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Teens who drink with parents may still develop alcohol problems

A new study found that parents who allow their teenagers to drink at home may increase the risk of alcohol-related problems, including trouble in school and fights with peers. The researchers suggest that prohibiting drinking altogether is a better approach to reducing the risk of heavy drinking and problem drinking in adolescence.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJan 27, 2010

Men feel less guilt

Men experience lower levels of guilt compared to women, particularly in interpersonal situations, with a greater prevalence of anxious-aggressive guilt among women, especially those over 40. Educational practices and socializing agents can help reduce this trend.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Spanish Journal of Psychology·DateJan 25, 2010

School burnout

A recent study by the Academy of Finland has found a correlation between school burnout and parental work burnout. Children of parents experiencing burnout are more likely to experience school burnout, with shared experiences often occurring between adolescents and parents of the same gender.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJan 19, 2010

Sleeping off childhood?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep time are associated with increased pubertal development, suggesting an earlier transition to adolescence. The research highlights the need for parents and educators to prioritize healthy sleep habits in pre-pubescent children.

Psychotherapy offers obesity prevention for 'at risk' teenage girls

A pilot study found that Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) can help 'at risk' teenage girls stabilize or reduce their body mass index (BMI), preventing excessive weight gain. IPT targets social and interpersonal difficulties linked to loss of control eating, a key factor in childhood obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 15, 2009

IU study: Half of urban teen girls acquire STIs within 2 years of first sexual activity

According to a new study, half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one common sexually transmitted infection (STI) within two years of becoming sexually active. The researchers found that repeated infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis were very common among the participants.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 14, 2009

Investigators identify successful weight control strategies for adolescents

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that adolescents who successfully lost weight reported using six or more healthy weight control behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. In contrast, those who did not lose weight relied less on structured behavior stra...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateDec 1, 2009

Are teenagers wired differently than adults?

Researchers studied amygdala development, finding that neural pathways bypassing cortex are more plastic in juvenile than adult mice. This suggests that teenagers' emotions are less precise and more irrational due to subcortical drive.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 17, 2009

Teen girls diagnosed with STI more likely to seek treatment for partners after watching video

A study found that teen girls diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease who watched a short educational video were three times more likely to discuss their condition with partners and ensure partner treatment. Despite this, adherence to medication and follow-up remained poor, highlighting the need for in-depth counseling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology·DateNov 4, 2009

Study: Lap band surgery effective for morbidly obese children

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) surgery improves the health of morbidly obese adolescents. The procedure led to significant weight loss and reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance, a key indicator of obesity-related illnesses.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 3, 2009

Adolescents think school bullying 'will keep on happening' and resign themselves to it

A recent study found that adolescents think school bullying is a natural part of life and will continue happening, leading to a negative and pessimistic attitude towards it. The researchers suggest that more comprehensive educational programs are needed to prove to children that bullying can be stopped.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalRevista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico y Evaluación - e Avaliação Psicológica·DateOct 28, 2009

Adolescents' gambling a part of a cluster of problem behaviors

A recent study by the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that adolescents with conduct disorder symptoms are more likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviors. The study of 2,274 youth between 14-21 years old showed a strong correlation between increasing conduct disorder symptoms and problem gambling symptoms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 23, 2009

Stereotypes can fuel teen misbehavior

A study by Christy Buchanan found that adolescents whose mothers expected them to take more risks and be more rebellious reported higher levels of risk-taking behavior. Parents who expect their kids to become rebellious at a certain age may inadvertently contribute to negative behaviors.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateOct 20, 2009

Teen smoking-cessation trial first to achieve significant quit rates

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed a phone-based counseling intervention that recruited and retained adolescent smokers, significantly impacting six-month continuous quitting rates. The study found 21.8% of smokers in the counseling group achieved continuous quitting after completing nine personalized calls.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 12, 2009

Depression and anxiety disorders of adolescents are not the same thing

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that adolescent depression and anxiety disorders are not the same thing. The research, led by Dr. William W. Hale III, found that these two conditions have different symptoms and characteristics, contrary to current classification in the DSM-V.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 23, 2009

Nationwide study examines youth access to indoor tanning

A nationwide study found that many indoor tanning facilities allow young people to tan more than the recommended amount, with some states having strict laws in place. The study, published in Archives of Dermatology, suggests that stronger regulations are needed to reduce the risk of skin cancer among youth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateSep 21, 2009

Face off

Researchers found that male juvenile delinquents often misinterpret facial expressions of disgust as anger, leading to a more intense emotional response and aggressive behavior. This bias towards misrecognizing others' emotions could result in delinquents perceiving situations as hostile.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateSep 17, 2009