Articles tagged with Adolescents
Adolescents who fantasize about casual sex and have had casual relationships are more likely to be harassed. Researchers found that those who have been sexually harassed also prefer casual sex, highlighting the need for better communication scripts among young people.
A recent study published in Sex Roles found that female cyberbullies and victims perceive school and learning as less important after experiencing online harassment. Researchers discovered that girls who engaged in cyberbullying felt the least accepted by their peers, which negatively impacted their attitudes towards education.
A team of experts concludes that regulatory, behavioral and scientific evidence supports making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter for adults and teens. Studies show that teens can safely use 'the pill' to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and wider access could lead to fewer teen pregnancies.
A new study by Oxford casts doubt on whether internet filters in the home effectively shield young people from unpleasant online experiences. Researchers found that homes with internet filters had no link to lower rates of negative online experiences among teenagers.
A long-term study of British children found that physical activity levels began to decline at age 7, not just during adolescence. The study suggests that a shift in research focus is needed to understand the factors behind this decline and inform policy and practice.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has awarded a $10.3 million grant to create a Youth Opportunity Hub in Northern Manhattan, providing wraparound support and opportunities to youth through partnerships with community-based organizations. The project aims to reduce involvement in the criminal justice system among high-risk youth.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that increasing the minimum wage would likely reduce the US adolescent birth rate by about 2%. This translates to approximately 5,000 fewer births annually. Higher wages can motivate teens to work and delay childbearing or prioritize leisure time over parenthood.
Research from the University of Warwick suggests that cyberbullying is mostly an extension of traditional playground bullying, rather than a standalone phenomenon. The study found that 29% of UK teenagers reported being bullied, with only 1% experiencing cyberbullying alone.
A new study from Southern Methodist University found that a self-persuasion app on an iPad motivated low-income parents to vaccinate their teens against human papillomavirus, a cancer-causing virus. The app used audio prompts and guided parents in thinking through the importance of vaccination.
Researchers have discovered a relationship between brain structure and dimensional measures of ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention. The study found reduced gray matter volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) was associated with increased symptom severity.
A pilot study of guanfacine, an alpha2-agonist, found the drug safe and well-tolerated in pediatric patients with anxiety disorder. The study suggests potential effectiveness and opens doors to further clinical testing.
Despite significant weight gain, anorexia nervosa patients' brains continue to exhibit elevated reward systems, suggesting a prolonged recovery period. The study suggests that neurotransmitter dopamine plays a key role in the disease's pathology and may require targeted treatments.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who consumed a diet high in sugar-sweetened drinks and processed meats during adolescence or young adulthood had a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The researchers recommend consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds...
Research shows teens exhibit safer driving behavior after involvement in a severe collision, with risk levels decreasing by up to 34% in two months. The study tracked data from over 250 teens and found that elevated acceleration events, such as rapid turns or stops, were higher among those who later crashed compared to those who did not.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that childhood abuse impairs associative learning, contributing to misbehavior patterns later in life. Researchers discovered that abused children struggled with learning which stimuli were associated with rewards, leading to pessimism and poor decision-making.
A recent study found that teenagers and young adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy, compared to those with type 1 diabetes. The study also revealed higher prevalence of hypertension in both groups.
A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that adolescents with autism are four times more likely to visit the emergency department than their non-autistic peers. The research suggests that youth with autism may need better access to primary care and specialist services.
A new study found that adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes experience more than double the health complications compared to those with type 1 diabetes. Health complications include retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, arterial stiffness, and high blood pressure.
A recent study of 74 Android mobile apps found that 89% focus on parental control, while only 11% support teen self-regulation. This approach may hinder teens' ability to develop essential online safety skills and cope with future encounters.
A recent study links adolescent sleepiness to future crime rates, with sleepy teens more likely to commit crimes by age 29. The study suggests that poor daytime attention and social adversity may contribute to the relationship between sleepiness and crime.
Researchers used brain scans to improve predictions of adolescent problem drug use, correctly identifying 2/3 of those who would abuse drugs. Novelty-seeking scores were associated with reduced anticipation in brain reward centers, a key predictor of future drug use.
Research published in BMJ Open found that brainy teens are less likely to smoke, but more likely to drink alcohol and use cannabis. The study tracked the substance use of over 6,000 English teenagers from age 11 to 19, revealing persistent patterns into adulthood.
Researchers discovered that drugs targeting inhibitory brain receptors can alter synapse number, potentially offering therapeutic strategies for autism and schizophrenia. Targeted therapy during adolescence may help normalize synapse numbers in individuals with abnormal numbers of synapses.
Research suggests that state-level same-sex marriage policies are associated with a significant reduction in adolescent suicide attempts, particularly among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents. The study found a seven percent reduction in suicide attempts among high school students generally.
New research in adolescent rodents identifies under-expression of α4βδ-GABAA receptors as a risk factor for anorexia nervosa-like behavior. Boosting receptor activity may be a promising treatment strategy, addressing the high mortality rate of this mental illness.
A Saint Louis University study found nearly 50% of adolescents thought it was 'probably impossible' to acquire heroin in 2014, compared to 39% in 2002. The number of teens who believed it was easy or very easy to get heroin also declined between 2002 and 2014.
A nationwide analysis suggests same-sex marriage policies were associated with a 7% reduction in suicide attempts among adolescents. Same-sex marriage policies were found to be concentrated among adolescents who were sexual minorities, resulting in over 134,000 fewer adolescents attempting suicide annually.
Researchers found that adolescents with weak working memory and progressive drug use are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems later in life. Interventions targeting these underlying factors can help prevent substance abuse problems in adolescents.
A study found that moderate to high levels of screen time are not associated with negative outcomes in teenagers. The researcher suggests that parents should focus on how media is used rather than just time consumption, as it can foster learning and socialization.
A study found that brain responses to rewards are a significant predictor of pain symptoms in adolescents, with patterns of reward processing at age 14-15 predicting pain complaints at age 16-17. Genetic variants affecting pain sensitivity may also play a role.
Dr. Sandra B. Sexson, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, has received the Vestermark Psychiatry Educator Award for her leadership and creativity in psychiatric education. She is recognized for her 40-year dedication to advancing the field of psychiatry through various academic and professional roles.
A new study found that delaying marijuana use until age 17 is associated with better brain function and fewer cognitive declines. Adolescents who started using cannabis earlier showed poorer verbal skills and vocabulary, as well as difficulties with problem-solving and daily adaptation.
A recent study found a 19.2% increase in cigarette smoking among pregnant teenagers following the enactment of minimum legal sale ages for e-cigarettes. The policy had the greatest effects on the youngest pregnant women, with an average underage pregnant woman smoking about half a cigarette extra per day.
A new study finds that e-cigarettes are expanding tobacco product use among youth, particularly those at low risk of starting with cigarettes. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 140,000 middle and high school students and found no evidence that e-cigarettes have caused a decline in youth smoking
A new study reveals that obesity surgery has been shown to be as effective for teenagers as for adults, resulting in significant weight loss. However, the study also highlights potential complications, including bowel obstruction and gallstones, which require further monitoring and support.
A study by McGill University researchers found that students from schools starting earlier slept less and were more likely to be tired in the morning. Delaying school start times could help Canadian teenagers sleep better and give them a better chance for success.
Researchers find a positive correlation between belief in free will and happiness among Chinese teenagers, contrasting with previous Western studies. The study suggests that believing in free will may lead to increased perceived autonomy, self-control, and deliberate effort to achieve goals, ultimately contributing to happiness.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that teenagers with mental health problems who receive treatment experience a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than those without. By age 17, service users were more than seven times less likely to report clinical depression compared to untreated individuals.
A study published in Addiction Biology found that long-term heavy drinking in adolescents alters brain electrical activity, particularly in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission system. This alteration may be detrimental to a developing brain, warranting tighter diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders.
A new study found that lap band surgery significantly improves weight and BMI in severely obese Australian teenagers, with median BMI reduction of 10 kg/m2. The procedure is a safe and effective option for adolescents with severe obesity, provided performed by an experienced surgeon and managed regularly.
A new study of over 120,000 UK teens found that moderate digital screen use is not linked to negative effects on well-being. The researchers suggest a 'digital sweet spot' where screen time benefits teens by providing opportunities for social connections and skills. However, excessive engagement may displace important activities.
Teenagers who play video games for more than four hours a day suffer from symptoms of depression, but frequent use of social media and instant messaging may mitigate symptoms of game addiction. Strong friendships appear to be a key factor in balancing out the negative effects of gaming.
A new study by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health shows that parents' concerns about their neighborhood restrict their children's outdoor play. Parents who do not trust their neighbors or feel they have no control over neighborhood problems are more likely to limit their child's physical activity.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that social ecology influences on personal experiences and interactions with family, peers, and healthcare providers hinder young men's use of sexual and reproductive health care. Long wait times, costs, and concerns about privacy also deter seeking care.
Severely obese teenagers who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience significant weight loss and improved health outcomes, including reduced diabetes and high cholesterol risks. However, some patients may need additional surgery or develop vitamin deficiencies, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and support.
Researchers found that female rats prefer dominant males who have experienced stress in adolescence, but reject submissive males with a history of stress. This study provides insight into the effects of environmental stress on reproduction and may lead to a better understanding of human reproductive capacity.
A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that adolescent roundworms exhibit erratic behavior when seeking food, unlike adult worms which show efficient behavior. This discovery provides insight into the drivers of neurological development and may shed light on human brain function and diseases.
A new special section of Child Development explores the developmental course of violent offending, including factors such as emotion regulation skills and judgment. The research aims to inform novel practices and policies to prevent severe youth violence.
A study found that marijuana legalization significantly reduced perceptions of harm in eighth- and 10th-graders, but increased past-month use by 2-4% in Washington state. No change was seen in Colorado. The authors attribute the increase in teen use to reduced stigma and perceived risk after legalization.
A new study found that teen perception of marijuana's harmfulness decreased by 14.2% and 16.1% in Washington's 8th- and 10th-graders after recreational legalization, while marijuana use increased by 2.0% and 4.1%. No changes were seen in Colorado.
Research shows that brain maturation varies by individual and region, making it difficult to pinpoint a static baseline for maturity. Leah Somerville highlights the importance of considering brain development in policy-making decisions.
A new study found that adolescents are up to 183% more likely to carry out violent acts if their friends have also committed the same act. The contagion extends beyond friends to up to four degrees of separation, making it essential to stop violence in one person to prevent it from spreading to others.
A study of 3,063 children and adolescents with acute concussion found that physical activity within 7 days of injury was associated with reduced risk of persistent postconcussive symptoms. Engaging in early physical activity was linked to a lower risk of PPCS, regardless of intensity or exercise type.
Adolescents with autism face significant stress as they transition to adulthood, with difficulties in accessing services and adapting to change being major concerns. Social workers can play a vital role in supporting families by coordinating essential services such as medical treatment and independent living.
A new study from King's College London has found a link between adolescent obesity and the risk of developing heart disease in early adulthood, regardless of ethnicity. The study tracked an ethnically diverse group of children and found that being overweight in early adolescence adversely affects cardiovascular health in the 20s.
A new study found that children who spent more time on screen devices and watching television were more likely to engage in behaviors leading to obesity, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The research suggests that limiting screen device use may be as important for health as limiting TV time.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduced both marijuana and alcohol use in treatment-engaged adolescents. The study's results suggest NAC may generalize to other substances and be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine found that only 49.8% of surveyed teens consider cigar warnings 'very believable', highlighting the need for improved tobacco prevention campaigns. The survey, which included 1,125 adolescents aged 13-17, suggests that graphic warnings may be more effective in engaging youth.
A study of Israeli adolescents found that higher BMI in late adolescence and long-term cumulative burden of BMI predict poorer cognitive function later in life. Taller stature was associated with better global cognitive function, independent of socioeconomic position.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use during adolescence is associated with reduced grey matter volumes, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This can disrupt normal brain maturation, leading to potential long-term effects on impulse control and substance use disorder risk.