and prosocial behavior at the end of Grade 6. Its influence on negative affect was also fully mediated by social support. Conclusions: The findings clarify the mechanisms underlying the trait EI effect and highlight the importance of future youth programs targeting mediation mechanisms. In particular, we suggest the worth of utilizing trait EI to better facilitate personal and social resources when facing difficulties, and to help others in appropriate and effective ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is unlikely that parents can have effective sexuality discussions with their adolescent if the adolescent is not responsive to their efforts. We evaluated young adolescents' intentions of being responsive to sexual communication with their mother and whether youths who were likely, ambivalent, or unlikely to be responsive differed on their characteristics, features of previous sexual communication, and features of the mother-adolescent relationship.Methods: Participants were 259 Canadian adolescents (12-14 years; 53% girls) who received and returned a survey by mail. They completed measures of responsiveness intentions, expected outcomes of sexual communication, extent of past sexual communication, the frequency with which mothers encouraged questions and provided information about sexuality topics, open communication, and mothers' provision of warmth, structure, and autonomy support.Results: We found that 37% of adolescents were likely to be responsive to sexual communication with their mother, 34% were ambivalent, and 29% were unlikely to be responsive. Youths' responsiveness intentions were general rather than topic-specific. A discriminant analysis showed that only features of previous sexual communication separated all three groups whereas specific mother-adolescent relationship features (open communication and structure) and one adolescent characteristic (expected outcomes) separated the unlikely group from the other groups.Conclusions: Young adolescents' intentions of being responsive to sexual communication from their mother are diverse yet general in nature. Mothers' engagement in sexual communication appears essential for youths' openness to these discussions. Enhancing specific mother-adolescent relationship features and youths' outcome expectations may shift adolescents who are resistant to sexuality discussions to being more sure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexual health disparities are leading causes of morbidity among youth of color in the United States. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on precursors to sexual risk-taking among young adolescents of color (ages 10-14) to assess precedents of sexual experience and their utility as measurable proximal constructs and behaviors gauging sexual risk and sexual risk prevention efforts.Methods: This study was conducted using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched for quantitative studies that assessed the relationships between precursors and subsequent sexual behaviors, incorporated youth of color, and specified young adolescents as the study sample. All articles were in English, however we explored both U.S. and International databases.Results: The database search yielded 11 studies published between 2000 and 2017. Most literature focused on youth in urban settings, and on Black and Latinx youth, while only two addressed the special circumstances of American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Sex expectancies outcomes for youth of color were likely to predict sexual risk taking and self-efficacy about sex was related to abstinence.Conclusions: Etiologic studies that seek to understand precursors to sexual risk taking among youth of color are limited and this paucity truncates the ability to develop sexual risk prevention programs for the age group in which prevention is most needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the recent increase in HIV infections among adolescents, little is known about their HIV knowledge and perceptions. This study, therefore, sought to examine the factors associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma, and HIV risk perceptions among young adolescents aged 10-14 years in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Additionally, consenting parents and assenting young adolescents were tested for HIV.Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the 2017 Akwa Ibom AIDS Indicator Survey to analyze comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma, and HIV risk perceptions among young adolescents. Demographic characteristics of young adolescents were summarized using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test in cases of small subgroup sample sizes) was used to elicit associations between demographics and study outcomes. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were then conducted to determine associations with the study outcomes. Sampling weights were calculated in order to adjust for the sample design. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant.Results: A total of 1818 young adolescents were interviewed. The survey highlighted significant low levels of comprehensive HIV knowledge (9.4%) among young adolescents. Adolescent-parent discussions [AOR = 2.19, 95% C.I (1.10-4.38), p = 0.03], schools as sources of HIV information [AOR = 8.06, 95% C.I (1.70-38.33), p < 0.001], and sexual activeness [AOR = 2.55, 95% C.I (1.16-5.60), p = 0.02] were associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge. Majority (93%) of young adolescents perceived themselves not to be at risk of HIV. Overall, 81.5% of young adolescents reported stigmatizing tendencies towards people living with HIV. HIV prevalence among young adolescents was 0.6%.Conclusions: Results indicate low comprehensive HIV knowledge among young adolescents. Our findings suggest that there is a need for increased attention towards young adolescents particularly in the provision of comprehensive, functional sexuality education, including HIV at the family- and school-levels. Consequently, age appropriate interventions are needed to address the epidemiological risks of young adolescents that are influenced by a myriad of social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents one segment of a research carried out in 2019 in 19 primary schools that was aimed to determine the fitness level of Macedonian adolescents of both genders with different values of body mass index (NTM). The paper focuses on the correlation between the physical fitness and body composition compared to the body weight of pupils from primary schools on the territory of the City of Skopje. The research was conducted on a sample of 4,051 adolescents, 2,078 boys and 1,973 girls. The respondents were divided in 4 categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. Total of 7 test of EUROFIT battery were applied and 5 anthropometric measurements were taken into consideration in accordance to the IBP methodology. The results obtained were statistically processed by SPSS, v. 16.0 for WINDOWS (variance analysis, covariance analysis, and X2 test). The conclusion based on the obtained results is that young adolescents of both genders with moderate or high BMI have higher blood pressure; lower percentage of muscle mass; achieve poorer results in the relative strength, explosive strength, agility, and coordination tests; and have lower aerobic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adolescents' endorsement of help-seeking and reported levels of connectedness are vital for culturally-tailored prevention initiatives. There is a dearth of information on how younger adolescents attending middle schools (ages 11–15) obtain help from trusted adults, especially among Hispanics. This is problematic as Hispanics, especially female high school students, have consistently reported higher rates of depression and suicidal behaviors for over 30 years. This pilot study included 72 young adolescents (86% Hispanic) in Central Texas. Surprisingly, although there were significant gender and age differences, no group strongly endorsed seeking help during times of distress. Yet, females were more likely to report that they would talk to a counselor or other adult at school when distressed compared to males. While no gender differences were found endorsing trusted adults as helpful, younger female adolescents held higher beliefs these individuals could help during times of distress. What is most pivotal is that this study suggests that changes in help seeking attitudes can occur from one grade to another. Therefore, early adolescence, instead of the more common period of high school, might be a critical time to offer upstream mental health prevention approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since middle school is a critical time for literacy learning in general and comprehension in particular, educators are left to ponder how best to teach these students. In addition, what role might student perception of reading strategies through visual depictions have in order to help teachers decide how best to guide their students with challenging reading. In this conceptual piece, questions that guided our research were, What can we learn from students about the strategies they use to read challenging texts? and How do these strategies challenge adult norms of what constitutes strategic reading for young adolescents? We collected and analysed 332 seventh grade student drawings that depicted how students approached difficult text, identifying types of reading strategies. We used Mokhtari and Reichard's framework of Support, Problem-Solving and Global reading strategies as a holistic and analytic lens to group the codes where appropriate. Findings revealed students' heavy reliance on support and problem-solving strategies, in contrast to relatively few global strategies, suggesting a need for educators to teach global strategies skills more often and directly. Unexpected findings further revealed a visually powerful alternative response, which suggest that educators should consider how to manage more affective reactions to challenging text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined prospective association of parenting practices related to tobacco use with adolescent e-cigarette use and the moderating role of mental health among U.S. young adolescents. We study used multi-wave longitudinal data (2013–2018) drawn from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. A total of 5114 young adolescents (12–14 years) who were not lost to follow-ups across four waves (Wave 1–4) comprised the study sample. Weighted logistic regression models along with generalized linear mixed modeling assessed the within-subject associations of parenting practices related to tobacco use (tobacco availability at parent/guardian's home, past-year parent talk about tobacco use, and rules about non-combustible tobacco use at home) with adolescent current e-cigarette use. Prevalence of having home rules about non-combustible tobacco use increased (74.5%–80.2%) and that of parent talk about tobacco use decreased (52.0%–33.9%) over time while tobacco availability at home did not show a specific trend. Tobacco availability at home was associated with increased odds of adolescent e-cigarette use (adjusted odd ratio[OR] = 2.25, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 1.72–2.95), and having home rules about non-combustible tobacco use was linked to decreased likelihood of e-cigarette use (adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55–0.92). The magnitude of negative association between having rules about non-combustible tobacco and adolescent e-cigarette use was stronger among adolescents with internalizing problems but weaker among those with externalizing problems. Our findings highlight the important role of home-based interventions in discouraging young adolescents from e-cigarette use. Parents/guardians should consider adolescents' mental health to provide more efficient home- and/or clinical-based e-cigarette use prevention. • Tobacco availability at home was related to increased adolescent e-cigarette use. • Having home rules about tobacco was linked to decreased e-cigarette use. • Mental health moderated the relation of having home rules with e-cigarette use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adolescents are highly engaged in literacy practices involving the use of digital technologies, both inside and outside of school. This study examines how the out-of-school use of digital technologies creates spaces in which young adolescents construct and negotiate positive learner identities. Through vignettes of four young adolescents, this research uses the conceptual framework of ‘figured worlds’ (Holland, Lachicotte, Skinner and Cain, 1998), to develop an understanding of the construction of learner identities through out-of-school use of digital technologies. The discussions of the participants reveal ‘figured worlds’ of friendship, homework and soccer that transcend the traditional boundaries of the real and the virtual, revealing a connected and dynamic concept of space. Within these worlds, the young adolescents move in and out of learner and teacher roles when necessary to learn or advance their skills, and in doing this, are developing self-understandings and conveying these understandings as performances within a figured world. This study argues that the learner identities are constructed and negotiated by the young adolescents are strong, positive and to varying extents self-crafted.

In accordance with the present-day ideas this article offers the educators and families information about how to contribute to the young adolescents and children's education so that they live as useful individuals for society. A very important theme for the teaching staff is addressed in the paper, the dialogue Skills for Life Resilience: A glance from the educational perspective, in which basic theoretic and methodological approaches are proposed for a better and exact understanding of the area of educational work carried out by our professionals.

Abstract Background & aim: Nearly a decade the World Health Organization has tried to provide a unique definition of community mental health. But due to the complexity of psychosocial and cultural context, it is not provided. The purpose of the study was to determine indexes community mental health of children and adolescents in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad. Methods: This study was conducted as a hybrid approach (qualitative and quantitative). Delphi technique was used in qualitative research. In the current study, 31 experts, children and adolescents of Social Welfare organizations were selected as snowball method throughout the province of Kohgiluyeh & Boyerahmad. The primary data to run the Delphi Technique was gathered in three stages from the participants. The quantitative data were analyzed using factor analysis. Results: The results indicated that the main indicators of psychosocial health lie in intrapersonal (emotional self-awareness, risk-taking and self-respect), interpersonal (participation, social responsibility, and social relationships), stress (stress management and controlling emotions) and adaptability (flexibility and happiness) components. The results also showed that decreasing gender-related discriminations and rise in the educational level of parents are the major strengths and lack of required standards in child-care centers, lack of involvement of young adolescents in decision-making and lack of social skills in families are the major weaknesses of psychosocial health. Conclusion: Given the right conditions, and in order to safeguard children and adolescents against the grave consequences awaiting them, the organizations charged with the responsibility should raise the children and adolescents in such a way that they meet the professional needs of the society and feel responsible when it comes to these responsibilities and commitments.

Studies show that gender socialisation shapes differently the gendered identity, self-esteem, and sexual behaviours of girls and boys. While pre-adolescence is viewed as a pivotal period for gendered socialisation, few studies in francophone Africa investigate the role of gender identity effects on aspirations and sexual and reproductive behaviours at this life stage. This article explores how the internalisation of gender stereotypes during socialisation is linked to the aspirations of girls and boys for certain life events, such as having their first child or getting married. A survey was conducted in 10 primary schools in Ouagadougou, among pupils aged between 9 and 16 years, as well as seven focus group discussions with their parents. The findings indicate a gender-based variation in the effects of adherence to unequal gender norms among young adolescents. As a result, girls tend to have earlier aspirations towards marriage and later aspirations for childbearing, while boys show earlier aspirations for childbearing and later ones for marriage. These effects may expose both girls and boys to risks of poor sexual and reproductive health. Interventions promoting egalitarian gender norms could boost girls' self-esteem as well as mutual respect among young adolescents of both genders, aiming to improve their sexual and reproductive health during adolescence and into adulthood.

The goal of this study was to test how changes in perception accuracy of affiliative networks (i.e., the ability to accurately identify who affiliates with whom) are related to an important structural feature of peer groups- the likelihood of children to affiliate with mutual partners (transitivity). Data from three longitudinal samples (two from elementary school children and one from young adolescents; N = 257, 618 observations) show that children and adolescents in classrooms with a higher proportion of transitive relationships are better at perceiving who affiliates with whom, and that increases in transitivity associate with increases in perception accuracy. This is the first study to show that structural features of peer groups relate with individual perceptions of affiliative relationships, providing further evidence that these features have an important role in promoting individual adaptation and supporting previous suggestions that classroom-variables play a role in fostering accurate perceptions of social relationships.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) often occurs before age 15, yet the majority of research on risk factors for this dangerous behavior has focused on samples of older participants. Insecure attachment has been previously identified as a risk factor for both NSSI and behavioral problems, and behavioral problems appear to be particularly associated with NSSI among young populations. Redressing the lack of young adolescent NSSI research, the present study uses longitudinal data from a sample of young adolescents to test a model in which insecure attachment acts as a prospective risk factor for NSSI via emotional and behavioral problems. Data on NSSI, child-mother attachment, and emotional and behavioral problems were collected from 559 (41.1% male) Flemish adolescents when they were 13 years old (M = 12.71, SD =0.32), and again 1 year later. Insecure attachment was measured using maternal items on the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Child scale. Psychological adjustment was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We found that anxious and avoidant attachment were indirectly associated with NSSI through behavioral problems but not through emotional problems. Findings highlight the role of behavioral problems as a risk factor for NSSI in early adolescence, a rarely studied developmental period during which NSSI often first starts. Findings suggest that one possible pathway for the attachment-NSSI association among young adolescents is through behavioral problems. Therapies that improve child-parent attachment may reduce NSSI among young adolescents both directly, and indirectly by improving behavioral problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Children and adolescents who are referred to residential care facilities (RCFs) have a history of neglect, abuse, or other familial or environmental deficiencies, all of which may contribute to a higher risk of sleep problems. The purpose of this study was to explore sleep patterns of young adolescents living in RCFs and to examine whether these patterns are reflected in their self-figure drawings and accompanying narrative descriptions.Method: The study compared quantitative subjective (self-report) and objective (actigraphy) measurements of sleep patterns in young adolescents living in RCFs (n = 26) and at home (n = 33), and explored a quantitative indicators analysis of "self-figure drawing while sleeping" and qualitative analysis of accompanying narrative descriptions.Results: Adolescents in RCFs went to bed at least an hour earlier and woke up at least half an hour earlier than their home-residing counterparts (p < 0.001). Based on actigraphy, their sleep duration and sleep latency were longer (p < 0.01). They frequently drew themselves in a closed boundary, viewed from above, and used monochromatic colors. Analysis of the narratives revealed themes of exclusion, which reflect the need to exclude oneself from threatening and anxiety-provoking experiences.Conclusions: Adolescents in RCFs take longer to fall asleep; however, imposed early sleep schedules in RCFs enable good sleep hygiene practices that allow for longer sleep duration compared with home-residing peers and can prevent additional sleep problems. The need for protection and a sense of security emerged from the drawings and the accompanying narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to DSM-5 and ICD-10, borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) should not be classified properly as a disorder. However, BIF people may present relevant problems of adaptive functioning in several areas of daily activities, and they seem to be more vulnerable to mental diseases. Young adolescence may be considered a particular period for emotional information processing. The "own and others' emotions" awareness can play a crucial role in many daily life situations, such as decision making, interpersonal relationships, and decoding of facial expressions. On this background, a BIF young adolescents group underwent a neuropsychological assessment including emotional and cognitive domains, and was compared with a healthy young adolescents control group (HC). In the overall sample, a significant negative correlation between general intellectual abilities and emotional awareness was found. The BIF group showed a significantly greater level of alexithymia and a poorer performance in higher cognitive tasks than HC group. As hypothesized, a border cognitive functioning influences mentalization processes as ability to discriminate and monitor emotions, as well as higher domains of cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although flow theory is one way of measuring the quality of a student's experience in a music ensemble, the majority of flow research utilizes samples of high school or collegiate level musicians thus causing us to generalize findings to young adolescent (middle school) populations. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, the purpose of this study was to examine factors that may contribute to flow experiences of students in a middle school band. Quantitative data (surveys that included the Experience Sampling Method) and qualitative data (case study of an eighth grade band) were analyzed separately before being merged into a final analysis. Results provide evidence to support that flow is an individualized experience even though students were not in flow based on self-perceived ratings of challenge and skill. Mixed methods results also suggest that young adolescent students may not conceptualize flow in the same manner as older adolescents, thus erroneously suggesting that flow did not occur. Recommendations for future research include exploring alternative vocabulary for flow characteristics for use in Experience Sampling Method surveys, expanding the sample to include music programs at multiple middle schools to create additional regression model predictor variables, and longitudinal explorations of flow over time within large ensembles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction In the Netherlands, young cyclists are extremely vulnerable in traffic, which may partly be due to their still underdeveloped higher-order cycling skill. So far, knowledge on their actual level of skill is lacking. Using a computerized test battery mimicking real-life risky traffic conditions, this study assessed the level of higher-order cycling skill in children 11 and 12 years of age and tested the hypothesis that these skills show caveats. Furthermore, factors potentially influencing the development and impact of these skills were studied, such as cycling experience, risky road behavior, crash involvement, and self-assessed skill. Method A total of 335 students (49% female) completed computerized tests on hazard perception, gap acceptance, blind spot strategies, and priority decisions in traffic, and completed questionnaires on cycling experience, risky cycling behavior, crashes, and self-assessment of cycling skill. Results On the hazard perception test, one-third of the participants missed at least half of the number of hazards. They made errors in about 50% of the priority decisions, accepted critical gaps when crossing the road, and conversely rejected safe gaps; only 1% of the participants identified all blind spots of a truck correctly, while 69% made unsafe decisions when interacting with trucks in traffic scenarios. Overall, in complex traffic situations performance was worse than in simple ones. The hypothesis of lack of skills was therefore accepted. However, the study failed to demonstrate consistent relationships between subtest performance and cycling experience, risky behavior, crashes, and self-assessed skill, which weakens the theoretical assumptions concerning the subtests. Conclusions The results suggest that children at the end of primary school are still lacking elementary skills for safe cycling, calling for measures to accelerate skill development. Practical applications Test batteries are essential tools for systematically monitoring skill development in cyclists, evaluating education programs, and for guiding the development of effective road safety education. The next step is the validation of such batteries. Highlights • Cycling crashes increase when youngsters leave primary school. • Use of laptop-based tests mimicking potentially risky real traffic situations. • 11- to 13-year-olds have caveats in higher-order cycling skills. • Frequent errors in priority at intersections, crossing decisions, identification of hazards, and interactions with trucks. • Errors increase with increasing traffic complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to test how changes in perception accuracy of affiliative networks (i.e., the ability to accurately identify who affiliates with whom) are related to an important structural feature of peer groups- the likelihood of children to affiliate with mutual partners (transitivity). Data from three longitudinal samples (two from elementary school children and one from young adolescents; N = 257, 618 observations) show that children and adolescents in classrooms with a higher proportion of transitive relationships are better at perceiving who affiliates with whom, and that increases in transitivity associate with increases in perception accuracy. This is the first study to show that structural features of peer groups relate with individual perceptions of affiliative relationships, providing further evidence that these features have an important role in promoting individual adaptation and supporting previous suggestions that classroom-variables play a role in fostering accurate perceptions of social relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]