Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Research presented at ESC Congress found that adolescent smokers have thicker artery walls, indicating early development of atherosclerosis. Early exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with various adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents.
A team of researchers found that pre-emptive cognitive training in laboratory rats can improve brain function and compensate for abnormal neural circuits. The study, published in the journal Neuron, holds promise for addressing human neuropsychiatric impairments such as schizophrenia.
A new study found that spending time with parents increases in early and middle adolescence, despite a decline in overall parent-teen interaction. Teens who spend more time alone with their dads experience better social skills with peers, while those with mothers report higher self-worth.
A study by Penn State researchers found that teens continue to spend time with their parents, contrary to the stereotype that they grow apart. Shared time with fathers has a positive impact on adolescents' social skills and self-esteem.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke have a less sensitive cough reflex, making them more susceptible to environmental threats and increasing the risk of developing respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. The study's findings highlight a previously unrecognized public health risk from exposure to secondhand smoke.
College students who started drinking early or became intoxicated quickly faced increased risks of heavy drinking and negative consequences. The study found that both early age at first drink and progression from first use to intoxication predicted later problems.
A cluster randomized trial found that pay for performance improved demonstration of competency in treatment delivery and increased the number of patients receiving targeted treatment procedures. However, no statistically significant difference was found in patient remission status between the two groups.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that normal-weight teenagers who perceive themselves as fat are more likely to become obese as adults. The researchers analyzed data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, finding a significant association between perceived weight and actual obesity.
A recent study by University of Colorado researchers found that 73.8% of adolescents in substance abuse treatment used medical marijuana recommended to someone else. Regular use of medical marijuana began at a younger age among these patients, and they had more severe symptoms of marijuana abuse and conduct disorder.
A new study found correlations between micronutrient levels and performance on physical fitness tests in adolescents. Hemoglobin, retinol, and vitamin C were positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, while hemoglobin and beta-carotene were linked to muscular fitness.
Researchers found that kids with less brain activation initially were at greater risk for becoming heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking was linked to increased brain activity during memory tests, particularly among those who consumed four or more drinks per occasion.
A recent study found that average total cholesterol levels among US children and adolescents decreased between 1988-1994 and 2007-2010. Additionally, there was a decrease in prevalence of elevated non-HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides among this age group.
New research published in Addiction suggests that plain packaging of cigarettes can draw attention to health warnings and deter young smokers. The study found that students who were occasional or had tried smoking before paid more attention to the health warnings on plain packs.
Research highlights the dangers of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on adolescent brain function and behavior. Studies show that exposure to AAS at critical periods during adolescence can impose permanent changes in brain organization and function, leading to physiological and psychiatric effects that may persist into middle age.
Research shows adolescents' brains mature intellectually before they mature socially or emotionally, influencing how policymakers and courts treat teenagers. The findings could impact policies on medical decision-making, autonomy, and punishment for juveniles.
A new study by UCSB researchers found that adolescents with ASD can improve their social skills by playing to their strengths, such as high intelligence and specific interests. The research team created social clubs around these interests, where students with ASD could interact and make friends with peers.
A new study finds that American teens' low expectations of longevity before age 35 predict increased risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that monitoring survival expectations may identify at-risk youth.
A new study by MU researcher Gustavo Carlo found that empathetic adolescents are more likely to use problem-focused coping, which aims to reduce stress. They also tend to perform prosocial behaviors that benefit others, while emotionally unstable teens rely on emotion-focused coping tactics.
A study by University of Missouri researcher Ross O'Hara found that young people who watch more sexually explicit movies tend to engage in more sexual behavior and start having sex at a younger age. The study also discovered that adolescents exposed to more sexual content in movies are less likely to use condoms with casual partners.
A study examining diagnostic tests in adolescents with hypertension found that echocardiograms and renal ultrasonography were underused, while electrocardiograms were overused. The findings highlight the need for better adherence to pediatric guidelines and further research on treatment effectiveness.
A new study found that Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) improved the mental and physical health of adolescents in foster care by reducing anxiety and increasing feelings of hopefulness. CBCT also reduced inflammation levels, which is a fundamental risk factor for chronic illnesses.
Teenage girls with eating disorders experienced improved essential fatty acid levels once their weight normalized. The study suggests that providing omega-3 supplements is not necessary if they adopt healthy eating behaviors and gain weight.
A study found that exposure to sexual content in movies predicts earlier sexual debut and increased risk-taking behavior in adolescents. Researchers discovered that greater exposure to sexual content led to a higher peak in sensation-seeking during adolescence, which can last into young adulthood.
A large pregnancy follow-up study found that adolescent boys with higher alcohol consumption, girls using oral contraceptives, and both sexes with high salt intake and BMI had higher blood pressure levels. The study warns that these lifestyle behaviors can lead to adverse health consequences in adulthood.
A recent study found that multiracial adolescents are more similar to their white counterparts in terms of vulnerability to peer pressure. However, multiracial youth who reported higher rates of problem behaviors were more likely to come from poor families.
A recent study found that African-American youths living in public housing communities are 2.3 times more likely to use tobacco than their peers. Early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs and addressing depressive symptoms, can help reverse positive attitudes towards tobacco use and reduce the risk of delinquent behaviors.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that rating films with an R for smoking can significantly reduce smoking onset in U.S. adolescents. The research, conducted at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, estimates that eliminating smoking from PG-13 movies could lower adolescent smoking rates by as much as 18 percent.
A study by Penn State researchers has found that exposure to violence among adolescents can have lasting physical stress response effects up to a year after the exposure. Cortisol levels were found to be lower in males with higher exposure to violence, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to suppress cortisol levels.
A study found that nearly 30 percent of teens send nude pictures via email or text, and this behavior is indicative of their overall sexual activity. Teen girls who engage in sexting are more likely to participate in risky behaviors, including multiple partners and substance use before sex.
A study of Texas high school students found that over 1 in 4 adolescents have sent nude pictures through electronic means. The prevalence of teen sexting is linked to their sexual behavior, with those who sexted more likely to have begun dating and had sex than their peers.
A new study finds nearly two-thirds of US adolescents have experienced severe anger attacks, with 1 in 12 meeting criteria for IED. The disorder is under-treated, with only 6.5% receiving professional help.
A recent study by Marisa Censani found that over half of adolescents undergoing evaluation for weight-loss surgery were vitamin D deficient, with severe deficiencies present in 8% of patients. African Americans were most likely to have a deficiency, while Caucasians had the lowest rate.
Researchers developed a new scoring system that identifies adolescents with the metabolic syndrome, increasing the chances of early intervention and preventive therapy. The system shows promise in diagnosing the condition in racial-ethnic groups, particularly male African Americans.
A study of 1,978 Spanish adolescents found that those who ate more frequently had lower accumulated fat rates, regardless of physical activity. Eating breakfast daily was particularly beneficial for young men who did not exercise.
A study of 1117 children aged 12-36 months found that many were investigated for maltreatment and had mental health problems, but only a small percentage received treatment. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and services for young children in child welfare.
Research from Brigham Young University found that dads play a crucial role in teaching their children persistence, which leads to better outcomes in school and lower rates of delinquency. The study examined 325 families over several years and showed that dads who practice authoritative parenting are more likely to instill this trait in...
A longitudinal study found that marital discord in kindergarten years can lead to emotional problems and difficulties in adolescence, including depression and anxiety. Children's early experiences of conflict between parents can have long-lasting negative effects on their emotional security and social adjustment.
A Baylor University study reveals that juvenile rats build up a physical tolerance to alcohol but not cognitive impairment. This finding has significant implications for understanding adolescent behavior and the development of alcoholism.
A significant number of teenagers engage in sexting despite being unaware of the potential consequences. Nearly 20% of students surveyed had sent a sexually explicit image via cell phone, with over a third doing so despite believing there could be serious legal and other consequences.
A new sociological study shows that alcohol consumption leads to increased social stress and poor grades among teens, especially those in tightly-connected friendship cliques. The study found a correlation between drinking and feelings of loneliness and not fitting in, which can lead to declining grades.
A new analysis found that many adolescent and young adult cancer survivors experience chronic medical conditions, poor quality of life, and barriers to healthcare access. The study suggests that these negative behaviors are potentially modifiable through proper follow-up care and promotion of healthy habits.
Developing a reliable measure of mental illness stigma in adolescents is crucial for encouraging teens to seek help. A study published in the Journal of Nursing Measurement found that the Revised Attribution Questionnaire (r-AQ) can be considered reliable and valid for assessing stigma among this age group.
A longitudinal study found that adolescents and young adults with mental health disorders are 2.4 times more likely to become long-term opioid users than those without a mental health disorder. Long-term opioid use is common among males, older youth, and those from poorer communities.
A study in rats found that adolescent female rats exposed to marijuana-like cannabinoids through their mothers had a higher preference for morphine, suggesting increased risk of drug abuse in their male offspring. The findings support earlier reports on the negative effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on development and behavior.
A five-year study of nearly 200 youths found that treating adolescents for major depression can also reduce their chances of abusing drugs later on. The study, led by John Curry at Duke University, found that only 10% of those who responded to treatment within 12 weeks later abused drugs, compared to 25% of those who did not respond.
A study of 559 adolescents found that those with low-fiber diets had bigger bellies, higher levels of inflammatory factors, and more visceral fat. Increasing fiber intake is crucial for reducing these risks, particularly in a time when one-third of children are overweight or obese.
A Cornell University study found that the perceived benefits of family meals on teen well-being may not be as strong or lasting when controlled for other aspects of the family environment. Family resources and relationships are key factors in facilitating regular family dinners.
New research reveals that obese adolescents, even those without symptoms of heart disease, already have structural and functional changes to their hearts. The study found that measures of heart size and function were increased in parallel to BMI, indicating damaged hearts with thicker walls and impaired systolic and diastolic function.
A new study by Brigham Young University professor Sarah Coyne analyzed 40 teen novels and found that 88% of them contained at least one instance of profanity. The study also discovered that characters with higher social status, better looks, and more money were more likely to swear.
A new study finds that high resiliency in early adolescence may protect against later alcohol problems and drug use. Resiliency is associated with better working memory performance, which may work through basal ganglia structures of the brain.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that male adolescents have bacteria in their urinary tracts, which are similar to those found in young women. The researchers discovered that the types of bacteria on the penis differ from those in the urethra and that circumcision status affects bacterial composition.
A Wayne State University researcher is investigating the influences of conscientiousness-related personality traits, cognitive ability, and social investment on patterns of excessive alcohol use over time. The study aims to develop interventions that can help foster maturation by increasing normative social investment.
A US survey study found that mid-adolescence is the peak risk period for young people to use prescription pain relievers for non-medical purposes. The study estimates that around 1 in 60 young people starts using these medications extramedically between ages 12 and 21, with a notable acceleration in risk between ages 13 and 14.
A national survey of US adolescents aged 5-10th grades found TV viewing time associated with lower odds of consuming fruits and vegetables daily and higher odds of consuming candy and sugar-sweetened soda. The study suggests that reducing TV viewing time may lead to improvements in adolescents' dietary intake.
A study published in Pediatrics shows that school-based health centers are effective in delivering vaccines to adolescents, particularly when students receive timely reminders. The research found that 77% of females and 66% of males received at least one vaccine after receiving reminders.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found a 12-month obesity prevention program for adolescent girls showed small changes in body composition measures. However, the small effects were not statistically significant, but still had potential clinical importance.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that the peak risk for misusing prescription pain relievers occurs in mid-adolescence, specifically around 16 years old. The results suggest that prevention programs may need to be introduced earlier, in childhood and early adolescence.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that parenting behaviors and adolescents' substance-use behaviors are significantly correlated. Higher levels of parental knowledge and disciplinary consistency lead to a lower likelihood of substance use, while inconsistent parents and aware peers can increase the risk of substance use.
A large study of 1,896 14-year-olds found differences in brain networks that precede drug use and are associated with impulsivity. The findings suggest that certain teenagers are at higher risk for drug experimentation due to their brain's structure and function.
A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that happy body image is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits among overweight teenagers. Researchers suggest improving body satisfaction could be a key component of interventions for overweight youth.