Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A study found that thousands of youth caregivers in the US face significant challenges, including school failure and poor health. The caregivers, who are often girls between 12 and 15 years old, spend up to 4 hours per day caring for family members with physical or mental illnesses.
Research reveals teenage girls are exposed to more interpersonal dependent stressors, which contribute to higher levels of rumination and negative cognitive style. This increased exposure maintains a higher risk for depression over time, especially in girls who experience similar stressors as boys.
Adolescent rats fed sugar-sweetened beverages experienced memory problems and brain inflammation, becoming pre-diabetic. The study highlights the impact of dietary influences during critical periods of development on brain health.
A major new review of cannabis research reveals adverse effects on mental and physical health, including increased risk of addiction, psychosis, and respiratory problems. Chronic cannabis use is linked to lower educational attainment and intellectual impairment, while adolescent use is associated with a doubling of schizophrenia risk.
The study found that adolescents with cerebral palsy rated their overall QoL as comparable to that of their able-bodied peers. They also reported better QoL in five areas of life, including moods and emotions, self-perception, autonomy, relationships with parents, and school life.
A new study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that teenage sexting may precede and predict future sexual activity. The research suggests that sexting is becoming a normal part of adolescent sexual development, rather than strictly linked to at-risk teens.
A study of over 2,200 adolescents found that those who had at least one family meal a week were less likely to be overweight or obese as adults. Regular family meals are associated with reduced odds of obesity, regardless of race or ethnicity.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that religious Jewish teens are 45% less likely to exhibit suicidal behavior compared to their secular counterparts. The research suggests that Judaism's spiritual and communal support, as well as its prohibition on suicide, may be key factors in this protective effect.
New research suggests that early exposure to THC may cause long-term damage to the immune system, leading to increased risk of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. Studies involving adolescent mice found that THC treatment resulted in severe alterations of immune responses in adulthood.
Dietary supplements can cause severe health issues and are often ineffective. States should increase regulation of these products to protect consumers, particularly adolescents. Recommended state actions include conducting laboratory testing, generating safety warnings, and instituting minimum age purchase limits.
A study at Sam Houston State University found that gang membership typically lasts around two years, with most youth joining between ages 10 and 16. The study also identified six pathways into and out of gangs, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention programs.
Researchers analyzed data from 7,371 children in Finland and found that those conceived less than 12 months after a sibling's birth were 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism. The risk was also higher for those conceived at long intervals, over 40% higher.
A study found that early age of first drink and quick progression to intoxication are associated with high school student alcohol use and binge drinking. The research suggests that teenagers who start drinking at an early age tend to drink more heavily and engage in binge drinking.
A Swedish study found that adolescents with sleep disturbance or short sleep duration are less likely to succeed academically. The research suggests that sleep may play a crucial role for adolescents' performance at school, with around 30% of participants reporting regular sleep problems.
Researchers analyzed data from Sweden, UK, and US, finding obese teen boys earn up to 18% less than peers. The study attributes the penalty to lower cognitive and non-cognitive skills linked to obesity, bullying, and discrimination. Targeting early-life obesity could reduce socio-economic inequalities.
A study found that peer drinking reduces the protective effects of an ADH1B gene variant in adolescents, leading to increased risk of drinking milestones. The study analyzed data from 1,550 European and African-American individuals who consumed alcohol before age 18.
A year-long study found that increased knowledge of HPV vaccines did not lead to higher vaccination rates among adolescents. Only about 14% of participants were ultimately vaccinated. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and convenient vaccination options in increasing vaccine uptake.
A study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that less supportive and punitive Chinese parenting techniques can lead to negative outcomes in children, including low self-esteem and school adjustment difficulties. The research contradicts the idea that traditional 'Chinese' upbringing is superior and highlights the importance...
A new study found that couples and adult-only households eat family meals on most days of the week, mirroring patterns seen in families with children. The research analyzed data from over 14,000 Ohio adults, suggesting that frequent family meal consumption may have health benefits for all adults, not just those with minors.
A study found that female early adolescents who attend schools with older girls report a greater desire to be thin and less satisfaction with their bodies. This suggests that school grade groupings may influence the pace and timing of body image changes during adolescence.
A study of frequent marijuana users found that negative emotions increased in the days leading up to use and didn't improve with cannabis. The research suggests that this can create a vicious cycle where people continue to use the drug despite feeling worse afterward.
A meta-analysis of 58 studies found that adolescents' perceptions of peers' sexual activity, approval, and pressure are associated with their own sexual behavior. The study suggests that role modeling by peers is the most influential factor, while peer pressure has a smaller effect.
A University of Iowa study found that teenagers' brains are more sensitive to immediate rewards, leading to impulsive behavior. The researchers suggest limiting distractions to help teens develop impulse-control skills.
Researchers at Oregon Research Institute found that watching junk food ads can activate reward regions in the brain of adolescents, leading to increased risk of weight gain. This study suggests that individual differences in neural vulnerability may identify youth at risk for excess weight gain.
Researchers found that teenage girls who skipped school or failed tests were more likely to engage in vaginal sex and less likely to use condoms. The study also showed a link between academic events and emotional experiences in romantic relationships.
A UT Arlington study found that teens living with two college-educated parents are significantly less likely to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana. The presence of both parents is a strong protective factor for African-American adolescents, with white teenagers being 69% more likely to engage in substance abuse than black peers.
The SUNY Research Foundation has been awarded a five-year, $8.2 million grant to support the Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC) at Binghamton University. The center will focus on understanding the effects of prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure on brain development.
A nationwide Danish register study found that psychiatrically ill youth exposed to antipsychotic medications had a significantly higher risk of developing type II diabetes compared to those not exposed. Regular cardiometabolic monitoring should be integral part of antipsychotic prescribing in children and adolescents.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that 40% of cannabis-using adolescents experienced withdrawal symptoms, despite widespread perception of cannabis as nonaddictive. The presence or absence of withdrawal did not affect long-term treatment outcomes.
A study of over 18,000 students found that frequent family dinners were associated with lower rates of mental health problems in teenagers, particularly those who experienced cyberbullying. The research suggests that family dinners can provide a protective buffer against the negative effects of cyberbullying.
A McGill study found that family meals can reduce the negative impacts of online bullying on adolescent mental health. Cyberbullying victimization was linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use among adolescents with fewer family dinners.
The study found that obese boys had a nearly six-fold increased risk of hypertension compared to normal weight boys, while obese girls had a more than four-fold greater risk. General and abdominal adiposity are already significantly associated with prehypertension and hypertension in children and adolescents.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that a one cent per ounce excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, combined with physical activity programs and an advertising ban, could effectively reduce childhood obesity. The tax is expected to generate significant revenue for additional obesity prevention a...
A study examining body mass index (BMI) in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) found elevated rates of excess weight and obesity in those with partial fetal alcohol syndrome. Females were at a greater risk for obesity/overweight than males during adolescence.
Researchers found that teenagers who got less than six hours of sleep per night had a 20% higher risk of being obese by age 21. This study provides the strongest evidence yet that lack of sleep raises risk for an elevated BMI, and emphasizes the importance of getting more than eight hours of sleep per night.
Adolescents with parents who spend more time at home tend to have better eating behaviors and exercise habits. Parents' availability can also play a crucial role in shaping their children's health, with fathers' presence being particularly important.
Physical neglect during childhood is a stronger predictor of male adolescent violence than physical abuse, according to Penn State researchers. The study suggests that understanding neglect's role in influencing violent behavior can lead to better education and care for at-risk youths.
A new study from Duke University found that mass layoffs can trigger increased suicide attempts and behaviors among teenagers, particularly girls and black adolescents. The research, based on a nationally representative survey of 403,457 adolescents, suggests that economic hardship worsens existing tendencies in girls.
Researchers identified three key neurocognitive dimensions: impulsive action, impulsive choice, and reward sensitivity. These dimensions are linked to externalizing problems and can be targeted in interventions. The study suggests prevention and intervention approaches targeting these deficits have potential to impact clinical outcomes.
A Michigan State University study suggests that adolescents who are more fearful of crime are less likely to become victims and offenders of violent acts. The research found that fearful youth tend to avoid potentially dangerous situations, leading to safer outcomes.
Frequent marijuana use can lead to poor attention, memory, and decreased IQ in teenagers and young adults. Brain imaging studies have shown significant changes in brain structure among adolescents who increased their marijuana use.
Research suggests that physically fit sixth-grade girls are less likely to report feeling depressed when they reach seventh grade. Fitness programs can help prevent depression in middle-schoolers, but schools should also use other interventions like therapy.
A recent study found that adolescents with aggressive behavior are more prone to drinking alcohol, while depression and anxiety do not increase the risk of alcohol use. The study also linked smoking, attention problems, early menarche, and parental divorce to increased alcohol consumption.
A nationwide study involving over 5,000 teenagers found that playing mature-rated video games associated with increased deviant behaviors, including alcohol use and smoking cigarettes. The researchers suggest changes in personality, attitudes, and values contribute to the findings.
Adolescents with high sympathetic nervous system reactivity develop higher PTSD symptoms regardless of media coverage. Lower sympathetic reactivity before a traumatic event is associated with only post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following high media exposure.
University of York scientists have discovered a novel metabolic pathway in Neisseria meningitidis that explains why this age group is particularly at risk of infection. The bacteria can supplement its growth via metabolism of propionic acid, generated by anaerobic bacteria becoming more prevalent in adolescents.
Research conducted on adolescent rats reveals that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can impair learning and memory functions. The study found significant inflammation in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory, suggesting potential long-term effects on cognitive function.
A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that campers who formed close relationships with members from the opposing side developed more positive feelings toward all members of that group. This effect was found to last long after returning home, even months later.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that preterm children's cognitive abilities as teenagers can be comparable to those born at term, if they experience no brain injury early on. The quality of the home environment plays a crucial role in brain development and cognition.
A new study by Aarhus University reveals that one in three young people experience knee pain between the ages of 12 and 19. The pain often persists even after two years, with 55% of adolescents with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome still suffering from knee pain after two years.
A study found that an electronic screening tool can effectively assess teenagers' substance use and identify those at risk. The tool, which asks only one question, shows high sensitivity and specificity in identifying substance use disorders.
A meta-analysis of 49 studies found that community service with reflection has a substantial, beneficial effect on adolescents' academic, personal, social, and civic development. Structured reflection is crucial to the overall impact of community service.
A Tel Aviv University study found Israeli youths exposed to terrorism and conflict suffer higher levels of anxiety, phobia, and depression than their US counterparts. Girls are particularly vulnerable, with more severe psychiatric pathologies reported than boys.
A new study advocates for investing in the sexual and reproductive health of 10 to 14 year olds, a critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood. Researchers recommend tailored programs to meet their unique needs, including parental and guardian involvement, and preventive services to prevent misinformation and promote heal...
A study of Finnish twins found that adolescent drinking problems were strongly associated with adverse outcomes in early adulthood, including substance abuse, poor health, and relationship problems. The researchers controlled for genetic and environmental factors to isolate the causal effect of adolescent drinking on adult outcomes.
Researchers found that adolescents who showed a higher reaction in their amygdala while viewing negative images were more likely to develop PTSD symptoms after the Boston Marathon bombing. The study's findings suggest that brain activity before a traumatic event can predict a person's response to it.
Researchers found that adolescent males desire intimate and caring relationships, expressing vulnerability and dependence, and placing great importance on trust. The study provides a nuanced understanding of adolescent males' early relationships, which contrasts with traditional portrayals of younger male behavior.
Researchers found that levels of severity and functional impairment among children with ADHD under 7 were comparable to those with other mental disorders. The study highlights the importance of systematic study of diagnostic criteria in representative samples.
Researchers found that soluble corn fibre increased beneficial gut bacteria and calcium absorption in adolescents, potentially leading to improved bone density. Moderate daily intake of SCF may contribute to reduced risk of bone fracture later in life.
A new study identifies four fundamental tenets to creating fun in youth sports and 11 specific fun factors. Being a good sport was found to be the top factor, followed by trying hard and positive coaching.