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Purpose: To compute reference centiles for 5- and 30-m sprint times relative to chronological and skeletal age in youth soccer players. Subsequently, to compare individual's sprint performance scores derived from the chronological and skeletal age reference centiles. Methods: Sprint times were collected for a sample of male U11 to U19 soccer players (n = 1745 data points). Skeletal age data were available for a subsample (n = 776 data points). Reference centiles were fitted using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. Individual z scores relative to chronological and skeletal age reference centiles were computed and compared for each maturity group (late, on-time, early, and very early) using standardized mean differences (SMD). Results: Reference centiles for chronological age increased more rapidly between 10.5 and 15.5 years, while reference centiles for skeletal age increased more rapidly between 13.0 and 16.5 years. Differences in chronological and skeletal z scores for very early (SMD: −0.73 to −0.43) and late (SMD: 0.58 to 1.29) maturing players were small to large, while differences for early (SMD: −0.30 to −0.19) and on-time (SMD: 0.16 to 0.28) were trivial to small. Conclusion: Reference centiles provide a valuable tool to assist the evaluation of sprint performance in relation to chronological and skeletal age for talent identification purposes in youth soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence is an important public health problem. Cyber dating violence (CDV) is a form of intimate partner violence perpetrated within a dating relationship via new communication technologies. This study investigated the moderating roles of hostile and benevolent sexism in the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration. The Cyber Pornography Use Inventory, the Cyber Dating Violence Inventory, and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory were completed by 421 Italian adolescents (M = 16.53; females = 63.7%). Results indicated that problematic pornography use was positively related to CDV perpetration. In addition, the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration was found to be moderated by hostile sexism. In participants with low levels of hostile sexism, the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration was not significant. Conversely, in those with high levels of hostile sexism, this relationship was stronger and significant. Benevolent sexism was not found to be a moderator in the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration. Thus, hostile sexism could be a risk factor for the relationship between adolescents' problematic pornography use and their engagement in CDV. Conversely, low levels of hostile sexism could be a protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines how content of fitfluencers can be employed to improve body satisfaction and intention to exercise among adolescents. Specifically, this experimental study (N = 114 adolescents, age: 16–18) compares the effects of fitfluencer content with instructional captions that contain exercise or workout instructions (as a form of edutainment) with those of self-focused fitfluencer captions that emphasize the fitfluencer's appearance. These two types of captions are found to induce no significant differences in either body satisfaction or intention to exercise. In addition, there were no significant indirect effects via state appearance comparison or self-efficacy. The results do show that less state appearance comparisons increase body satisfaction, and that more self-efficacy increases body satisfaction and intention to exercise. The results suggest that instructions in fitfluencer captions do not differ from self-focused captions in their effects on body satisfaction and intention to exercise among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and past 12-month suicidal behaviour (PSB) among adolescents in Mozambique. Methods: Data from 3,109 females (aged 15–19 years) and 1,439 males (aged 15–19 years) that participated in the 2022-23 Mozambique Demographic and health Survey were analysed. MDD was assessed with the PHQ-9 and GAD with the GAD-7. Results: Results indicate that among girls the prevalence of PSB was 4.3% (attempt 1.0%, plan 1.9% and/or ideation 3.6%) and among boys 2.5% (attempt 0.3%, plan 0.7% and/or ideation 2.4%). Among girls and boys, the prevalence of MDD (≥ 8 scores) was 15.5% and 3.7%, respectively, and the prevalence of GAD (≥ 5 scores) was 25.0% and 10.3%, respectively. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, among girls, GAD was positively and solid fuel use was negatively associated with PSB, while among boys MDD and urban residence were positively associated with PSB. Among female adolescents, currently being pregnant and "big problem to get money for medical treatment" increased the odds of MDD. While among male adolescents, urban residence, having a genital sore or ulcer, has living children, and early sexual debut were positively associated with MDD. Urban residence, current alcohol use, and early sexual debut were positively associated with GAD in male adolescents, while poorer wealth status, being pregnant, and having a "big problem to get money for medical treatment" were positively associated with GAD in female adolescents. Conclusion: About 3% of participants had PSB, among girls one in five had MDD or GAD and among boys more than 5% had MDD or GAD. Public health interventions can be guided by several associated factors that have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol use is increasing among adults in midlife (i.e., ages 35–60), but few studies examine specific alcohol use behaviors in this age group. We examined measures of typical drinks, maximum drinks, binge drinking, and high‐intensity drinking by age, sex, and race/ethnicity among midlife adults, as well as the prospective association between age 18 binge drinking and midlife behaviors. Methods: Data from 5180 respondents participating in the national Monitoring the Future Panel study who were aged 35–60 in 2022 (followed since they were in 12th grade in 1980–2005) were used to estimate past 30‐day midlife drinking behaviors (i.e., typical drinks, maximum drinks, binge, and high‐intensity drinking) by age group, sex, and race/ethnicity. Associations between age 18 binge drinking status and midlife drinking outcomes were examined, as well as moderation by sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Across ages 35–60, the mean typical number of drinks on drinking days within the past month ranged from 1.4 to 1.8; the mean maximum drinks ranged from 2.3 to 3.2. Past‐month binge and high‐intensity drinking prevalence ranged from 19.1% to 31.2% and 3.6% to 8.1%, respectively. Estimates of drinking behaviors were generally higher among respondents aged 35–40 (vs. older age groups), males (vs. females), those identifying as White (vs. other racial/ethnic groups), and those who reported age 18 binge drinking (vs. not). Adolescent binge drinking was a stronger predictor of high‐intensity drinking among females than males and of typical and maximum drinks among older (age 60) than younger (age 35) respondents. Conclusion: Binge and high‐intensity drinking were reported by a meaningful percentage of the US midlife adults. Binge drinking in adolescence was a predictor of subsequent alcohol‐related risks. These long‐term connections were especially strong among females. Age 18 binge drinking was a stronger predictor of high‐intensity drinking at age 60 than earlier in midlife, underscoring that adolescent binge drinking is a key indicator of risk across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Past research has found that overall anxiety and social anxiety symptoms are associated with the occurrence of social and communication challenges within autistic populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether generalized anxiety disorder symptoms were associated with social and communication symptoms in autistic youth. Method: The cross-sectional sample was comprised of 253 autistic youth aged 8–18 (196 Males, 57 Females). Participants were divided in a child (Grade 3–8) group and an adolescent (Grade 9–12) group. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate whether the generalized anxiety score predicted the social communication composite score, derived from the ADOS-2, after controlling for sex, grade level and expressive language ability. Results: Correlation analyses showed an association between social communication ability and general anxiety disorder symptoms in the child group such that those with greater anxiety had fewer social communication symptoms. However, after controlling for sex, grade, and language ability, general anxiety disorder symptoms did not predict social communication difficulties in either children or adolescents. Conclusions: Alongside past literature, these findings suggest that the different types of anxiety disorders may have differential impacts on autistic youth's social and communication symptoms. Further research should investigate whether other anxiety subtypes affect autistic youth's social and communication symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though youth living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience greater risk for poor behavioral and mental health outcomes, many go on to show resilience in the face of adversity. A few recent studies have identified neural markers of resilience in cognitive and affective brain networks, yet the broader network organization supporting resilience in youth remains unknown, particularly in relation to neighborhood disadvantage. Moreover, most studies have defined resilience as the absence of psychopathology, which does not consider growing evidence that resilience also includes positive outcomes across multiple domains (e.g., social, academic). We examined associations between brain network organization and multiple resilience domains in a sample of 708 twins (7–19 years old) recruited from neighborhoods with above-average poverty levels. Graph analysis on functional connectivity data from resting-state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to characterize features of intrinsic whole-brain and network-level organization, from which we explored associations with resilience in three domains: psychological, social, and academic. Fewer connections between a brain network involved in self-referential processing (i.e., default mode network) and the subcortical system were associated with greater social resilience. Further, greater whole-brain functional integration (i.e., efficiency) was associated with better psychological resilience among youth with relatively lower levels of cumulative adversity exposure. Alternatively, lower whole-brain efficiency and higher whole-brain robustness to disruption (i.e., assortativity) were associated with greater psychological and social resilience among youth with relatively higher levels of cumulative adversity. These findings advance support for multidimensional resilience models and reveal distinct neural mechanisms supporting resilience to neighborhood disadvantage across specific domains in youth. Public Significance Statement: The present study used brain imaging to examine how the organization of information flow throughout the brain relates to resilience to neighborhood disadvantage in youth. Results identified three domains of resilience (i.e., psychological, social, and academic), which showed unique associations with patterns of information flow across brain networks and the entire brain. This work bridges advancements in resilience theory with neuroscience to identify brain markers of resilience among youth marginalized by the socioeconomic status of their neighborhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black boys and young men are disproportionately burdened with navigating contexts of community violence resulting from race-based structural inequities and concentrated disadvantage. Despite this chronic adversity, many Black boys and young men thrive; however, resilience research has traditionally focused on identifying individual- and family-level factors that support resilience. Research has yet to fully examine community-level resources that facilitate processes of resilience for Black boys and young men in the contexts of trauma, violence, and poverty. Guided by ecological frameworks and using the community-based participatory method of action-oriented community diagnosis, our qualitative study examines the perspectives of diverse community stakeholders (N = 29) whose roles and influence span systems levels and shape contexts of violence and healing for Black boys and young men in Greensboro, North Carolina. Findings point toward relationship (mentoring), community (safe spaces to heal), and societal (interventions to dismantle racism) level opportunities and barriers ("terroristic territorialism") to promote resilience in Black boys and young men. Implications for research and praxis that broadens the scope of resilience research from successful adaptation to conditions of community violence to community-level intervention to promote resilience and transformation are discussed. Public Significance Statement: Community violence is a public health epidemic that disproportionately affects the psychological, emotional, physical, social, and behavioral well-being of Black boys and young men. As communities and cities search for ways to reduce and prevent violence, identifying ways to promote resilience is necessary for mitigating the negative outcomes associated with community violence exposure for Black boys and young men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although several studies have found the Adolescent Gambling Expectancies Survey (AGES) valid and reliable for high school students and college students, the applicability of the AGES to Korean college students remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the Adolescent Gambling Expectancies Survey (AGES) developed by Wickwire et al. (2010). Methods: The study sample consisted of 481 college students in Korea, and the data were collected through an online survey. To examine the construct validity and internal consistency of the Korean version of the AGES (K-AGES), an item analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Results: The results of item analysis have identified 22 items with five factors: Material gain, negative affect, positive self-evaluation, negative social consequences, and parent disapproval. In addition, the results of confirmatory factor analysis show these 22 items fit the data well. Conclusions: The K- AGES has strong psychometrics, including good construct validity and reliability, and, hence, it may be a useful tool for assessing, preventing, and treating gambling problems in college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond navigating normative developmental tasks, Black American adolescents cope with race-related experiences that are distinct to their racial-ethnic group. However, little is known about how Black American adolescents, particularly those in racially homogenous communities, experience and cope with race-related stress. Using qualitative measures, this study investigates how Black American adolescents in urban, racially homogenous environments experience race-related stress and the coping methods used to combat it. Qualitative data via individual interviews with 20 high school seniors revealed that these adolescents experience race-related stress in individual, institutional, and cultural contexts, which evoked intense negative emotions. Seeking support from family and friends and social referencing positive cultural artifacts were the most widely utilized coping strategies. Implications of the protective nature of racially homogenous environments and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Epigenetic aging, a marker of biological aging measured by DNA methylation, may be affected by behaviors, including sleep and physical activity. However, investigations of physical activity and sleep with epigenetic aging among pediatric populations are scant and have not accounted for correlated behaviors. Methods: The study population included 472 Mexico City adolescents (52% female). Blood collection and 7-d wrist actigraphy (Actigraph GTX-BT) occurred during a follow-up visit when participants were 14.5 (2.09) yr. Leukocyte DNA methylation was measured with the Infinium MethylationEPIC array after bisulfite conversion, and nine epigenetic clocks were calculated. Sleep versus wake time was identified through a pruned dynamic programing algorithm, and physical activity was processed with Chandler cutoffs. Kmeans clustering was used to select actigraphy-assessed physical activity and sleep behavior clusters. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate adjusted associations between the clusters and epigenetic aging. Results: There were three unique clusters: “Short sleep/high sedentary behavior,” “Adequate sleep duration and late sleep timing/low moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA),” and “Adequate sleep duration/high MVPA.” Compared with the “Adequate duration/high MVPA,” adolescents with “Adequate duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA” had more accelerated aging for the GrimAge clock (β = 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–1.19). In pubertal-stratified analyses, more mature adolescents in the “Adequate sleep duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA group” had accelerated epigenetic aging. In contrast, females in the “Short sleep/high sedentary” group had decelerated epigenetic aging for the Wu pediatric clock. Conclusions: Associations between behavior clusters and epigenetic aging varied by pubertal status and sex. Contrary results in the Wu clock suggest the need for future research on pediatric-specific clocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between adolescents' adherence to attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication and their risk of committing minor offenses. Methods: Using two Dutch databases, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Statistics (SFK), we aimed to investigate the association between adherence to ADHD medication and registered minor offenses between 2005 and 2019 of 18,234 adolescents (12–18 years). We used Cox regression analyses to compare the rate of committing minor offenses of adolescents during periods of high ADHD medication adherence compared to periods of low adherence (i.e., periods with or without sufficient amounts of dispensed medication). We additionally tested associations with adherence to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as control medication and analyzed potential reverse causation. Results: High ADHD medication adherence was associated with a reduced risk of committing a minor offense of between 33% and 38% compared to low adherence periods of ≥3 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67, confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.71) or ≥6 months (HR 0.62, CI 0.59–0.65). The reduction in risk can likely be attributed to ADHD medication, given the absence of effects of SSRIs and no reverse causation. The reduction rate remained between 16% and 55% per sex, stimulant versus non‐stimulant medication, different offense categories and further sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Among adolescents using ADHD medication, rates of criminality were lower during periods of high medication adherence, suggesting that adherence to ADHD medication may contribute to prevention of minor offenses in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies demonstrate a link between irritability and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in youth samples. However, they have mostly assessed irritability in community samples and as a largely dispositional (i.e. trait‐like) construct. Thus, it remains unclear to what extent links between irritability and STBs reflect within‐person processes of elevated risk in clinically meaningful time periods. Methods: The present study used clinical data from 689 adolescents aged 12–19 years attending a total of 6,128 visits at a specialty Intensive Outpatient Program for depressed and suicidal youth to examine patterns in weekly assessments of irritability and STBs throughout treatment, including associations among trends and fluctuations departing from these trends via multilevel structural equation modeling. Youth completed self‐report measures of irritability, depression, and STBs weekly as part of standard IOP clinical care. Results: Overall, two‐thirds of variance in weekly irritable mood was accounted for by between‐person differences and the remaining portion by weekly fluctuations. After controlling for depression, during weeks when youth were more irritable they experienced increased STBs. Rates of change in irritability and STBs tended to track together at early stages of treatment, but these effects were generally accounted for by depression severity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that although changes in STBs are best accounted for by depression, irritability can be understood as a specific, proximal risk factor for youth STBs that exacerbates youth STBs in clinically informative timeframes above and beyond depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When unaddressed, contamination in child maltreatment research, in which some proportion of children recruited for a nonmaltreated comparison group are exposed to maltreatment, downwardly biases the significance and magnitude of effect size estimates. This study extends previous contamination research by investigating how a dual‐measurement strategy of detecting and controlling contamination impacts causal effect size estimates of child behavior problems. Methods: This study included 634 children from the LONGSCAN study with 63 cases of confirmed child maltreatment after age 8 and 571 cases without confirmed child maltreatment. Confirmed child maltreatment and internalizing and externalizing behaviors were recorded every 2 years between ages 4 and 16. Contamination in the nonmaltreated comparison group was identified and controlled by either a prospective self‐report assessment at ages 12, 14, and 16 or by a one‐time retrospective self‐report assessment at age 18. Synthetic control methods were used to establish causal effects and quantify the impact of contamination when it was not controlled, when it was controlled for by prospective self‐reports, and when it was controlled for by retrospective self‐reports. Results: Rates of contamination ranged from 62% to 67%. Without controlling for contamination, causal effect size estimates for internalizing behaviors were not statistically significant. Causal effects only became statistically significant after controlling contamination identified from either prospective or retrospective reports and effect sizes increased by between 17% and 54%. Controlling contamination had a smaller impact on effect size increases for externalizing behaviors but did produce a statistically significant overall effect, relative to the model ignoring contamination, when prospective methods were used. Conclusions: The presence of contamination in a nonmaltreated comparison group can underestimate the magnitude and statistical significance of causal effect size estimates, especially when investigating internalizing behavior problems. Addressing contamination can facilitate the replication of results across studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School refusal behaviors in adolescents have deleterious immediate and long-term consequences and are associated with mental ill-health such as anxiety and depression. Understanding factors that place youth at higher risk of school refusal behavior may assist in developing effective management approaches. We investigated parental and adolescent factors that may be associated with school refusal behaviors by specifically focusing on the role of parental and adolescent emotion dysregulation, their anxiety and depression, and parental rearing style. First, we hypothesized that adolescents with school refusal behaviors, as well as their parents, will report higher levels of emotion dysregulation, anxiety, and depression compared to their counterparts without school refusal behaviors. Furthermore, we hypothesized that multivariate models testing the role of parental and child factors concurrently will show that parental (emotion dysregulation, anxiety and depression, and rearing styles) and adolescent (emotion dysregulation, anxiety, and depression) factors are associated with school refusal behaviors. One hundred and six adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and their parents completed an online questionnaire measuring both parental and adolescent emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, parental rearing styles, and adolescents' school refusal behaviors. Adolescents with school refusal behaviors reported greater anxiety and depression, with their parents showing greater emotion dysregulation. Multivariate analyses showed that parental emotion dysregulation and adolescent age were associated with school refusal behaviors independently. Future management for school refusal behaviors should consider age-tailored approaches by incorporating training for parental emotion regulation skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a comprehensive school-based sexuality education programme in enhancing sexual health knowledge and understanding among adolescents, parents and school personnel in six secondary schools in Hong Kong. Study outcomes were evaluated through pre- and post-tests. A total of 1588 students, 40 parents and 271 school personnel participated. Baseline student knowledge scores were highest among younger students, with significant improvements observed in both years for all grades except one. Baseline student attitude scores were ≥ 85% for younger students, with no significant improvement, while older students showed significant improvements. Parents scored below 40% correct at baseline for knowledge items, while self-efficacy items were generally higher. Baseline teacher knowledge scores were higher than parents, but self-efficacy scores were comparable or lower. Baseline guidance counsellors' surveys indicated low confidence levels and awareness of community resources to support students. This study identified a clear need for sexuality education in Hong Kong and a special focus on students in schools traditionally serving a high proportion of non-Chinese speaking students. The programme has significant potential for expansion in Hong Kong schools as well as for dissemination in Mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pornography often depicts traditional gender norms and aggression paired with sexual behaviour. Among adolescents, exposure to pornography is related to unhealthy beliefs about gender, sex and relationships. Critical thinking about media may reduce the internalisation of unhealthy messages in pornography. However, there is a dearth of research examining how critical media attitudes are protective of youth in early adolescence. Using a US sample of ninth- and tenth-grade students (n = 558; Mage = 14; 53% female), this study examines how the relationship between frequency of pornography use and acceptance of traditional gender norms, dating violence and rape myths may be moderated by critical media attitudes. More frequent pornography use was related to greater acceptance of rape myths and gender norms, but only for adolescents who were less sceptical about media messages. For adolescents who were sceptical of media messages about sex, there was no relationship between pornography use and their acceptance of rape myths and gender norms. This study provides preliminary evidence of the protective influence that critical media attitudes may have on adolescents' sexual and relationship health. In an increasingly digital world, it is critical to provide early media literacy education as part of sexuality education to promote adolescents' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: People with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) face an increased risk of eating disorders/disordered eating (ED/DE), with adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Empirical knowledge on the mechanisms underlying development of ED/DE in T1D is crucial for evolving prevention strategies. Research Design and Methods: Fourteen semi‐structured interviews with adolescent females with T1D and ED/DE between 14 and 18 years were conducted and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Analyses identified four main themes; 'Interconnected afflictions', 'Judgment', 'Feeling Different', and 'Chaos & Control', These themes explore the interconnectedness of T1D and ED/DE, with shame and guilt emerging as common underlying mechanism. The development of a biopsychosocial model was based on the integration of these data with existing models. Conclusions: The study extends previous developmental pathways of ED/DE in adolescents with T1D. We propose a biopsychosocial model that incorporates various factors: predisposing factors such as parental management of T1D and weight gain during adolescence; precipitating factors including comments on weight, frequency of weighing, perceptions of surveillance; the perpetuating bilateral influence of ED/DE and T1D and finally highlighting the protective mechanisms of disease acceptance encompassing parental handling of diagnosis and the contribution of healthcare professionals (HCP's) role in psychoeducation. The present study highlight the vulnerability of adolescence in the presence of T1D, particularly concerning issues related to eating, weight, and body. It offers clinically relevant insights, with the aim to improve communication and management strategies for this very specific group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Research in adults suggests that intrusive memories and intrusive thoughts (often referred to as intrusive cognitions) are common in members of the general population and are often seen in clinical disorders. However, little is known about the experience of intrusive cognitions in adolescents, particularly in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study sought to gather fundamental data on these phenomena (i.e., frequency, characteristics and appraisals of intrusive cognitions) in adolescents with MDD and PTSD. Methods: Adolescents aged 11–18 with MDD (n = 11), PTSD (n = 13) and a non‐clinical control group (n = 25) completed structured interviews concerning their intrusive memories and thoughts. Results: Intrusive thoughts were common in all three groups but were particularly frequently experienced in the MDD group. Intrusive memories were expectedly very common in the PTSD group but also experienced by over half of the adolescents with MDD. Both clinical groups reported more negative emotions in response to their intrusive thoughts or memories and appraised these cognitions more negatively than the non‐clinical group. Conclusion: Intrusive memories and thoughts are common experiences in adolescents with MDD and PTSD. Emotions and appraisals relating to these cognitions may be targets for psychological intervention in this age group. However, small sample sizes limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Replication is needed with larger numbers of clinical participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the relationship between racial/ethnic disparities and substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) and their impact on the sleep health of South Korean adolescents. Design: Secondary analysis of cross‐sectional study data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey dataset. Methods: Given that Korean society has historically linked its racial/ethnic identity to a shared bloodline, we categorized 2644 adolescents from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey based on their racial/ethnic status, determined by their parents' birthplaces. Using multiple linear regression, we investigated whether the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on sleep health (sleep duration, debt, and timing) varies depending on substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) after controlling for age, sex, household economic status, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, perceived excessive stress, and anxiety level. Results: Despite no statistical differences in sleep health and the prevalence of substance use between racial/ethnic groups, racial/ethnic minority adolescents experienced greater sleep debt than racial/ethnic majority adolescents when consuming alcohol. Moreover, racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to report psychosocial distress and had lower parental education level. Conclusion: Racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol use on sleep health compared to racial/ethnic majority adolescents. This heightened vulnerability may be attributed to the more pronounced psychosocial challenges and the lower socioeconomic status of parents in the racial/ethnic minority group. Impact: Racial/ethnic disparities are concerning in South Korea, particularly since the negative effects of substance use on sleep health are intensified among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. Nurses and other healthcare providers should recognize the importance of addressing the social disadvantages linked to racial/ethnic disparities. Beyond just advocating for the cessation of substance use, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to reduce sleep disparities among South Korean adolescents. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that young people in foster care experience high levels of behavioral health problems that may lead to life obstacles, including legal system involvement (LSI) during the transition to adulthood. However, few longitudinal studies have examined LSI among foster youth from a behavioral health perspective during the transition to adulthood. To understand adolescent behavioral health conditions associated with adult LSI, we used longitudinal survey data of young people in foster care (n = 540) to compare the prevalence of different behavioral health disorders (age 17) between youth who later reported LSI and those who did not (ages 19–21). We also examined associations between adolescent behavioral health disorders and adult LSI, accounting for other covariates. We find that compared to those who did not, youth who reported later LSI in early adulthood had significantly higher rates of four behavioral health disorders at age 17: alcohol use, drug use, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Regression results showed drug use disorder at age 17 to be a particularly strong predictor of later LSI after accounting for other covariates. Many individuals experience various risk factors for LSI, including behavioral health needs. We discuss implications for practice, policy, and research in the child welfare context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although bidirectional associations between parenting and adolescents' social and emotional outcomes have been investigated, how parental warmth and harsh parenting as two different parenting dimensions, adolescents' prosocial behaviors, and emotional problems were longitudinally and bidirectionally related at between- and within-person levels remains unclear. With a three-wave longitudinal design, the present study examined these associations by employing the random-intercept cross-lagged panel model. Data from 606 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.80 years, SD = 0.52, at T1; 45.7% girls) were collected at six-month intervals over one year, and participants completed questionnaires assessing their perception of parenting, prosocial behaviors, and emotional problems online. The results indicated that parental warmth and harsh parenting were significantly associated with adolescents' prosocial behaviors and emotional problems at the between-person level. At the within-person level, adolescents' more prosocial behaviors at T1 predicted later within-person decreases in their emotional problems at T2, which in turn predicted subsequent increased prosocial behaviors and more parental warmth at T3. Additionally, a higher level of harsh parenting at T2 unidirectionally predicted more adolescents' emotional problems at T3. These findings highlighted the developmental cascade processes among adolescents' prosocial behaviors, emotional problems, and parenting and the importance of fostering adolescents' prosocial behaviors in reducing their emotional problems and then promoting subsequent psychosocial adjustment and parent-child bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although much research has shown that parental psychological control undermines adolescents' routine disclosure to parents, past research has not examined whether the effects of psychological control on disclosure are domain-specific and mediated by the quality of adolescents' interactions with mothers and fathers. The present one-year longitudinal study examined whether parental support and negative interactions with each parent mediated longitudinal associations between adolescents' ratings of psychological control and adolescents' disclosure about routine prudential, personal, and multifaceted activities, as defined by social domain theory. These issues were examined over one year in 174 mostly White (74%), U.S. middle class middle adolescents (M = 15.70 years, SD = 0.63, 83 males). Greater parental psychological control was associated over time with less disclosure to both parents about personal activities and less disclosure to fathers about multifaceted issues. Perceived declines in support fully mediated the effects of psychological control on adolescent disclosure to mothers about personal issues and partially mediated the effects on disclosure to fathers about personal and multifaceted issues. In addition, negative interactions led to decreased disclosure about prudential issues. Thus, perceived psychological control and relationship quality had domain-specific and parent-specific longitudinal effects on adolescent disclosure to parents about their routine activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying norms have been shown to affect adolescents' decisions on different behaviors in bullying situations, but little is known about the differential contribution of perceived and actual bullying norms as well as their agreement. The present study investigated the effects of perceived and actual norms, along with norm misperceptions in participant roles in bullying. A sample of 890 students (337 fourth-, 223 fifth-, and 320 sixth-graders; Female 48%; Mage = 11.98, SDage = 0.82) from 34 classrooms in South Korean elementary schools was assessed at two time points: at the beginning (Wave 1) and at the end of the semester (Wave 2). Multilevel modeling results indicated that empathy as well as perceived and actual anti-bullying norms had unique effects on different participant roles in bullying. The agreement between perceived and actual norms also varied across classes, and bullying, victimization, and bystanding were found to be higher in classes where individuals misperceived the actual anti-bullying norms. Adolescents were more likely to defend in response to their empathy in classes with higher anti-bullying norms, while they were less likely to bystand in response to their empathy in classes where individuals accurately perceived the actual anti-bullying norms. These findings underscore that intervention programs can focus on correcting adolescents' erroneous perceptions and convictions about peers' anti-bullying attitudes to alleviate bullying and its negative consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural identity formation is a complex developmental task that influences adolescents' adjustment. However, less is known about individual variations in trajectories of cultural identity processes and how they relate to youth psychosocial outcomes. Using a person-centered approach, this study investigated patterns of change over a year in cultural identity exploration and resolution, respectively, among ethnically diverse adolescents in Italy. The sample included 173 high school students (Mage = 15 yrs, SD = 0.62, range = 14–17; 58.4% female; 26% immigrant background) who had participated in the Identity Project, a school-based intervention targeting ethnic-racial identity development. Longitudinal latent profile analysis revealed only one profile of change for exploration, whereas four unique profiles for resolution emerged ("stable low," "stable average," "increase low-to-average," "increase high-to-higher"). Overall, youth in the resolution-increase profiles reported the best outcomes. The findings highlight the heterogeneity of adolescents' resolution trajectories and the benefits of an increased sense of clarity concerning one's cultural identity for positive psychosocial functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several quantitative studies have shown a negative relationship between fitspiration content (appearance‐idealized pictures related to a fit and healthy lifestyle) in social media and mental health. The current study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of fitspiration users by qualitatively assessing their perception of fitspiration content and how it affects their health‐related behaviour and well‐being. A further research question was whether fitspiration as a form of public pedagogy was addressed in participants' physical education (PE) in schools. Thirteen female students from Austria who follow fitspiration content (14–19 years) were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. Positive effects in health behaviour, such as a higher reported physical activity, exercise motivation and conscious eating (e.g., reducing junk food) were reported. However, participants further described potentially negative consequences on mental and physical health resulting from social comparisons with influencers. As none of the students reported addressing social media fitness content in PE, including or adapting a critical media pedagogy in PE should be considered to enhance awareness of the negative effects of social media but use the positive influence on health behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have focused more on the facilitating effect of nature exposure on positive behavioural consequences. However, less attention has been paid to whether nature exposure can inhibit internalized problem behaviours, such as Internet addiction. Within the framework of the stimuli‐organism‐response theory, the present study examined the relationship between nature exposure and Internet addiction and investigated the mediating roles of anthropomorphism of nature and awe. In China, we recruited 1469 adolescents (mean age = 13.90 years old, SD = 0.59, 53.2% girls). Mediation analyses indicated that awe partially mediated the relationship between nature exposure and adolescents' Internet addiction. The anthropomorphism of nature and awe served as sequential mediating roles in the relationship between nature exposure and adolescents' Internet addiction. This study provides a nature‐based perspective on the prevention and intervention of adolescents' Internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family environment, emotion regulation and biological sensitivity have been shown to be associated with adolescents' externalizing problem behaviours. However, findings regarding respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity are mixed and sometimes contradictory. This study aims to clarify the roles of RSA reactivity and anger regulation in the relationship between negative family expressiveness (NFE) and adolescents' externalizing behaviour by measuring RSA reactivity during the Parent–Adolescent Interaction Task (PAIT), designed to simulate a naturalistic negative family environment. In this study, 125 Chinese adolescents (M = 13.95 years, SD = 0.95; 48% male) completed questionnaires assessing negative family expressiveness, anger regulation and externalizing problems. Additionally, we collected electrocardiogram and respiration data during both the resting period and a 10‐min PAIT. Results showed that anger regulation mediated the relationship between NFE and externalizing problem behaviours. Moreover, adolescents' RSA reactivity moderated this mediation effect, even after controlling for baseline RSA. Greater RSA suppression potentially indicated greater susceptibility, with the relationship between NFE and anger regulation being more pronounced in adolescents with greater RSA suppression compared to those with lesser RSA suppression. These findings highlight the importance of considering physiological systems, especially within the context of adverse family environments, when studying the relationships with externalizing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiences of dating violence are widespread among adolescents. Therefore, increasing the understanding on the developmental antecedents is crucial. However, most existing studies involve cross-sectional designs, which poses a challenge in better understanding the developmental precursors of dating violence victimization. To address this, we examine age 13 predictors of age 17 dating violence victimization in a culturally diverse sample of 643 participants (57.3% girls). Negative binomial regression models showed some significant associations between self-reports of anxiety and depression, poly-victimization, endorsement of violence-legitimizing norms of masculinity, and having initiated sexual relationships and dating at age 13 with dating violence victimization at age 17, with variations depending on the gender of the victim and the form of dating violence measured. Findings increase longitudinal evidence in the field with the aim of informing prevention and intervention strategies that address factors associated with dating violence early in adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development. Methods: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13–17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction. Results: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids. Conclusions: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The linkage between substance use and youth suicidality is less developed due to the predominant focus on certain types of substances (e.g., alcohol consumption, prescription opioid misuse). This study examines polysubstance use and its mutual impact on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among US adolescents. Methods: Data from 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were utilized. Associations between the concurrent use of five substances (cigarette, e-cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and prescription opioid) and suicidality (suicidal thoughts, suicide plans, and suicide attempts) were measured by logistic regression models. The combined effect of polysubstance use on suicidality was further assessed by structural equation modeling. Results: About two in five (42.1%) adolescents used at least one type of substances in the past month and one in seven (13.5%) used three or more types concurrently (polysubstance use). Adolescents with polysubstance use behaviors were three to five times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts (OR=3.8, p < 0.05), make a suicide plan (OR=3.5, p < 0.05), or attempt suicide (OR=4.6, p < 0.05) than non-users. In the final structural model, polysubstance use and suicidality were significantly correlated with each other (β=0.37, p < 0.05). Collectively, polysubstance use explained about 14% of variance in youth suicidality. Conclusions: Polysubstance use shows a significant impact on youth suicidality. School-based health centers and educational programs are recommended to reduce substance use and suicidal behaviors among adolescents. Accessible mental health services and targeted treatments are needed for polysubstance users to mitigate their risk of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although substance use rates among adolescents have decreased, drug overdose deaths among adolescents have increased since 2020, driven largely by illegally made fentanyl (IMF). This study explores substance use patterns and characteristics of adolescents who were assessed for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to inform prevention and response strategies. Methods: A convenience sample of adolescents aged 10–18 years assessed for SUD treatment from September 2017 to December 2021 was analyzed using the Comprehensive Health Assessment for Teens. The percentage of lifetime and past 30-day substance use was examined. Adolescent characteristics (e.g., demographics, history of overdoses or hospital visits due to drug/alcohol use) were analyzed by lifetime substances used. Results: Among 5,377 assessments, most were male (58.7%), aged 16–18 years (50.5%), non-Hispanic White (43.1%), enrolled in school (87.3%), and living with their parent(s) (72.4%). The most commonly reported lifetime substances used were marijuana (68.0%), alcohol (54.2%), and prescription opioid misuse (13.6%). The most common past 30-day substance use combination was alcohol and marijuana (35.6%). The percentage of assessments indicating past-year overdoses or hospital visits due to drug/alcohol use was greatest among those who reported lifetime use of IMF (24.0%), followed by heroin (21.4%) and cocaine (15.3%). Overall, 2.3% reported lifetime IMF use and 0.6% thought IMF was causing them the most problems. Conclusions: Findings inform opportunities to address substance use and increased IMF-involved overdose among adolescents. Continued overdose prevention and response strategies such as evidence-based education campaigns, naloxone distribution and harm reduction efforts, and evidence-based SUD treatment expansion are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Research-supported family programmes are proven to be effective in reducing dysfunctional behaviours in youth. A fundamental role is played by professionals with high competence levels and a positive attitude to evidence-based practice (EBP). The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of prior training for the facilitators of the PCF-AFECT, in order to ascertain whether it led to improvements in their competence levels and whether favourable attitudes to evidence-based practice were associated with higher competence levels. Method: A quantitative method was used, with a sample of professionals from Spain (N = 150). Results: Results showed that the training was effective in the case of four categories of professional competencies. Favourable attitudes to EBP were associated with clusters of professionals with higher competencies. Discussion: Both findings contribute scientifically to the identification of the core components or gold standards of training that are needed for the facilitators of research-supported family programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that child maltreatment is a risk factor for adolescent suicidal behavior. However, the differential influence of distinct forms of child maltreatment on adolescent suicide attempts is understudied and the factors that might exacerbate or ameliorate these associations warrant attention. We examined the associations between two distinct forms of child maltreatment (threat and deprivation) and suicide attempt history, and investigated whether executive function domains moderated these associations. Participants were 119 adolescents (M = 15.24, SD = 1.46, 72.3% female) recruited from an inpatient psychiatric hospital during hospitalization for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Results indicated that the executive function domains of initiation, shifting, and planning/organization moderated the associations between threat and suicide attempt history. Associations between threat and suicide attempt history were significant only when initiation and shifting T-scores were lower (OR = 1.22, p =.03 and OR = 1.32, p =.01, respectively). The association between threat and suicide attempt history trended toward significance when planning/organization T-scores were lower (OR = 1.15, p =.10). None of the executive function domains moderated the link between deprivation and suicide attempt history. Findings highlight the need for research investigating whether initiation, shifting, and planning/organization might be amendable to intervention in the context of threat-related child maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effects of yoga on coping with stress in adolescents. The study was conducted in the Famagusta province of Northern Cyprus between September and November 2021. The sample of the study comprised 62 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 years, including 30 in the intervention and 32 in the control groups. The descriptive information form, the child and resilience measure (CYRM), and the Kidcope were used for data collection. The intervention group received a 10-week yoga program of 60 minutes twice a week. Pre- and posttest scores were calculated to measure the impact of yoga on resilience and coping with stress. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and posttest scores of the yoga intervention group (P < .05). Besides, there was a statistically significant difference between the scores obtained by the intervention and control groups from the CYRM and the subscales of the Kidcope (P < .05). These findings imply that yoga contributes to resilience and coping with stress in adolescents. Based on the findings, we suggest that psychiatric nurses may incorporate yoga to protect the mental health of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This qualitative study sought to assess the influence of cultural factors and family on oral health behaviour of 12‐ to 15‐year‐old adolescents from the socially disadvantaged population. Design: A qualitative design was developed with focus group discussions (FGDs) among 12‐ to 15‐year‐old adolescents. Four focus groups (n = 32 participants) were created from a selected sample to capture oral health beliefs and practices, oral health‐seeking behaviour along with other relevant information. Focus group discussions were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated. Data were analysed thematically and structural coding was applied. Results: Three key themes that emerged from FGDs were importance of oral health; role of family in oral health behaviour; and beliefs influencing access, prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Cultural background, family values and beliefs were imperative in moulding the behaviour of adolescents towards oral health. The use of traditional oral hygiene aides was a norm in this population. Conclusions: Findings of the study provide greater insights into the authoritative role of family and cultural barriers in the uptake of dental services. The study also highlights the potential value of qualitative research and emphasizes the need to integrate oral health‐associated cultural beliefs and attitudes of the adolescents towards a wider evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To elucidate the underlying motivations, experiential dimensions, and cognitive perceptions in adolescents with depression and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Method: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Participants were 18 Chinese adolescents with depression and NSSI. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Three primary themes and 11 subthemes were identified: Triggers of NSSI (personal, family, school, and social factors); Experiencing Emotional Complexity in NSSI Implementation (mitigating psychological distress, awakening a sense of existential life, generating secondary negative emotions, stimulating reflections on life and death); and Perceptions and Understandings of NSSI Are Diverse (NSSI as a form of seeking validation or approval, an addictive behavior, a means to attain a sense of control, and unacceptable behavior). Conclusion: Although nursing staff should provide comprehensive treatment and psychological support, efforts should also be made to strengthen caregiving skills of family members, thereby promoting overall physical and mental health of adolescents. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(11), 47–55.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents who have experienced harsh parenting face an increased risk of developing Internet addiction (IA) later in life. Few studies have examined the underlying mechanisms between harsh parenting and IA. This study explores the relationship between harsh parenting and IA, focusing on associations with emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions. The study group consisted of 925 adolescents (Mage = 16.16, SDage = 0.72; 48.54% girls) who were recruited to complete a survey measuring the variables of harsh parenting, difficulties in emotional regulation, maladaptive cognitions, and IA. After accounting for age and gender, it was found that harsh parenting is directly associated with adolescents' IA (β = 0.07, p < 0.01). The chain mediating effect of emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions was 0.08 (95% CI [0.06, 0.10]), which implies that a chain mediation was identified between harsh parenting and IA through the intermediary factors of emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions. The findings suggest that addressing the emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions could be important aspects to consider in interventions and prevention efforts aimed at reducing adolescent IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a well-evidenced impact on adolescents, who are especially sensitive to pandemic disruptions given the critical role of socialization in their development. In Chile too, evidence shows increases in mental health complaints among adolescents over the lockdown period. Our study aimed at exploring the experiences of Chilean adolescents regarding their mental health during the lockdown and school closure (March 2020-December 2021), and during the return to on-site education (2022) as informed by adolescents and school staff, with a focus on family, school, and social sources of risk and support for adolescents' wellbeing during these periods. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 adolescents and 16 staff members from schools in an urban area of Chile. Results: Through thematic analysis, we generated five themes: [1] Adolescents in a mental health crisis, comprising a range of distressing experiences and mental health problems. This crisis was fueled by alterations in the functioning of adolescents' systems: [2] Broken support systems (peers and school); [3] The school agenda must go on, reflecting schools' strict compliance with the educational curriculum; and [4] Blurred boundaries between home and school life and within the family. Finally [5], Development will (try to) find its way describes how most participants experienced a bouncing back to wellbeing in the course of the school year upon return, and how some developmental milestones took place despite the abnormal conditions, providing evidence for resilience amid pandemic adversity. Conclusions: The findings give insight into how the exchanges between the adolescent and the social systems they are embedded in were interfered. The results help us understand the challenges for mental health during and after the pandemic, and highlight adolescents' capacity to thrive as normality was restored. The results also underscore the importance of upholding stability across adolescents' systems and routines, in order to mitigate impacts on wellbeing amid abnormal circumstances. The findings are relevant for development-informed initiatives in policy design in the aftermath of the pandemic and in future crisis management responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Harsh parenting has been recognized as a risk factor for adolescent anxiety; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear, and it is unknown whether this relationship is influenced by different parental roles and living arrangements. This study aimed to investigate the mediating mechanisms between harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms using a multiple mediation model and to further compare specific roles of harsh parenting and distinguish between the living arrangements. Methods: A total of 3505 adolescents completed this survey, and 3295 adolescents (54.7% girls, Mage = 14.97 years) were included in the study. Participants completed self-assessments measuring harsh parenting, self-efficacy, school connectedness, Internet addiction, sleep problems, and anxiety. They were categorized into three groups based on living arrangements: living with both parents, only with the mother, or only with the father. Results: Correlational analyses revealed that both maternal and paternal harsh parenting were associated with increased anxiety symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) mediation analyses and multigroup analyses showed that the independent mediating effects of school connectedness, Internet addiction, and sleep problems, as well as the sequential mediating pathways involving self-efficacy → school connectedness, self-efficacy → Internet addiction, and self-efficacy → sleep problems, vary across the adolescents' living arrangements in the association between maternal and paternal harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: This study elucidated the mechanisms linking harsh parenting to adolescent anxiety symptoms and validated the effects of different parental roles and living arrangements. The findings provide important insights for developing targeted interventions to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents exposed to harsh parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health is so important for the adolescent age group that the World Health Organization has listed oral health as a lifelong prerequisite for maintaining public health; Therefore, this research was carried out with the aim of the effect of educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on the promotion of behaviors related to oral health of adolescents through mobile application. Methods: In this clinical trial, 80 adolescents aged 13–15 years from Shushtar city were selected using a random cluster sampling method and assigned to either the test or control group. The data collection tools included a standard questionnaire for measuring Oral health behavior (awareness, attitude, behavior) and a standard questionnaire for measuring self-efficacy (self-efficacy in brushing teeth, self-efficacy in using dental floss, and self-efficacy in visiting the dentist), as well as demographic characteristics. Training was provided to the test group via a mobile application for 3 weeks. During the intervention, the control group did not receive any training. Questionnaires were distributed in both groups immediately after the intervention, as well as one month and three months post-intervention, and data were collected. In accordance with research ethics, at the end of the study, the educational content was provided to the control group. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and Mann-Whitney and Friedman non-parametric tests. Results: The findings showed that the educational intervention through the mobile application was effective in improving the average scores of awareness, attitude, self-efficacy in brushing teeth, flossing, visiting the dentist, and the behavior of adolescents regarding oral health behaviors, and this statistical difference was significant compared to before the educational intervention (P < 0.05), while no change was observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Considering that adolescents aged 13–15 years are the age of starting behavioral habits, including oral health behaviors, and on the other hand, their interest in using technology and virtual spaces is high, it is suggested that part of the education of this age group should be designed and implemented in the platform of mobile application. Clinical Trial: Registration in Iran Clinical Trial Center with ID code (IRCT20200120046204N1) Date of.Registration: 2018-02-25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is growing global concern about poor mental health among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, adolescent girls face multiple challenges in managing menstruation which can impact both their health and wellbeing. In this study we address an evidence gap on the association of a broad range of menstrual-related factors with mental health problems amongst secondary school female adolescents in Uganda. Methods: We used baseline data from a cluster-randomised menstrual health intervention trial conducted in 60 secondary schools in two districts in Uganda. Baseline data were collected between March and July 2022, including socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual knowledge and attitudes, menstrual practices and self-efficacy, and mental health problems measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Total Difficulties score (SDQ-25). We used random-effects linear regression to estimate the adjusted mean difference (aMD) for the association between mental health problems (SDQ Total Difficulties Score) and menstrual-related factors, including the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS) and the Self-Efficacy in Addressing Menstrual Needs scale (SAMNS)), accounting for school-level clustering and adjusting for prior confounders. Results: Among the 3841 female participants, there was strong and consistent evidence of associations between mental health problems and menstrual-related factors. Mental health problems were associated with poor knowledge about menstruation (aMD = 1.17, 95%CI 0.50, 1.84 <0.001), using disposable and reusable menstrual products compared to using just disposable products (aMD = 1.42, 95%CI 0.92, 1.92, p <0.001), and experiencing menstrual pain even when using an effective management method at last menstrual period (LMP) compared to those experiencing no pain (aMD = 1.60, 95%CI 1.19, 2.01, p <0.001). Mental health problems were also associated with greater unmet menstrual needs according to the MPNS (aMD = 4.40 95%CI 3.96, 4.84, p <0.001), and with lower menstrual self-efficacy measured by the SAMNS (aMD = 0.94 95% CI 0.51, 1.37, p <0.001). Conclusion: This study shows strong evidence that mental health problems reported by adolescent girls in Uganda are associated with poor menstrual health. The association between menstrual health and mental health provides evidence as to why menstrual health should be a public health priority. Trial registration: Trial registration: ISRCTN 45461276. Registered on 16 September 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though mental health problems and alcohol use remain major challenges facing adolescents, our understanding of their developmental progressions primarily stems from cohorts coming 1 of age in the early 2000's. We aimed to examine and describe normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use across adolescent years among more recent cohorts of Norwegian youth born in the 21st century. Methods: Multilevel mixed linear models for symptoms of depression and conduct disorder, and multilevel mixed logistic models for depressive disorder, conduct problems, any alcohol use, and risky drinking, were estimated with longitudinal data from a nationwide sample N = 3436 (55% girls) of Norwegian adolescents (mean age 14.3 [SD = 0.85] in 2017). We compared models with linear, quadratic, and cubic change with age, and models that tested moderation by sex and centrality (rural vs. urban communities). Results: Average symptoms and the rate of depressive disorder increased sharply from age 13 to age 19, but both the initial levels and the rates of change were greater for girls than for boys. Average symptoms of conduct disorder and the rate of conduct problems increased in early adolescence and were greater for boys than girls. The rates of any alcohol use and risky drinking both increased sharply from age 14, but there were no notable sex differences either in the initial levels or rates of change over time. Adolescents from more rural communities had greater rates of any drinking in mid-adolescence, but there were no other effects of centrality. Conclusions: This study provides a much-needed update concerning normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use among millennium cohorts. Consistent with prior studies, we observed significant increases in all outcomes across adolescence, with depression being both greater and more prevalent among girls and conduct problems being both greater and more prevalent among boys. Consistent with the emerging evidence, we observed no sex differences in alcohol use. Finally, there were no differences in the examined developmental trajectories as a function of centrality. These findings underscore the importance of early prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether maternal warmth in early childhood moderates the association between preterm birth and problems in peer relationships and low engagement in romantic relationships in adolescence. We studied 9193 individuals from the Millennium Cohort Study in the United Kingdom, 99 (1.1%) of whom were born very preterm (VPT; < 32 weeks of gestation) and 629 (6.8%) moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT; 32–36 weeks gestation). Maternal warmth was reported by the mothers when their children were 3 years old. Peer relationship problems were reported by both the participants and their mothers at 14 and 17 years. Further, participants reported their engagement in romantic relationships at 14 and 17 years. All outcome variables were z-standardized, and the moderation effect was examined via hierarchical linear regressions. Compared to full-term birth, both MLPT and VPT birth were associated with lower engagement in romantic relationships at 17 years of age (b =.04, p =.02; b =.11, p =.02, respectively), and VPT birth was associated with increased peer relationship problems at 14 (b =.29, p =.01) and 17 years of age (b =.22, p =.046). Maternal warmth in early childhood was similarly associated with lower peer relationship problems in MLPT, VPT and full-term born adolescents. However, there was no influence of maternal warmth on engagement in romantic relationships at 17 years of age. There is no major modifying effect of maternal warmth in early childhood on the association between PT birth and peer relationship problems and low engagement in romantic relationships at 14 and 17 years of ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to advance knowledge on the causal interrelationship between childhood CU traits and lying both at a between- and a within-person perspective across a significant developmental period of mid-childhood to mid-adolescence. Cross-lagged panel models and Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to investigate the prospective associations between lying and the distinct subcomponents of CU traits, including Callousness, Uncaring, and Unemotional in a sample of 719 children (T1; Mage = 10.73 years, SDage = 1.38, range = 7–15 years, 54.4% girls) across four assessment points. Results supported large vulnerability effects at the between-person level across time, indicating that CU traits predominantly influence the subsequent development of lying, with Callousness and Uncaring showing most profound effects on subsequent developmental processes of lying. At the within-person level, fluctuations in CU traits and lying were overall meaningfully related, but no causal relationship could be empirically determined. These findings provide a differentiated etiological viewpoint on the intertwinement of CU traits and lying at a young age, and underscore the importance of an early identification of children with callous and uncaring tendencies in order to prevent more persistent lying in adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There might be differential characteristics between those who have attempted suicide once in their lifetime (single attempters) and those who have attempted suicide two or more times (multiple attempters). We aimed to identify the factors that differentiate single and multiple attempters in child and adolescents. This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in PROSPERO. We conducted a systematic literature search in three databases to identify original studies exploring the characteristics of single attempters vs. multiple attempters among adolescents. We considered a wide range for the definition of adolescent, following most recent recommendations: 10–24 years. We carried out a meta-analysis. Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review and 13 in the meta-analysis with a total sample of with a total of 4286 participants. The factors statistically significantly associated with being a multiple attempter in the meta-analysis were: anxiety disorders, depression severity, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, aggressiveness, and hopelessness. Multiple attempters have a more severe clinical profile, with greater severity of symptoms. Knowledge of the risk factors associated with being a multiple attempter could help us to predict which patients are more likely to reattempt suicide and need further monitoring and a tailored treatment. Prevention programs tailored for the adolescent population, along with identification of early risk factors, could help to prevent suicidal behavior among this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between peer bullying victimization in adolescence and substance use have been poorly studied. Thus, we examined the associations between peer bullying victimization and tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use in 496 French high school students. Peer bullying victimization was measured with a 17-item standardized assessment and analyzed as quartiles. Tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use were assessed with the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), respectively. Total scores at the HONC (0 to 10), AUDIT-C (0 to 12), and CAST (0 to 24) were used as dependent variables in generalized linear models, adjusting for sex, age, prepared graduation, last school marks and friends outside high school. Compared to the first quartile (i.e., the least bullied students), those from the second, third and fourth quartiles had significant increase of the AUDIT-C (B = 0.78 [95%CI 0.17–1.40] with p = 0.013; B = 0.86 [95%CI 0.26;1.46] with p = 0.005 and B = 1.00 [95%CI 0.38;1.62] with p = 0.002, respectively), with dose-dependent relationships (B = 0.33 ([95%CI 0.13; 0.52] with p = 0.001). Those from the fourth quartile had a significant increase of the CAST (B = 2.13[95%CI 1.25;3.01], p < 0.001). When examining the role of peer bullying victimization on the number of substances used, there were significant increased odds for students from the third and fourth quartiles, with dose-dependent relationships (OR = 1.24 [95% CI 1.07;1.44], p = 0.005). These findings encourage paying a particular attention to substance use in students who report being bullied. Consequently, information and prevention using standardized screening tools should be proposed. Conversely, substance use could be an indicator of peer bullying victimization and should thus be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decade, video games have become the main industrial entertainment sector, although research on the effects of violence in video games on juvenile aggressiveness has raised concerns that they may pose a significant social risk. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of exposure to violent video games, pathological video-gaming, and justification of violence with the perpetration of Child-to-Parent Violence (CPV) against the mother and the father, controlling for the sex, educational level, and violent TV exposure of the participant. The sample consisted of 439 students from Compulsory Secondary Education, (238 boys and 201 girls), aged between 13 and 18. Exposure to video games was assessed through an author-elaborated questionnaire, violence justification, and pathological video-gaming were evaluated with the Exposure to Violence Questionnaire and the Assessment of Pathological Computer-Gaming, respectively, and CPV was assessed through the Child-to-Parent Aggression Questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that pathological video-gaming and, specially, justification of violence, were related to the perpetration of CPV against both mothers and fathers. However, a relationship of exposure to violent video games and violence on TV with the perpetration of CPV was not found. These results suggest a potential new target for CPV prevention, as well as for the treatment of juvenile offenders. Highlights: Pathological video-gaming and justification of violence are related to the perpetration of CPV against both mothers and fathers. However, exposure to violent video games and violence on TV are not associated with CPV rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate anxiety is increasingly prevalent among adolescents worldwide. Are climate‐anxious adolescents prone to engage in pro‐environmental behavior? Or might the association between climate anxiety and pro‐environmental be curvilinear, such that high levels of climate anxiety become 'paralyzing'? And do these associations depend on whether adolescents believe that, with effort, the worst impacts of climate change can still be prevented? Methods: We addressed these questions in three studies (two preregistered; combined N = 2,211), conducted across two countries. We used cross‐sectional and longitudinal methods, and various measures of climate anxiety and pro‐environmental behavior. We performed Bayesian regression analyses comparing two models that tested competing hypotheses. The first model included a linear effect of climate anxiety on pro‐environmental behavior, and the second model included both a linear and a curvilinear (i.e. inverted U‐shaped) effect of climate anxiety on pro‐environmental behavior. Next, we added environmental efficacy to the best fitting model and explored its moderating effects. Results: Adolescents reported low‐to‐moderate levels of climate anxiety. Across the board, we found evidence for a small, positive, and mostly linear (rather than curvilinear) association between climate anxiety and pro‐environmental behavior. While Study 1 supported a curvilinear association (Bayes Factor (BF) = 18.87), Studies 2 and 3 mostly supported a linear model (BFs range 6.86–12.71), except for weak support (BF = 1.62) for a curvilinear association between climate anxiety symptoms and public sphere pro‐environmental behavior. Adolescents' environmental efficacy moderated this link for public sphere (e.g. activism), but not private sphere (e.g. recycling), pro‐environmental behavior. Conclusions: Climate‐anxious adolescents are prone to engage in pro‐environmental behavior. We found limited evidence for 'eco‐paralysis' (i.e. a passive state of pro‐environmental behavioral stasis) at high levels of climate anxiety. Our results are consistent with the possibility that supporting adolescents' environmental efficacy will help climate‐anxious adolescents engage in public sphere pro‐environmental behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]