Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study reveals that most young people consider civic activity obligatory, but their judgments vary by factors like gender and involvement levels. Teen boys prioritize politics over community service, while girls emphasize community service as more important.
A new study suggests that teenagers with a strong parent-child relationship may start drinking at a later age and be less likely to develop alcohol problems. The study found that high-quality relationships can 'trigger a spiral of healthy development' during adolescence, leading to lower risk of substance abuse.
A study found that adolescent binge drinkers have lower coherence of white matter fibers, suggesting poorer white matter health. This compromise can lead to difficulties in processing information and emotional functioning.
A new study by Baylor College of Medicine found that students who chewed sugar-free gum showed an increase in standardized math test scores and final grades compared to those who didn't chew gum. Chewing gum was associated with a three percent increase in standardized math test scores, a small but statistically significant change.
A national study found that adolescent delinquency is linked to an increase in the likelihood of marriage and a lower age at first marriage. Substance abuse, particularly among girls who abuse marijuana, leads to a lower likelihood of marriage by their late 20s.
A recent lab study found that adolescent rats exposed to THC experienced lasting negative effects on learning and memory, even if they didn't have ovaries. The study suggests that THC use during critical developmental periods can sensitize females to the negative effects of THC later in life.
A study by Queen's University researchers found that pelvic pain symptoms occur as frequently in adolescent boys as in adult men. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome has a significant negative impact on quality of life, including depression and social relationships.
A special class at UCLA helps high-functioning teens with autism spectrum disorders learn social etiquette and interact with peers. The program, PEERS, focuses on teaching rules of social behavior and provides parents with guidance to support their child's development.
A 16-week study found that reducing added sugar intake by 47 grams per day and increasing fiber intake by 5 grams per day improved insulin secretion and reduced visceral adipose tissue volume. Participants who increased fiber intake also saw significant reductions in body mass index and visceral fat.
Researchers found that reducing sugary beverages consumption leads to a decrease in calorie intake in children and teens. An intervention program also showed promise in changing behaviors among Dutch schoolchildren.
Research suggests that young children who struggle with self-regulation are more likely to gain weight and develop obesity by their pre-teen years. Studies found that children with limited ability to delay gratification were 29% more likely to be overweight at age 11.
Researchers are comparing two family-based therapies to treat adolescent anorexia nervosa. The Maudsley Approach involves supervised feeding and monitoring, while Family Systems Therapy focuses on family dynamics. Both approaches aim to break the vicious cycle of starvation and obsessive behavior.
A recent study by George Mason University researcher Mona Ternus found that mothers' military deployment has a significant impact on their health as well as the health of their adolescent children. Deployment duration is associated with an increase in symptoms and risk behaviors among both mothers and teens.
A study of a Big Brothers Big Sisters formal mentoring program found that adolescent girls benefit from relationships with female mentors, gaining emotional support and new skills. The study, led by Renee Spencer at Boston University, involved in-depth interviews of 12 pairs of girls and women mentors.
Adolescent and young adult vegetarians tend to have better dietary intake and weight outcomes compared to non-vegetarian peers. However, they also face an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors such as binge eating and extreme unhealthy weight control measures.
A five-year Canadian study published in Annals of Epidemiology found that teens' physical activity declines significantly during winter months and persists throughout adolescence. Researchers suggest promoting diverse activities to offset these drops and counteract the effects of cold weather.
A long-term study found that adults with a history of anorexia nervosa are more likely to experience mental health issues. The research, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry and International Journal of Eating Disorders, also showed improved reproductive outcomes for those who had recovered from anorexia.
A new study published in the Journal of Personality reveals that personality at adolescence predicts reproductive success later in life. Adolescents with socially dominant personalities were more likely to have children as adults, suggesting that status striving may be important for reproductive success even in modern humans.
A collaborative study by McGill University researchers discovered a positive correlation between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in the brains of healthy 6 to 18-year-olds. The link was found in regions integrating information from different parts of the brain, including 'multi-modal association' areas.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that most adolescents referred to long-term group homes in Los Angeles County continue to struggle with substance abuse and crime seven years after being sent to the program. The study found that 36% had used hard drugs in the past year, while 66% reported engaging in illegal activities.
Research from the University of Washington and Monell Center found that children's high growth rate is linked to their heightened liking for sweetness. Children prefer higher levels of sweetness as their physical growth increases, but this preference declines as growth slows down.
NJIT has received a $20,000 grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey to teach middle and high school students about nutrition, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyles. This program aims to prevent serious, long-term health problems among teenagers in the community.
Researchers found strong associations between low vitamin D levels and higher risks of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome among adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors.
A Brazilian study found that current guidelines for sexually transmitted infections are woefully inadequate, with only 32% of infected women correctly identified using the World Health Organization's risk assessment score. The researchers recommend rapid and less costly diagnostic tests to control the spread of STIs in adolescents.
Researchers found that adolescents with regular family meals had better diet quality, with increased intakes of vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and several nutrients. However, overall dietary adequacy was not achieved for the entire study sample.
A study of nearly 4,000 teenage boys found that eating fish at least once a week increased combined intelligence scores by six percent, while more frequent consumption increased them by 11 percent. The researchers discovered a clear link between frequent fish consumption and higher cognitive performance.
A Dartmouth-led study of young U.S. teens found that owning alcohol-branded merchandise is associated with an increased risk of transitioning from susceptibility to binge drinking. The study also discovered that teens who own these items are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards drinking and initiate alcohol use.
A new report suggests that teenagers' increased internet use has transformed it into a social networking tool, fostering closer relationships and reducing superficial connections. The study also highlights the positive effects of online communication on mental health, including reduced inhibition and higher quality friendships.
A Swedish study published in BMC Public Health found that teenagers are more positive towards their parents' attempts to discourage them from smoking. The most effective actions parents can take include dissuading their children from smoking and not allowing them to smoke at home.
Adolescents who experienced multiple types of child maltreatment, including neglect and physical or sexual abuse, were more likely to report binge drinking. The study found that those with a sexual abuse history had nearly twice the odds of reporting binge drinking compared to those without any maltreatment.
A study of 163 children found that those rated as more impulsive in kindergarten were more likely to engage in gambling behaviors by the sixth grade. The research suggests that behavioral features such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity at school entry can be a vulnerability factor for precocious risk-oriented behavior like gambling.
A new study found that only about 10 percent of adolescents needing help for substance abuse problems enter treatment due to a lack of adolescent-only services. The study also revealed that few high-quality programs exist for teens, and those that do often have limitations.
A survey of US teens aged 10-14 found that owning alcohol-branded merchandise was associated with increased susceptibility to drinking and binge drinking. The most commonly owned items were clothing and headwear, often featuring beer brands.
Formal swimming lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1-4 years. Children who took swimming lessons were less likely to drown compared to those who didn't receive formal instruction.
A study of over 6,500 children found those not meeting recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables were more likely to be male, older, and from low-income households. The research also showed that fruit consumption varied significantly among race, ethnicity, and household income.
A school-based sleep intervention improved adolescents' sleep problems, producing a high retention rate of 83% and increasing students' knowledge of sleep-related issues. However, the positive effect disappeared at the six-week follow-up.
A study found that teenagers who preferred popular songs with degrading sexual references were more likely to engage in intercourse or pre-coital activities. High exposure to such lyrics was independently associated with higher levels of sexual behavior among young adolescents.
Research found that adolescents in single-parent households and stepfamilies who spend more time with their grandparents experience better emotional and behavioral adjustment. They report reduced hyperactivity and improved peer relationships.
Researchers tracked first- and second-graders for seven years and found that anti-social behavior among girls and anxiety among both sexes predicted depression in early adolescence. Early signs of depression were not predictive of adolescent depression, highlighting the need to recognize mental health issues in younger children.
Studies of virtual world Second Life reveal that teenagers form online friendships with people in their immediate geographic area, and tend to be friends with the friends of their friends rather than strangers. This challenges common assumptions about social networks and highlights how technology can reinforce existing relationships.
A new pediatric study suggests that involving adolescents in end-of-life medical decisions can improve communication between children, families, and care providers. The study found that early planning and discussions can lead to increased agreement between parents and children on medical decisions, as well as better communication overall.
A study by researchers at the University of Rochester and others found that teenagers feel relatively obligated to help their parents, even when requests clash with personal desires. Parents tend to think it's more acceptable for teens to say no in such situations, suggesting a balance between family needs and individual preferences.
A new study by Wake Forest University researchers found that teen programs most effectively promote responsibility when they assign difficult tasks, provide ownership, and hold teens accountable for their work. The study surveyed over 100 high schoolers participating in various summer and after-school programs.
A new study confirms that young teenagers think less about the future than adults, but it's not because they're impulsive. Research suggests that immaturity in brain systems governing sensation seeking, rather than self-control, contributes to this phenomenon.
A study reveals that adolescents who undergo kidney transplants have a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions, including depression, phobia, and ADHD. They also experience educational impairment and social isolation. The study highlights the need for routine screening and support to address these challenges.
A new study found a positive relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle power, force, velocity, and jump height in adolescent girls. The researchers measured serum vitamin D levels in 99 adolescent girls and used jumping mechanography to assess muscle power.
A large number of U.S. children and teens take vitamin and mineral supplements, often due to lack of health care access or unhealthy lifestyle habits. These supplements contribute significantly to total dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals, highlighting the need for targeted screening and counseling by healthcare providers.
A US study found that most healthy children taking daily vitamins don't require them due to adequate nutrition from their diets. The study also revealed that children who face the greatest risks of vitamin deficiency are less likely to take supplements.
A study of 93,297 15-year-olds across 31 countries found that those who frequently went out with friends were more likely to report using marijuana. The decline in marijuana use among adolescents may be attributed to a decrease in evenings spent out with friends.
A study found that teenage media exposure was associated with depression symptoms in young adulthood, particularly among men. The researchers used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health and found that participants who watched more television had a higher risk of developing depression.
Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely to have disrupted brain development, according to a new study. The researchers found abnormalities in areas of the brain involved in memory, attention, decision-making, language, and executive functioning skills.
A new Florida State University study found that nicotine exposure in adolescence can lead to depression-like symptoms in adulthood. The researchers injected adolescent rats with nicotine and found that even brief exposure could have long-lasting effects, causing behavioral changes symptomatic of depression.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly found that adolescents with unpopular names are more likely to commit crime. Researchers analyzed state data and constructed a popularity-name index, which showed the least popular names were associated with juvenile delinquency among both black and white youths.
A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that early childhood stress can have long-lasting effects on kids' health, including impaired immune function. Adolescents who experienced physical abuse or time in an orphanage showed higher levels of antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1.
A new study at Brigham Young University found that young adults' video game use is associated with poorer relationships with peers and parents. The study, which analyzed data from 813 college students, suggests that excessive gaming may lead to decreased social interaction and relationship quality.
In a national clinical trial, adolescents with moderate to severe depression who first received a placebo treatment responded just as well over the long term as those who received active treatment. The study found that 82% of children and teenagers in the placebo group responded well after receiving active treatment for the entire period.
Researchers found that rats exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are more attracted to the smell of liquor during puberty, and this effect persists into adolescence. Fetal ethanol exposure also changes how the odor and flavor of ethanol are perceived, making it more attractive to others.
A recent study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that adolescents experiencing online racial discrimination are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also revealed the presence of masked racism and hate groups targeting specific ethnic groups online.
Researchers found that adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have a stronger sense of spirituality tend to experience fewer depressive symptoms and better emotional well-being. In contrast, patients with IBD are at risk for numerous psychosocial difficulties, including increased mental health problems and social stigma.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of adolescents with arthritis were encouraged to take responsibility for their health care needs, but only half discussed how their needs might change as adults. The results highlight the need for more information and support to facilitate a successful transition.