Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A large community sample of adolescents found that regular family suppers were associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, and higher life satisfaction. The study suggests that family mealtimes provide opportunities for open interactions and teaching positive health behaviors.
Chronic fatigue is three times more prevalent among adult cancer survivors than the general population. A persistent low-grade inflammatory response may contribute to chronic fatigue in these individuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to communicate with cancer survivor patients about possible chronic fatigue.
Research found that cushioned heel trainers alter an adolescent runner's biomechanics and diminish performance by promoting a heel-strike pattern. In contrast, runners with track flats and barefoot had a forefoot or mid-foot strike pattern.
Researchers monitored sleeping adolescents' brain waves, finding that synaptic density in the cerebral cortex peaks at age 8 and declines until adulthood. EEG sleep analysis identifies crucial aspects of adolescent brain maturation.
A survey of 236 US adolescents found that teens believe sexting causes more harm to others than themselves, but also consider consensual sexting between two people as less harmful. The study reveals a significant gender gap in perceptions, with girls perceived as more harmed by sexting.
A new educational tool has demonstrated significant reduction in stress hormones and depressive symptoms among adolescents transitioning to high school. The DeStress for Success Program showed improved mental health outcomes, especially among students with initial high anger levels.
A study found that family-focused treatment improved mood symptoms in children and adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder, with significant benefits for those from high expressed emotion families. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes.
Yale researchers have identified a key genetic switch that facilitates brain maturation and plasticity. By blocking this gene, they were able to reset the old brain to adolescent levels of plasticity, allowing adult mice to recover from injuries and master new motor tasks more quickly.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that healthy adolescent females have predetermined expectations for becoming parents but worry about fertility and childbearing due to a life-threatening illness like cancer. The study validated a tool to assess teenage girls' hopes and feelings about reproduction.
A prospective study found that adolescents with joint hypermobility are approximately twice as likely to develop musculoskeletal pain at these joints. The study suggests a possible genetic basis for joint hypermobility, and further investigation is warranted to determine the long-term effects of joint hypermobility on osteoarthritis risk.
New research investigates how social information processing patterns, urgency, and rumination contribute to adolescent mental health disorders. The studies found that Fast Track intervention improved antisocial behavior in youth, while urgency levels predicted depression, and individual differences in distraction shared genetic sources...
Adolescents who volunteered regularly for 10 weeks showed improved cardiovascular health by having lower levels of inflammation and cholesterol. The volunteers also experienced increased empathy, altruistic behavior, and mental health benefits, which contributed to their improved heart health.
A new study found that teaching teenagers that people can change reduces aggressive reactions to peer conflicts. The research suggests that believing people's traits are fixed leads teens to respond aggressively, but an intervention that teaches the potential for change can reduce this behavior.
A recent study from UCSF found that parents are more accepting of oral birth control pills (59%) than other forms of contraception. The most effective methods, such as implants and IUDs, were less acceptable to a minority of parents. Parental recognition of their teen's autonomy was the only predictor of acceptability across all methods.
Researchers found a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and cigarette use among adolescents with ADHD histories compared to those without. The study also showed that current medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse.
A study found a significant increase in dance-related injuries among children and adolescents from 1991 to 2007. The annual number of dance-related injuries climbed 37 percent, with sprains and/or strains accounting for 52 percent of all injuries. Falls were the most common cause of injuries, affecting 45 percent of dancers.
Surgeons have found improved surgical treatment for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition causing pain and numbness in the shoulder and arm. Adolescents tend to do better after surgery than adults, with significant improvements in symptoms and function.
A clinical trial found that treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with reduced body mass index and body weight in adolescents with severe obesity. The medication exenatide resulted in a significant reduction in BMI, with an average decrease of 4 percent during the open-label phase.
A recent study found that water tubing-related injuries increased by 250% over a 19-year period, with 65+ injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments daily during summer. The most common types of injuries were sprains and strains, followed by soft tissue injuries.
New research from Concordia University found that caring relationships in friendships can foster a desire to make a positive impact on one's community and world. Adolescents who exhibit empathic care towards their friends are more likely to develop concern for others beyond their immediate circle.
A positive family climate in adolescence is associated with more positive engagement in marriages and lower hostility towards spouses. This link suggests that family dynamics can influence relationship style into adulthood.
A University of Iowa-led study found that adolescents whose best friends drink alcohol are twice as likely to have a first drink and three times as likely to begin drinking themselves. The study aims to help specialists predict when adolescents are likely to first consume alcohol to prevent problem drinking.
A study led by Michelle Hindin identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. The top-ranking research questions suggest that definitions of problems and interventions need improvement, with a shift towards scaling up existing interventions and developing new ones.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that targeted psychological interventions significantly reduced drinking behavior among high-risk teenagers. The 'Adventure Trial' intervention showed a 29% reduced risk of problem drinking and delayed risky drinking behavior over two years.
A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that nearly half of older teenagers and young adults engage in 'sex with an ex' after breakups. Additionally, approximately 44% of emerging adults experience at least one reconciliation with a previous romantic partner.
A study of 1,560 adult male twins identified six distinct trajectories of alcohol use, differing in level of use, rate of increase during adolescence, and persistence into adulthood. Novelty seeking and risk factors such as peer deviance, ADHD symptoms, and genetic risk were found to predict these trajectories.
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Surgery found that bariatric surgery in extremely obese adolescents can reverse previously undiagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities. The research revealed significant improvement in cardiac structure and function after weight loss surgery.
Researchers found that isolating mice with a genetic predisposition to mental illness caused abnormal behaviors, including hyperactivity and depression-like symptoms. Administering a cortisol-blocking compound restored normal behavior, highlighting the role of stress hormones in the development of severe mental illness.
A study of 177 teenagers found that most were open to receiving texts about health, but preferred tone and content over phrases like 'you should' or 'always.' Interactive quizzes, simple recipes, and links to websites were well-received. The study suggests text messaging as a supplement to in-person nutrition education for teens.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that young adults overwhelmingly support traditional views on marriage proposals and taking a husband's last name. Researchers surveyed 277 undergraduates aged 17-26 and discovered that 68.4% of men and 66% of women prefer the man to propose, while 60.2% of women are willing...
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 30% of teen girls have met offline with someone they met online. Abuse or neglect increases this risk, with victims more likely to present themselves provocatively online. High-quality parenting and parental monitoring can reduce these risks.
Academic researchers are struggling with establishing adequate guidelines for social network-based studies, particularly concerning adolescent participants' consent and privacy. The Common Rule and existing regulations provide a basis for allowing adolescents to consent without parental permission, but there is confusion around the thr...
Researchers found that living in a caring community can help curb teenage alcohol use, while hanging out with antisocial peers can increase the risk. The study analyzed over 200,000 students and discovered that individual, family, and peer risk factors as well as community protective factors moderately predicted alcohol use.
A study analyzing national survey data found a biomarker for higher risk of heart and kidney disease in children and adolescents associated with BPA exposure. The study suggests that even low levels of BPA increase oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting protein leakage into the urine.
A one-year study found that teen-focused text messages addressing realistic lifestyles and behaviors increased motivation for healthier habits. Researchers tested 177 teens, discovering an active voice referencing teens and achievable behaviors were most effective.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that economic conditions during infancy may contribute to behavioral problems in adolescence. The research found a strong correlation between unemployment rates during infancy and increased odds of substance use, delinquent behaviors, and other issues.
A new study published in Child Development found that low-income teenagers with supportive role models and adaptive coping strategies have lower levels of an inflammatory marker for cardiovascular risk. Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of British Columbia discovered that these adolescents showed improved phys...
A new study found that placing juvenile offenders in jobs without ensuring they attend school may make them more antisocial. Researchers studied 1,350 serious juvenile offenders and found that those who worked long hours and didn't attend school had the greatest risk of antisocial behavior.
A University of Missouri study found that conflicts over personal space and fairness are associated with higher anxiety and depression in adolescents. Parents can use household rules such as knocking before entering a sibling's room to resolve disputes and promote healthy psychological development.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that food insecurity is strongly associated with adolescent mental disorders. The study examined 6,483 adolescents aged 13-17 years and found that a one standard deviation increase in food insecurity was linked to a 14% increased odds ...
A father's death can have long-term effects on a child's later success in life, particularly for late childhood and early adolescence. Research suggests that bereaved children may experience lower adult living standards, earlier marriage, and smaller incomes due to the loss of a father's earning power.
The study found that inpatient bariatric procedures among adolescents plateaued at around 1,000 procedures annually from 2003 onwards. The preferred type of operation changed to minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, replacing open procedures.
A new study found that drinker identity and brand allegiance are factors linking alcohol marketing and problematic drinking among experimental underage drinkers. Exposure to alcohol marketing is associated with both initiation and progression of alcohol use in youth.
Longitudinal study of adolescents with heavy substance use histories found reduced white-matter integrity compared to those who abstained. This compromise may impair cognitive processing, memory, attention, and decision-making.
A new study suggests that early drunkenness is a greater risk factor for problem behaviors in teenagers than an early age at first drink. The research found that consuming small amounts of alcohol at a young age can lead to various adolescent problems, such as smoking, marijuana use, injuries, and low academic performance.
A study of over 15,000 teenagers and young adults found that the risk of attempted suicide is highest within two years after a parent's inpatient care due to mental disorders or suicide attempt. The risk is particularly high for teenagers and declines with age.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that bedroom TV viewing is associated with increased waist circumference and obesity risk in children. The research suggests that having a TV in the bedroom may disrupt healthy habits, such as sleep and regular family meals, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
Researchers found that rates of violence increased significantly in James Bond films over a 46-year period, with severe violence increasing by nearly three times.
A study of 16,882 adolescents and young adults found binge eating associated with incident overweight/obesity, worsening depressive symptoms, and onset of marijuana and other drug use. Overeating without loss of control was linked to marijuana use but not frequent binge drinking.
The Texas Bar Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to UTSA's Bank of America Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute to initiate a paid mentorship program for delinquent foster youth. The program aims to increase graduation odds and enhance college readiness among participating youth.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered early predictors of metabolic syndrome in healthy children aged 7-9 years. The study found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation predicted insulin resistance and appear to be early markers for the metabolic syndrome via impaired lipid metabolism and fat oxidation.
The adult antiviral drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) has been found to be safe and effective in treating adolescents with hepatitis B virus (HBV), with a virologic response rate of 89% in pediatric participants. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the management of chronic HBV in children and teens.
Research finds that HIV-infected children have a 2.5-fold increased risk of early atherosclerosis damage, leading to cardiovascular disease. Experts recommend aggressive treatment of high cholesterol and promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent complications.
Researchers found that students attending national research institutions increase their use of standard pronunciation, while those attending community colleges show little change. College choice plays a significant role in shaping linguistic variations among adolescents.
A recent study found that 14.2% of adolescents ages 13 to 18 years with any mental disorder reported being treated with a psychotropic medication in the last 12 months. The study also revealed that antidepressants were most frequently used among those with primary mood disorders, while stimulant use was most common among those with ADHD.
A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that behavior problems, including attention issues, delinquency, and substance use, are linked to lower grades for depressed adolescents. In contrast, depression itself is not directly associated with diminished academic achievement.
Researchers discovered a cognitive biomarker in young adolescents at high risk of developing depression and anxiety. The test can help initiate early intervention, which has proven to be an effective way to combat mental illness.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health links impulsivity in first grade to problem gambling in late adolescence. The research found that high-impulse boys were twice as likely to meet criteria for at-risk and three times more likely to meet criteria for problem gambling.
A new Swedish study reveals that adolescents with lower peer status are at a higher risk of becoming regular or heavy smokers in adulthood. Researchers found that marginalized students, those nominated few times by their classmates, were more likely to adopt smoking as a behavior.
A cross-sectional study of over 5,370 adolescents found a significant association between parental chronic pain and chronic pain in offspring. The study suggests that family pain models and shared environmental factors play an important role in the origin of chronic pain.