Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A study by University College London reveals that happy adolescents tend to earn higher levels of income later in life. The research found that happy individuals are more likely to get a degree, find work, and get promoted quicker than their gloomier counterparts.
Research found that adolescents spending long periods in sedentary activities are more likely to have low bone mineral content, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Participating in high-intensity sports like football or running can significantly reduce this threat, especially for girls.
A dance intervention program improved the self-rated health of Swedish girls with internalizing problems, such as stress and psychosomatic symptoms. The study found that 91% of girls rated the dance intervention as a positive experience.
A recent study by University of Illinois professor Gail M. Ferguson reveals that Jamaican teen immigrants who retain strong ties to their Jamaican background excel academically and behaviorally, often outperforming American peers.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found a common bond between school bullies and their victims: alcohol abuse. The research analyzed data from over 54,000 students and discovered that bullying was associated with increased odds of recent alcohol use and heavy drinking among males and females.
A nationwide population-based study found that adolescents' being overweight and obese during their teenage years are linked to a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the following 25 years. Researchers also noted an increased risk for diabetic ESRD, with risks increasing six-fold and 19-fold among overweight and...
A new Harvard study found over half of people in northeastern Madagascar engage in geophagy, a widespread behavior previously thought to be non-existent. Researchers also discovered high rates of geophagy among men and young children, contradicting earlier studies that linked the practice mainly to pregnant women or adolescents.
Teenagers with severe obesity can benefit from gastric bypass surgery, significantly improving their health and quality of life. The study found that teenagers lost an average of 96.8 pounds following surgery, reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A new study by Katie Davis finds that digital media helps teens foster a sense of belonging and share personal problems, but the impact on autonomous self-development is unclear. Digital connectedness may support an outward-looking self, reliant on others for affirmation.
A study of 1,186 young people found that those who experienced recent victimization, such as peer-victimized youth, sexually assaulted, or maltreated, had significantly higher risks of suicidal ideation. Polyvictimization was also strongly associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
A study found that at-risk teenagers, who cycle through the juvenile justice system, have a favorable attitude towards accessing their health records online. The researchers propose implementing online health records for these teens to address inconsistent healthcare and improve access to medical information.
Researchers found that adolescent athletes who slept 8+ hours per night were 68% less likely to be injured than those who slept less. Higher grade levels in school also increased the likelihood of injury, with a 2.3 times greater risk for each additional year.
Youngsters start drinking at a younger age, drink more and stronger alcohol, and are unaware of the negative consequences. University students also exhibit similar trends, with males consuming more but associating less with addiction risk compared to females.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that individuals who have their first sexual experience later than average may have more satisfying romantic relationships in adulthood. These participants were also less likely to be married and had fewer romantic partners.
Research suggests that the timing of first sexual experience can predict the quality and stability of romantic relationships in young adulthood. A study found that individuals who had their first sexual encounter later were more likely to have higher educational attainment, live with a partner, and be satisfied with their relationship.
New research reveals connections between adolescent brain development and emotional regulation, cognition, and social skills, highlighting potential vulnerabilities and opportunities for growth during the teen years.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver reveals that today's adolescents are abusing prescription pain medications at a rate 40 percent higher than previous generations. The prevalence of prescription pain medication abuse among the current generation of youth is higher than any generation ever measured, driven by factors such as ...
Adolescents are more likely to take risks when consequences are unknown, rather than being attracted to danger. Informing adolescents about likelihoods can reduce risky behaviors.
A new NYU study finds that fathers play a significant role in shaping their teenager's sexual behavior, despite being underrepresented in parent-based research. The study calls for more rigorous research and targeted interventions to support adolescent health and well-being.
Suicide rates among young people have risen globally, with males outnumbering females, and are linked to psychiatric disorders, genetic vulnerability, and social factors. The progression from suicidal ideation to self-harm and suicide is not absolute, and early intervention is crucial for prevention.
A recent study published in Vaccine found that HPV vaccination has no influence on sexual behavior among adolescent girls. The research, conducted in the UK, showed no difference in sexual activity between girls who received the vaccine and those who did not.
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescent girls participating in a sexual risk reduction intervention were more likely to practice abstinence and showed substantial decreases in unprotected sex, number of partners, and unintended pregnancies. The intervention used age-appropriate games and interact...
A study found that girls without health vulnerabilities in low-poverty neighborhoods experienced improved mental health outcomes. In contrast, boys from families with preexisting health-related vulnerabilities did not show significant benefits. The experiment benefited approximately 60% of the girls involved.
A new intervention, Suicidal Teens Accessing Treatment after an ED Visit (STAT-ED), will be tested on 160 adolescents at risk of suicide. The study aims to reduce suicidal ideation and depression symptoms, while improving mental health treatment and follow-up care.
Research found a significant association between sleep disturbance and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents, including high cholesterol levels, BMI, and hypertension. Poor sleep habits were also linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as consuming more fried foods and exercising less.
A study reveals that adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors due to their comfort with uncertainty, rather than an innate taste for risk. By providing precise information about the risks involved, adolescents become even more risk-averse, whereas ambiguity makes them more willing to take risks.
A study published in Behavioral Neuroscience found that repeated fluoxetine administration to adolescent hamsters increased offensive aggression and altered brain areas related to aggression control. The research suggests that clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine during adolescence can dramatically alter brain circuitry implicated i...
A study by University of Montreal researchers found that games like Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution can add to regular physical activity among teenagers. The study suggests that exergaming, particularly amongst female gamers concerned about their size, could be a valuable avenue for addressing the obesity epidemic.
A new study suggests that teenagers who get extra sleep can improve their insulin resistance and prevent the future onset of diabetes. The research found a significant association between shorter sleep duration and higher insulin resistance levels in healthy adolescents.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that adolescents' brains have impaired fear extinction learning, making it difficult for them to overcome fear. This may explain why anxiety and depression rates surge during adolescence.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has released a new Practice Parameter addressing the unique challenges faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant youth. The parameter provides best clinical practices to combat stigma, bullying, and discrimination, as well as promote cultural competence and resea...
A recent study by the University of Missouri found that news consumption alone is not sufficient for retaining political knowledge. Adolescents who engage in discussions about the news with peers and relatives tend to have better understanding of political developments.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received a three-year grant to study healthy and unhealthy teen dating relationships. The research aims to improve the quality of teenagers' dating relationships and prevent subsequent domestic violence in adult intimate relationships.
Research at Oregon State University found that diverse sources of information can aid in smart choices for young black teens. The studies identified approaches to prevention programs and emphasized the importance of collaboration between family, schools, medical clinics, churches, and other entities.
Research found that physical inactivity and negative body image increase the risk of mental health problems in adolescents, while sports participation lowers this risk. The study suggests that psychosocial factors, such as body image and social interaction, play a crucial role in explaining the link between exercise and mental health.
A new study reveals that young cancer survivors frequently forego routine medical care because of financial constraints. Despite having health insurance, they face significant cost burdens, which can lead to unmet health needs.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that there is insufficient evidence to support medical interventions in adolescents and young adults with autism. Key findings include the potential benefits of antipsychotic medications in reducing problem behaviors, but limited effectiveness for vocational interventions.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adolescents who eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages for one year gained less weight than those who didn't. The study showed that providing non-caloric beverages to teens can be an effective intervention to help combat adolescent obesity.
Researchers found that premature infants who received Kangaroo Mother Care had better brain functioning in adolescence, comparable to those born at term. The technique, which provides skin-to-skin contact with the parent's chest, promotes immediate and future brain development.
Researchers have observed dominance relationships among adolescent male chimpanzees in the Ngogo community, a large chimp community in Uganda with over 150 members. The study found that pant grunts are used to calm hostilities and establish dominance hierarchies, which is rare for this age group.
A study of 271 college students found that nearly two-thirds reported some type of abuse during their teenage years. Psychological abuse was the most common type, with controlling behavior and pressure to have sex also prevalent among female victims.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found no significant differences in injury rates or types of injuries between adolescents and adults who were tased by law enforcement officers. The study, which reviewed 2,026 Taser uses, found most injuries to be mild and superficial.
A nationally representative sample of nearly 3,000 children and adolescents found those with higher urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations were more likely to be obese. The study suggests BPA exposure may contribute to obesity in humans, particularly among white children and adolescents.
A study by NYU School of Medicine found a significant association between higher urinary BPA concentrations and obesity in children and adolescents. Exposure to BPA, a synthetic chemical banned from sippy cups and baby bottles, was linked to increased body mass in white children and adolescents.
A new study reveals that abstaining from smoking significantly affects teenagers' mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms in a manner similar to adults. Contrary to expectations, teenagers who had smoked for only two years showed strong negative effects after just one day of abstinence.
Young adults with advanced cancer experience life disruption and losses, affecting their educational, career, and personal goals. Clinical interventions can help patients cope with grief associated with cancer-related losses and life transition.
A 10-week LifeSkills program improved teens' ability to control anger, decreased anxiety, and lowered blood pressures, with benefits holding up at six months. The program, adapted for adolescents, teaches assertiveness, sound decision-making, and positive interactions to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
A Canadian study found that vigorous physical activity is associated with reduced body mass index z score, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and increased cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. The study included 605 youth aged 12.1 years and found that performing more than seven minutes of vigorous PA daily was linked to lowe...
A USC-led study confirms a strong correlation between popularity and smoking behavior among high school students in the US and Mexico. Popular students were found to become smokers earlier and form friendships with other smokers.
New studies support the idea that certain higher-fibre diets can be well-tolerated and promote healthy gut environments, which may contribute to overall gut health. The soluble corn fibre has been found to increase beneficial bacteria in the gut and change the gut environment, enabling greater calcium absorption.
Adolescents in foster care are at risk of cyber-bullying, privacy loss and personal harm due to lack of guidelines on social media use. Child welfare agencies should develop policies to guide their online activities, says MU expert.
Research reveals that females tend to tell longer, more coherent stories with greater self-reflection, while males' stories are more matter-of-fact. These differences may indicate females have a stronger inclination to reflect on past experiences and give personal meaning to events.
A study found that prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of adolescent obesity. The authors suggest that this may be due to subtle structural variations in the brain's amygdala, which could influence dietary preferences for fatty foods.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that approximately 46.3% of adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder were victims of bullying. The study also revealed significant social and environmental factors contributing to bullying involvement among this population.
Researchers found that fewer adolescents started smoking after exposure to prevention programs and more quit if they began. Funding cuts negatively impacted these numbers, but state spending on prevention has increased, suggesting a potential reversal of behavior trends.
Researchers found that branding apples with Elmo stickers increased children's preference for fruit over cookies. The study suggests that similar tactics can be used to promote healthier eating in school cafeterias.
A systematic review of therapies for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders found limited evidence to support medical interventions. Some treatments showed promise in improving social skills and educational outcomes, but studies had significant flaws and limited follow-up. The study underscores the urgent need for ...
A new study found that reducing television viewing among adolescents can lead to a decrease in excess weight gain over one year. The intervention included limiting TV hours, setting up home-based activities, and sending monthly newsletters.
A longitudinal study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that persistent cannabis use before age 18 led to significant declines in IQ, attention, and memory. The study suggests that adolescence is a critical period for brain development and vulnerability to substance-induced harm.
A new genre of young adult literature, 'teen sick-lit,' portrays chronically ill protagonists as vessels for others' emotional development rather than self-actualized women. The study found little empowerment in these books, instead reinforcing negative stereotypes and societal norms.