Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that adolescents who drink alone are more likely to develop alcohol problems in early adulthood. These solitary drinkers are also heavier drinkers and use alcohol to cope with negative emotions.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that student creative writing is showing signs of decline over the past 20 years, while visual art is experiencing an increase in sophistication and complexity. The study analyzed 354 examples of visual art and 50 examples of creative writing by teenagers between 1990 and 2011.
Researchers at Bradley Hospital found that healthy adolescents with shorter sleep patterns were more prone to acute illnesses, while consistent sleep schedules reduced the risk of illness. The study suggests prioritizing regular sleep can help teenagers stay healthier.
A study by researchers from The University of Akron found that increased spirituality in teens undergoing substance abuse treatment is linked to greater likelihood of abstinence, positive social behaviors, and reduced narcissism. This shift was strongest among teens who reported a spiritual identity at discharge.
Research found that adolescents with poor parental supervision were more likely to be problem gamblers between ages 16-22. Parental monitoring is a known effective intervention throughout early adolescence and can help prevent future problems with gambling.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that teenagers who go to bed late during the school year are more prone to academic and emotional difficulties. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 U.S. adolescents and found that school-year night owls had lower GPA scores and were more vulnerable to emotional problems.
A recent study published in Nutrition found that higher chocolate consumption is associated with lower total and central body fat levels in European adolescents. The researchers controlled for other factors, such as diet and physical activity, to reach this conclusion.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that mothers' friendships with other adults can impact their adolescent children's relationships with their own friends. Mothers who display high levels of conflict with friends may signal to their children that such behavior is acceptable, leading to anxiety and depression.
Researchers found that only 66% of participants experienced complications after undergoing bariatric surgery, with most being minor and temporary. The study's findings provide encouragement to adolescents and their families considering weight loss surgery as a treatment option for severe obesity-related health issues.
Severely obese teenagers who underwent weight-loss surgery experienced minimal complications, with no major complications or deaths reported during the initial hospitalization period. The study included 242 teens and found that only 8% experienced reoperation and 15% had minor complications like readmission for dehydration.
A study found that teenagers in the child welfare system have a higher risk of abusing marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs compared to their counterparts outside the system. Parental involvement is a key factor in reducing this risk, with youth who feel supported by parents being less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.
Two studies surveyed parents and adolescents at school-based health centers (SBHCs) and found highly positive views, with 83% trusting the providers to take good care of their children. SBHCs serve as the main source of medical care for many students, offering vaccinations, check-ups, and mental health counseling.
Research at Northwestern University finds that adolescents from lower maternal educational backgrounds have noisier neural activity, erratic responses to speech sounds, and poorer reading performance. The study suggests that poverty can shape the brain's representation of auditory information.
The study found that children under 14 are four times more likely to be shot at home and are much more likely to arrive by ambulance than older teens. Older teens often walk in or are dropped off at emergency department entrances.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that different helmet brands and custom mouth guards did not reduce concussion risk in high school football players. The study tested various mouth guard brands, including custom-fit mouth guards, and new and older football helmets.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a collaborative team approach to help students recover from concussions. A gradual return to academics, with individualized adjustments as needed, is suggested to minimize disruptions and promote optimal learning and recovery.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that maternal anxiety and depression can lead to increased risk of emotional and disruptive problem behaviors in children as early as 18 months old. The study also highlights the importance of early prevention and intervention, particularly for mothers with high levels of ...
A UCSB anthropologist examines the enduring practice of hazing, finding a connection between its persistence across cultures and our shared evolved psychology. He suggests that group benefits may be a key factor in hazing behavior, as individuals with automatic benefits are more likely to haze.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that the newly insured will make more outpatient visits and fewer emergency room (ER) visits than they do today. The study found that clinic visits rose significantly among adolescents after the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) went into effect, while ER visits remained flat. Howeve...
A new study found that different trajectories of adolescent drinking are influenced by gene-parenting interactions, specifically the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) genotype and parental rule-setting. The study suggests that strict parental rules can prevent youth from drinking more alcohol.
A special issue of Preventive Medicine explores common misconceptions about the HPV vaccine, including concerns about sexual disinhibition and vaccine safety. Studies show that these fears are largely unfounded, and that the vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-associated cancers.
A study of Danish high-school parties found that low to moderate alcohol consumption increases cheerfulness in girls and boys. However, extensive drinking leads to decreased cheerfulness among girls, while excessive drinking increases focus distraction in both genders. The study challenges the idea that most adolescents drink excessively.
A new study reveals that fewer US adolescents have antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), making them more susceptible to genital infections. The prevalence of HSV-1 antibodies declined among 14-19 year olds by nearly 23% and among 20-29 year olds by over 9%.
Research finds that Haitian teens in rural areas have a strong sense of family obligation and attachment to their culture, which protects them from the effects of poverty. They also report having a positive parent-child relationship due to their cultural values.
Archaeologist Dean Snow found that two-thirds of ancient handprints were female, contradicting the long-held assumption that men created these artworks. The analysis used finger ratios and size measurements to differentiate between males and females.
As people age, their musical taste shifts in response to life's challenges. After adolescence, music becomes a means of establishing identity and expressing independence, followed by a focus on intimacy and finding love. In middle age, music serves as a way to promote social status, intellect, and relaxation.
A University of Missouri researcher found that sisters often serve as confidants, sources of support, and mentors during intimate conversations about dating and sexuality. Older sisters can aid prevention efforts by sharing advice and experiences with younger sisters.
Research from Israel found that overweight adolescents twice as likely develop esophageal cancer and those with lower socioeconomic status experience higher gastric cancer risk. Weight and education level also impact gastric cancer development.
A study of 1,058 young people aged 14-21 found nearly 9% reported coercive or forced sex, with males more likely to start at a younger age. The study suggests monitoring adolescents' consumption of violent media and implementing bystander intervention programs to prevent victim blaming.
A 2-year study found that two 90-minute group therapy sessions significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in British youth. The interventions targeted specific risk factors for mental health issues and were delivered by trained educational professionals.
A Finnish population-based study with over 4,000 participants found that eating five meals a day reduces the risk of obesity in adolescents. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, is associated with greater BMI and waist circumference. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy also increases the risk of obesity in offspring.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that approximately one-third of teens with bipolar disorder developed substance abuse. Risk factors identified included experimentation with alcohol, cannabis use, and certain mental health conditions.
A new study found that neighborhoods with more banks and fewer fast food outlets have lower obesity rates among high school students. The research suggests that the retail environment plays a complex role in shaping health outcomes.
A new NIH study found that bracing significantly reduces the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Wearing a brace for more than 13 hours per day is associated with success rates of 90-93 percent.
Researchers found a small group of youths with high and stable psychopathic traits had the most difficult relationships with their parents and reported higher levels of delinquency. Despite this, developmental tracks are not cast in stone and effective therapeutic intervention can change the course of development.
A multi-center study found that wearing back braces significantly reduced the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients who wore a brace more than 13 hours per day achieved success rates of 90-93%.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that higher-calorie diets result in twice the rate of weight gain compared to lower-calorie diets for adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. This approach also shortens hospital stays without increasing the risk of refeeding syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Montreal identified three risk factors associated with young adult smoking onset: impulsivity, poor school performance, and higher alcohol consumption. This study suggests that targeted prevention campaigns for young adults aged 18-24 could help prevent smoking initiation.
A new study found that better verbal development in childhood is predictive of more frequent drinking and intoxication during adolescence and young adulthood. Verbal ability was linked to peer associations and sensation seeking, which may explain the association between language skills and drinking behaviors.
Researchers found that adding a mental health component to school-based lifestyle programs for teens can lead to improved grades, lower obesity rates, and reduced substance use. The program, called COPE, emphasizes cognitive behavioral skills building and was found to sustain positive outcomes for six months.
A study of over 850,000 Danish children found a significant increase in ADHD medication use from 2003 to 2010. The prescription rates of stimulant medications for ADHD, ASD, and other psychiatric disorders rose by 61%, 16% and 3% respectively during this period.
A recent study on adolescent perceptions surrounding physical activity found that teens are aware of the mental benefits of exercise, including increased confidence and self-esteem. Teens also perceive elements like leadership skills development and character growth to be beneficial, equally common among boys and girls.
Researchers at University of Texas at Dallas discovered a correlation between frequent discussions of antisocial behaviors and engagement in such behaviors among adolescents. The study found that even brief exchanges about rule-breaking, illicit substance use, or physical aggression can predict deviant behavior.
Obese teenagers who lose weight are at risk of developing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Early intervention is crucial for a good prognosis, but these adolescents often go undiagnosed due to positive provider perceptions of weight loss.
A study found that young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant difficulties in transitioning into employment. Only half of this group had ever worked for pay outside the home, and only a third were employed at the time of the survey. However, outcomes improved for those who were older, from higher income househ...
Two studies found that young adults on the autism spectrum have worse employment outcomes, including lower pay rates, and are less likely to live independently after high school. Despite this, half of young adults with ASDs did become employed, suggesting potential for improvement with effective preparation and support.
A new longitudinal study found that using harsh verbal discipline with teenagers can lead to detrimental outcomes later, including increased depressive symptoms and conduct problems. The study suggests that parents who use harsh verbal discipline may inadvertently increase their children's behavioral issues.
A new study led by Ming-Te Wang found that harsh verbal discipline may exacerbate behavioral problems and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Researchers suggest that parents should communicate with their children on an equal level to prevent these negative effects.
A new study from the University of Southern California examines how teenagers' online social networking sites influence their smoking and alcohol use. The researchers found that exposure to friends' online pictures of partying or drinking was significantly associated with both smoking and alcohol use.
Researchers found African-American women are 18.2% less likely to get vaccinated compared to white counterparts, despite access to healthcare. The study suggests health providers should bolster recommendations and address negative attitudes toward the vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with increased risk of addiction and mental health problems. The study suggests that specific genetic and behavioral factors influence an individual's likelihood of developing a dependence on cannabis.
A new study led by Tel Aviv University researchers found that Holocaust education trips can cause mental health issues in Israeli teenagers, including anxiety, adjustment, and mood disorders. While most affected teens exhibited pre-existing risk factors, others experienced stressors like bullying during the trip.
Researchers found nine risk factors, most associated with adolescence, account for most cases of young-onset dementia. These include alcohol intoxication, stroke, depression, and low cognitive function at conscription.
A study using a driving simulator found that adolescents with ADHD who were distracted while driving demonstrated more variability in speed and lane position than their non-ADHD peers. Texting significantly impaired the driving performance of all adolescents, including those with ADHD.
A new study found that depressed adolescents are more likely to develop anxiety if they have a pessimistic outlook, poor family relationships, or a mother with an anxiety disorder. Mental health professionals may be able to target these high-risk youth and provide early intervention to prevent anxiety from developing.
Research shows that adolescents with half-siblings from a different father are at a higher risk of using drugs and having sex by age 15. The study, which examined data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, found that these children are about 65% more likely to use drugs and 2.5 times more likely to have sex by their 15th birthday
A study of racial differences in types of alcohol beverages consumed during adolescence found that black and white girls report significantly different risk profiles. Black girls tend to consume liquor, while white girls generally drink beer and wine. The study identified common predictors of heavier drinking profiles for both groups, ...
A two-year prevention programme for disruptive kindergarten children may help reduce substance use in adolescence. The study found that levels of drug and alcohol use across adolescence were lower in those who received the intervention.
Researchers found that entrepreneurs exhibit higher levels of rule-breaking behavior during adolescence, such as cheating and truancy. However, this behavior tends to dissipate by adulthood, with most entrepreneurs showing no significant difference in anti-social tendencies compared to non-entrepreneurs.
Research found a modest increase in publications on firearms among children and adolescents, but not as significant as expected. The study suggests that the Congressional action in 1996 may have led to increased funding for research on other causes of death.