Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A Concordia University study found that loners and antisocial kids who reject others are often bullied at school as a way to control renegades. The research team identified dominant children who use relational aggression to maintain their social status.
Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.
A new national study published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health found no link between abortion and depression or low self-esteem in adolescents. The study used a nationally representative sample of 289 respondents and followed them for five years.
A new study by West Virginia University researchers found that middle-school teenagers who are physically active and play on sports teams are more satisfied with their life and feel healthier. Playing on a sports team was linked to higher life satisfaction in both boys and girls.
A study found that one in ten US adolescents uses sunless tanning products, which may reduce sunbathing and sunburns among adult women. Another study showed that promoting sunless tanning as an alternative to regular tanning can lead to reduced UV radiation exposure and improved sun safety behaviors.
A five-year study found that teenagers who increased their screen time had the greatest increases in percent body fat, while those who decreased their screen time had the lowest gains. The study suggests that public health strategies to reduce overall screen time among youth could be beneficial.
A study published in Preventive Medicine found that teenagers spend significantly more time watching TV and engaging in sedentary behavior on weekends. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 European adolescents and found that having a computer in the bedroom reduces the risk of excessive TV watching.
Researchers found that traditional programs may not be effective for all teens, but targeted approaches may help curb aggression. Factors such as poverty, academic troubles, and depression can increase the risk of fighting among certain groups.
Adolescents from Latin American and Asian backgrounds experience more discrimination than peers from European backgrounds. Discrimination impacts their grade-point averages, health, and self-esteem.
A special issue of Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology explores new treatments for pediatric-onset OCD and Tourette's disorder, including riluzole, a drug approved for ALS that shows promise in psychiatric conditions. Researchers propose identifying specific brain circuits as targets for new drug development.
A longitudinal study of over 4000 subjects found that occupational exposure to substances like flour or disinfectants is a significant risk factor for adolescents developing persistent neurodermatitis. The study also highlights the importance of considering career choices in patient care and counseling.
Using ultrasound and a minimally-invasive procedure, radiologists can identify and remove embedded foreign objects from patients with self-embedding behavior. Early detection and removal are key steps for effective therapy and recovery.
A study found that children and teens exposed to nonstick cookware compounds PFOA and PFOS have higher total and LDL cholesterol levels. The compounds were associated with increased total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, but not triglycerides.
A study of over 1,900 children found that short nighttime sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity. The authors suggest that there is a critical window prior to age 5 when nighttime sleep may be important for subsequent obesity status.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that mindfulness training increased well-being in 155 adolescent boys. The four-week program improved feelings of happiness and contentment while also enhancing resilience and stress management skills. The benefits were particularly noticeable in students who struggled with anxiety.
A new study finds that a school-based intervention can significantly reduce drinking rates among adolescents at risk for substance abuse. The program, which targets personality traits associated with substance use, was delivered by teachers and resulted in a 55% decrease in binge-drinking rates compared to control group.
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that Canadian teenagers have more freedom than their French and Italian peers. The investigation examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioural control with adolescents, revealing that Canadian parents value a democratic conception of education that promotes ...
A recent study published in Addictive Behaviors found that smoking may increase depressive symptoms in some adolescents who use cigarettes as a mood enhancer. The long-term Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto and Montreal, involved over 662 high school teenagers.
Overweight American children and adolescents have experienced a significant increase in adiposity measures over the last decade. The study found that heavier children gained more abdominal fat, posing greater health risks than elevated BMI, particularly among black girls.
A Temple University study reevaluates data from a widely publicized 2006 study on the effects of sexualized media on teens, finding no link between the two. The researcher controlled for other factors, such as school performance and parental relationships, to rule out potential correlations.
A new study published in Addiction Research & Theory found that Italian adolescents and young adults allowed alcohol with meals while growing up were less likely to develop harmful drinking patterns. This suggests that introducing moderate amounts of alcohol in a family setting can prevent binge drinking and nurture healthier behaviors.
The prevalence of hearing loss among US adolescents increased significantly, with 1 in 5 adolescents affected in 2005-2006. The majority of hearing loss was slight, and females were less likely to demonstrate any hearing loss.
A new study finds that obesity rates have declined or stabilized among some adolescent groups, while increasing among others. The disparities in obesity trends by race and ethnicity highlight the need for tailored intervention programs and policies.
A new study finds that young adolescents with delinquency problems are more likely to develop long-term crime, alcohol use disorders, and risky sex behaviors. Early intervention among disadvantaged youth may help prevent these outcomes.
A new study suggests that adolescent sexual intercourse in committed romantic relationships is often harmless to their academics. In contrast, youth who engage in sex outside of romantic relationships are at greater risk for academic problems such as truancy and dropping out. The research analyzed data from two waves of the National Lo...
Monthly acetaminophen use in adolescents may more than double the risk of asthma, with yearly use associated with a 50% increase. The study found a significant association between acetaminophen use and increased risks of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
A University of Michigan study found that brief motivational talks in the emergency room reduced peer violence and alcohol misuse among teens by 34% and 32% respectively. The talks helped adolescents weigh the pros and cons of their choices, using role-play exercises to cope with risky situations.
Researchers found that brief interventions delivered by therapists or computers in emergency departments can lead to significant reductions in peer violence and alcohol misuse among adolescents. The studies show that these interventions are clinically meaningful and could be translated into routine clinical practice.
Researchers found diminished cognitive performance in obese adolescents with type 2 diabetes, as well as subtle brain abnormalities detected by MRI. The study highlights the importance of addressing obesity and inactivity to prevent cognitive deficits.
New research from Brigham Young University finds that having a sister protects adolescents from feelings of loneliness and promotes charitable attitudes. The study also found that loving siblings foster good deeds, such as helping others, more than loving parents do.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that a mentorship program paired healthy young adults with urban middle school students helped them adopt healthy habits, active lifestyles and a healthy weight. The program, called Challenge!, showed promise as a way to have a major impact on children's lives.
A new study from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research found an association between a 'Western-style' diet and an increased risk of ADHD diagnosis in adolescents. The research examined the dietary patterns of over 1,800 adolescents and classified them into 'Healthy' or 'Western' patterns.
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased arterial stiffness in black teens. Researchers discovered that higher doses of vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU) improved cardiovascular health and reduced central arterial stiffness.
A large-scale study published by BGU researchers found that normal blood pressure at age 17 can predict hypertension in early adulthood, particularly in teenage boys. The study also revealed that estrogen may protect against hypertension in girls, and that monitoring weight and blood pressure is crucial for adolescents and young adults.
Researchers found that informal teen gatherings significantly increased violent behavior by adolescents, even in relatively 'good' neighborhoods. High collective efficacy neighborhoods had lower levels of violence when teens were let out unsupervised.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation that moderates whether victims of bullying develop emotional problems. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that a specific gene variant affects the severity of emotional distress in bullied children.
Positive family relationships and religious affiliation can counteract risk factors associated with drug use, including addicted family members, exposure to violence, and deviant peers. This study suggests that intervention programs should focus on creating supportive family environments.
A new study by Michael C. Seto and Martin Lalumiere found that adolescent sex offenders are more likely to have atypical sexual interests, such as desire for prepubescent children, than social skills deficits. The researchers also identified social isolation as a key factor in adolescent sexual offending.
A recent study found that community-based interventions for childhood obesity were most effective in children under the age of five, slowing down unhealthy weight gain by an average of 1kg over three years. In contrast, primary school-aged children showed a smaller impact on overweight and obesity rates, while adolescents saw mixed res...
A recent study found that traditional vision screening methods for adolescents often fail to detect hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. The researchers used a comprehensive eye examination to assess 2,353 year 7 students and found that no reliable cutoff point could be established for detecting these conditions.
A study of 1,329 healthy children found that approximately one in five will have a psychiatric disorder with impairment upon entering formal schooling. Sociodemographic risk factors such as poverty and limited parental education were associated with an increased risk of mental health issues.
A new study published in Applied Research in Quality of Life found that positive emotions and life satisfaction are strong predictors of physical health in teenagers. Researchers analyzed data from 401 students aged 12-14 and found that subjective well-being was a significant unique predictor of physical health outcomes.
Researchers found teenage mothers more likely to have premature babies due to biological immaturity and social factors. The study highlights the importance of antenatal care and post-natal contraception for pregnant teenagers.
A study by Dr. David Hibbard and Dr. Duane Buhrmester found that competing to win is detrimental to teenage girls' social relationships and well-being, while competing to excel has no gender differences in its effects. Competing to excel benefits both genders, improving self-esteem and reducing depression.
A study at a small private high school in Rhode Island found that delaying school start time by 30 minutes improved adolescent alertness, mood, and health. The researchers observed significant increases in sleep duration, decreases in daytime sleepiness, and improvements in motivation.
A study found that adolescents who experienced difficult childhoods, such as food insecurity and physical abuse, were more likely to engage in drunkenness. Researchers suggest early treatment for traumatic experiences may help prevent alcohol abuse among teens.
A study of 201 students found that a delayed school start time was associated with significant improvements in adolescent alertness, mood, and health. Students reported increased satisfaction with sleep, reduced daytime sleepiness, and improved motivation after the change.
Cyberbullying is associated with a range of psychiatric and physical symptoms, including headaches, abdominal pain, and difficulties in emotions and behavior. Adolescents who are both cyberbullies and victims experience all these conditions, highlighting the need for clear norms and supervision to prevent cyberbullying.
Research suggests that an authoritative parenting style is associated with a higher frequency of family meals, leading to better nutrition and eating behavior among adolescents. This style of parenting, characterized by responsiveness and clear boundaries, was found to have a positive influence on teenagers' dietary habits.
A recent study published in The Lancet finds that 26% of Palestinian children skip breakfast, leading to concerns over anaemia, stunting, and poor eating habits. The study suggests that comprehensive school nutrition programs are needed to address these issues and promote healthy eating habits among all age groups.
A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight but have a healthy weight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with actual obesity. Additionally, underweight boys are also at high risk for distress. The researchers suggest that ...
According to a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, increased bicycle riding and brisk walking among premenopausal women were linked to reduced weight gain, particularly for those who are overweight or obese. The study found that even low levels of cycling, such as five minutes per day, can have significant health benefits.
A new Brigham Young University study reveals that parenting style significantly influences teens' heavy drinking habits. Teens with parents who scored high on both accountability and warmth were least prone to heavy drinking, while those with 'indulgent' or 'strict' parents faced higher risks.
Analyses of serological and social contact data reveal that childhood vaccination against pertussis has led to a shift in the disease's burden, with adolescents and adults becoming reservoirs for asymptomatic infection. The study suggests that life-long protection through a vaccine could potentially eliminate pertussis.
A recent study found that religiosity during adolescence can moderate genetic effects on problem alcohol use, but not in young adulthood. The research suggests that adolescents raised with strong religious values are less likely to develop problems with alcohol use, even in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
A new study found that puberty is related to sleep problems and later bedtimes, associated with increased alcohol use in early adolescence. Puberty-dependent sleep regulation is an important factor explaining alcohol use in this age group.
Adolescents describe their spiritual behavior in seven categories related to personal and social development. Youth report feeling a sense of purpose, connection, and well-being as key aspects of their spirituality. The study explores how youth define and practice spirituality separate from religion.
Teenagers' primary goal is to finish their studies and leave home, with the most antisocial among them prioritizing social recognition over rules and laws. A study of 488 participants aged 12-18 found that girls placed greater importance on education and interpersonal goals, while boys focused on sporting achievements.
Using Popsicle-type craft sticks to form channels in Jell-O, students can create large-scale microfluidic devices. This method makes hands-on experience with microfluidics possible, reducing the need for expensive equipment and toxic chemicals.
A new cognitive-behavioral, skills-based treatment intervention program has been developed to help adolescents with bowel diseases cope with their condition. The program aims to reduce physical symptoms and increase adaptive coping strategies, with significant improvements seen in the participants, including parents.