A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found a positive association between key developmental assets (self-esteem, autonomy, and empathy) and measures of sexual pleasure among young adults. The findings suggest that these assets may enable individuals to experience higher levels of sexual pleasure, particularly in men.
A recent study by the Crime Victims' Institute examines state laws addressing adolescent sexual activity and suggests decriminalizing consensual relationships between close-in-age teens. The report also proposes using education classes instead of punishment, with options for parents to control their child's behavior through restraining...
Research finds that school victimization in middle and high school is associated with depression, suicide attempts, STDs, and HIV risk in young adulthood. The study highlights the importance of addressing anti-LGBT bullying at schools to reduce health disparities among LGBT youth.
Recent analysis of children and adolescents with FASD reveals significant volume reductions in deep gray matter structures. These findings suggest that the brain's relay stations, responsible for efficient communication between regions, are disproportionately affected by alcohol exposure during fetal development.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that anxiety and depression are linked to risk-taking in young drivers, with women being more likely to exhibit this behavior. The research suggests that identifying young drivers at risk of psychological distress could help target them with specific road safety countermeasures.
A new study found that American children's sense of responsibility to their parents declines in the seventh and eighth grades, while Chinese students maintain their feelings of obligation. This decline coincides with decreases in academic performance.
A recent study at Nationwide Children's Hospital identified 11 patients with Self-Embedding Behavior (SEB), a form of self-injurious behavior involving foreign objects in soft tissue. The majority of patients had psychiatric disorders, histories of out-of-home placements, and suicidal ideations.
Researchers found that teenagers assign great value to digital photos, music collections, and online artifacts due to their ability to be shared and personalized. The study suggests that technology design could incorporate a fuller appreciation of these sentiments, leading to new products and services.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 explores bariatric surgery benefits and risks, including increased hospitalization times and mortality rates in the elderly. Adolescents also show marked improvement in biochemical cardiac risk factors after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
A new Weill Cornell study found that teenagers who drink alcohol tend to spend more hours using computers for non-school-related activities. The survey of 264 teenagers also linked drinking to more frequent social networking and listening to music, but not to video games or online shopping.
The number of children dying a violent death has fallen by nearly 90% since 1974, according to analysis of national mortality data. The decline is attributed to improved child protection services, with reductions in family violence and neglect in infancy and early childhood.
A study published in the Journal of Business Research found that Chinese adolescents are heavily influenced by their parents, while Canadian teens are more likely to make independent decisions. Parenting practices and cultural values play a significant role in shaping teen outlooks and decision-making patterns.
A new study on adolescent wishes found that 85% had wishes for themselves, with boys wishing more for success and girls for happiness. Wealth was the most common theme, followed by material items.
A recent study found that white adolescent females are less likely to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than their black counterparts, despite similar symptoms. This disparity raises concerns about the potential under-evaluation and under-treatment of white female adolescents with STI-like complaints.
A study found that 26.3% of symptomatic adolescent females tested positive for an STI, with chlamydia being the most common. ED providers should be aware of this association and test these patients to intervene and prevent serious long-term consequences.
A new study suggests that allowing adolescents to drink with adult supervision may actually increase drinking and harm, rather than teach responsible behavior. Parents should adopt clear 'no-use' policies for young teens, setting strict rules regarding alcohol use.
A new study uses long-term data to discover that the relationship between mood and alcohol use varies greatly among individuals. Adolescents with behavioral problems tend to drink more regardless of their mood, while those without behavioral issues exhibit a stronger link between depression and increased drinking when feeling down.
A new study from Hasbro Children's Hospital found that 72% of girls and 91% of boys with obesity have low vitamin D levels. Treatment showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels, but only 28% normalized after one course, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers found a strong association between high computer use and engagement in illicit drug use, drunkenness, and unprotected sex among adolescents. High computer use was associated with a 50% increased risk of engaging in these behaviors.
A three-year study found no link between severe obesity and depressive symptoms among adolescents, but did identify a possible greater vulnerability among white teens. The study suggests that clinicians should be vigilant about assessing for depression in this group, regardless of weight status.
A history of childhood abuse increases adolescent depression risk by altering neuroendocrine response to stress. Cortisol levels build up over time, increasing risk for severe endocrine impairment and depression.
A new study shows that the IPSY program, a life skills program for children, reduces alcohol and nicotine abuse among school children. The program boosts self-confidence in girls and improves communication skills in boys, making them less susceptible to peer pressure.
A new study led by Brown University sociologist Gregory Elliott found that adolescents who believe they matter to their families are less likely to threaten or engage in violence against family members. The research reveals a strong correlation between feeling mattered and reduced violent behavior among adolescents.
A new study by the University of Cincinnati reveals that urban adolescents with asthma who use integrative medicine like prayer or relaxation experience improved mental and physical health outcomes. The research found that spiritual struggles contribute uniquely to a patient's quality of life, beyond demographic variables.
Researchers found that a teacher-based intervention reduced PTSD symptoms in war-exposed children by 50% compared to a control group. The study suggests that this universal and cost-effective approach can enhance community preparedness for mass trauma and prevent PTSD development.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2011
A University of Missouri study found that teaching refusal skills can help minority youths resist tobacco use, particularly those from American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. These skills are crucial in countering the high rates of smoking among AI/AN youths, who have a greater lifetime smoking rate than other racial groups.
Research shows that brief, high-intensity exercise is more beneficial than traditional endurance training for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young people. The study found significant improvements in CVD risk factors after only 15% of the total exercise time.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that high-impact activities, particularly running, basketball, and gymnastics, increase fracture risk in preadolescent and adolescent girls. Early recognition and activity restriction are key to treating stress fractures.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that teenagers who spent more time listening to music were 8.3 times more likely to be depressed, compared to those who read books the most, which had a protective effect against depression. The study used an intensive 'real-life' methodology and involved 106 adolescent participants.
Adolescent binge drinking may lead to subtle yet persistent alterations in the frontal cortex, impacting decision-making and related behaviors. Reduces neurotransmitter activity and forebrain volume, increasing risk of impulsive actions and poor adaptation to life situations as adults.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that high school students who feel they don't fit in are less likely to attend college. Girls who are gay or obese face significant barriers, with girls who are obese 78% less likely to attend college than their non-obese peers.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young women experiencing controlling behaviors are less likely to report relationship violence, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen for controlling behaviors.
A study found that controlling behaviors in relationships are associated with physical and sexual relationship violence, particularly among young women. Controlling behaviors include restriction of contact with family and friends, ignoring or treating someone indifferently, and expecting permission for health care decisions.
A study of 6,831 adolescent girls found that participating in high-impact sports like basketball, running, and gymnastics/cheerleading increases the risk of developing stress fractures. Family history of osteoporosis and low bone mass density also plays a significant role.
A new online resource, JobTIPS, aims to assist youth with ASD or other disabilities in developing job-related skills. The website provides guidance on how to behave in workplace situations and offers resources for educators, job coaches, and transition coordinators.
The symposium aims to address the effects of victimization on sexual-minority youths, including risks of being victimized at school and predictors of peer acceptance. Researchers will discuss findings on academic outcomes for sexual-minority adolescents and the impact of peer acceptance on their school experiences.
Researchers examine daily variation in teenagers' sleep and its effects on well-being, academic performance, and stress levels. The symposium aims to better understand how sleep patterns influence adolescent development and overall health.
A new study found that genetic variants in dopamine-related genes increased the risk of smoking initiation in adolescents, while variants in nicotinic cholinergic receptors influenced persistence in adulthood. These findings could lead to genetic testing and targeted drugs for nicotine dependence.
Researchers worldwide investigate factors driving teen civic involvement, aiming to inform efforts boosting youth participation. The symposium in Montréal will explore how cultural, social, and individual elements influence civic engagement among adolescents.
Extracurricular activities affect children's and adolescents' mental health, with excessive involvement linked to depression, loneliness, and risky behavior. Research explores the threshold effect beyond which benefits stabilize or decline.
Recent study finds that adolescents at risk for obesity exhibit heightened brain activity when consuming palatable foods like chocolate milkshakes. This suggests that their brains may be more responsive to rewarding stimuli, potentially increasing the risk of overeating.
Research reveals prenatal exposure to nicotine increases vulnerability to nicotine self-administration in adolescent mice, making them more likely to start smoking and susceptible to addictive effects. The study supports the hypothesis that adolescents with prenatal nicotine exposure are more prone to nicotine addiction.
A US study found that adolescent girls and young women living in high socioeconomic neighborhoods are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. The incidence of melanoma increased over time among these groups, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescent girls exposed to heavy alcohol use during their first trimester were three times more likely to develop conduct disorder. The study examined 592 adolescents and their mothers or caretakers, utilizing data from a long...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 21, 2011
A study found that early initiation of alcohol use is associated with increased stress-induced drinking in young adulthood. The study revealed a strong link between an early age at first drink and later heavy drinking when confronted with high-stress life events.
The article discusses the need for targeted care in adolescents and young adults with cancer, who require collaboration between pediatric and medical oncologists. Research has shown that AYA cancer patients often deal with ongoing developmental and psychosocial issues, making it essential to address these challenges.
A new study suggests that early male friendships are a precursor to substance abuse problems in girls, who tend to initiate mixed-gender friendships earlier and at a faster pace than boys. This transition is associated with increased risk of maladjustment and substance use during late adolescence.
Research using fMRI scans found that brain activity in areas responsible for emotional regulation increased significantly between ages 10 and 13, allowing children to better resist peer influence. This study provides insight into the brain's wiring during adolescence and may lay the foundation for future studies with clinical relevance.
A recent study published in Neuron found that certain brain regions, including the ventral striatum, play a positive regulatory role in adolescent interpersonal functioning. This suggests that teenagers may be less susceptible to peer pressure and risky behavior as they mature.
The study found that eating disorders were common among US adolescents, with high prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The researchers also discovered a strong association between eating disorders and social impairment, as well as increased risk of suicidality.
A new thesis from Karolinska Institutet highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing adolescent alcohol consumption. Adolescents who exhibit risky behavior at an early age are more likely to develop high consumption patterns and associated health problems. Parents can make a significant difference by strengthening th...
A new study published in Clinical Obesity reveals that bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss in severely obese adolescents. The existing evidence suggests that bariatric surgery in older children results in significant weight loss and improvements in comorbidities and quality of life.
UCLA researchers found a correlation between nicotine addiction and decreased prefrontal cortex activity in adolescent smokers. The study suggests that smoking can affect brain function, particularly during adolescence when the prefrontal cortex is still developing.
A recent study found that the federal anti-drug campaign 'Above the Influence' successfully reduced marijuana use among teenagers by 12 percentage points compared to those who had not seen the campaign. The researchers believe this is the first independent study to find evidence for the effectiveness of the campaign.
A recent study found that racial and ethnic minority adolescents are less likely to receive treatment for major depression. The research analyzed data from over 7,700 adolescents aged 12-17 and found significant disparities in treatment rates across different racial/ethnic groups.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 22, 2011
A new study confirms the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) is predictive of later diagnoses of alcoholism in young adulthood. Adolescent RAPI scores were associated with a higher likelihood of alcohol dependence seven years later, especially in females.
A new study found that calorie labeling had a minimal impact on the purchasing behavior of teenagers and their parents at fast-food restaurants. While teens noticed calorie information at the same rate as adults, they responded at a lower rate, with only 9% reporting it influenced their choices.
A new study finds that popular adolescents, particularly those in the second tier of popularity, are more likely to engage in bullying behavior. The researchers argue that social status and aggression are linked, with students who occupy the center of the social hierarchy wielding power and potentially deterring retaliation.
A new study by Robert Faris and Diane Felmlee found that popular adolescents are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior towards their peers. However, students at the top of the social hierarchy, along with those at the bottom, exhibit reduced levels of aggression.
A systematic review of 54 studies found that higher adolescent drinking is associated with adult problems, but evidence for causality is limited. The authors recommend reducing late adolescence drinking to prevent long-term harms.