Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study found that teen smokers progress through stages in their attempts to quit smoking, including increased cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Only 19% of participants managed to stop smoking for 12 months or more by the end of the five-year study.
A new study explores how immigrant adolescents navigate their ethnic identities during high school. Most choose hyphenated labels and change them over time, highlighting the importance of this period in shaping their identities.
Children's physical activity significantly decreases between the ages of 9 and 15, with only 31% meeting guidelines by 15 years old. The decline in physical activity is associated with an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases among youth.
A questionnaire of Swiss schoolchildren revealed truancy and school fear linked to life events, parental behavior, and school environment. 6.9% experienced school fear at thirteen years old, increasing to 18.5% at sixteen years old, with girls more likely than boys.
A survey of 910 college students found that almost half had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence in a relationship. Emotional abuse was the most common type of violence, and researchers emphasize the importance of early educational efforts on healthy relationships to prevent poor outcomes.
The US healthcare system struggles to vaccinate adolescents, despite three new vaccines available to prevent five serious diseases. The authors identify unique issues, including consent, financing, and surveillance, that require national attention to improve adolescent immunization.
A new study found that teenage girls' peer groups significantly influence their weight control behaviors. Girls who identified with non-conformist peers were more concerned about their weight and appearance, while those who skipped school and got into trouble believed their peers valued thinness and dieting.
Teenagers who underwent minimally invasive gastric banding surgery experienced significant improvements in abdominal fat, triglyceride levels, blood sugar control, liver function, and immune response. After six months, they lost an average of 20 pounds.
A new study found that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery improves the health of morbidly obese teenagers just six months after the procedure. The patients experienced significant improvement in measures of medical disorders, including abdominal fat, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
A two-week study found that delaying school start time by one hour improved cognitive test scores in eighth graders. The experimental group woke up later and performed better on the first week, with longer sleep duration positively affecting cognitive functioning.
A study of 798 teenagers found that those with parents who suffer from chronic insomnia are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The research suggests that family sleep interventions could help alleviate these risks.
Research suggests that reduced REM sleep is associated with increased risk of being overweight in children and adolescents. According to a study, one hour less of total sleep or REM sleep increases the odds of being overweight by two- to three-fold.
A study by RAND Corporation found that adolescents who made virginity pledges were less likely to engage in sexual activity than similar youth who did not make a pledge. The study suggests that virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort.
Teenagers who excessively use their cell phones are more prone to disrupted sleep, restlessness, stress, and fatigue. The study found that young people with excessive mobile phone use behave like larks rather than owls, suggesting a delayed biological clock. It is recommended that adolescents get nine hours of nightly sleep.
A study found that students who slept less than eight hours per night had lower GPAs and were more likely to experience emotional disturbances. The research suggests that getting enough sleep is crucial for adolescents' psychological functioning and can have serious consequences.
A new study reveals that reduced school-night sleep begins early in adolescence, even with delayed school start times. Family incomes below $40,000 were significantly associated with more delayed sleep patterns, while regular health care contact led to healthier sleep habits.
A recent study found that teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 had an average accrual rate of just 16.6% in clinical trials between 2005 and 2008, compared to 44.1% for 5-14 year-olds. The low recruitment rates are attributed to inappropriate trial design, poor accessibility, and a lack of specialist cancer teams for this age group.
High school students with a delayed school start time sleep significantly longer on school nights, reporting less daytime sleepiness. Total sleep time increases by 33 minutes due to a later rise time, while students' bedtime is marginally later and weekend night sleep time decreases slightly.
A study of 372 teenagers found that 18% admitted to eating problems, while anxiety was a more significant issue. Students with anxiety were 20 times more likely to experience ongoing eating problems and had higher rates of depression and health complaints.
A study confirms that bipolar adolescents face a significant risk of smoking and substance abuse, with rates of 34% in the bipolar group compared to 4% in controls. Early preventive measures and screening are essential for this high-risk population.
A study analyzing data from 6,916 girls and 5,618 boys found that risk factors for binge eating and purging vary between sexes and age groups. Frequent dieting and media pressure were key predictors of binge eating in females, while negative weight comments from fathers were linked to starting to binge eat in males.
A study of 3628 children aged 2-11 found that those who drank 100-percent juice had significantly higher intakes of essential nutrients like vitamins C and B6. In contrast, there was no link between juice consumption and weight status or the likelihood of being overweight.
This study found that AA and NA attendance benefited adolescents, even after early discontinuation, with those who attended more meetings having better outcomes. The organizations' focus on abstinence and social support resonated well with youth with severe addiction problems.
Researchers found that children can safely take ten-times the current recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, which may have long-term health benefits. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and development in children, and supplementation with high doses (2,000 IUs) has been well-tolerated and safe.
A review of 21 studies found no systematic association between 100% fruit juice consumption and overweight in children or adolescents. Health professionals are encouraged to promote moderate consumption of 100% fruit juice as a strategy to help children meet fruit recommendations.
A new study finds that people who were overweight in adolescence have a higher risk of mortality from endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer, and respiratory diseases. The study of 230,000 Norwegian adolescents found an increased mortality rate among those with high BMI.
New research reveals that family stress spillover continues in adolescents' daily lives, affecting attendance, learning problems, and academic performance. Stress lingers for up to four years, with long-term consequences on academic achievement.
Researchers found that Jewish and Arab teenagers who valued universalism and low power reported less violent behavior than their peers. In high-risk schools, these adolescents were relatively protected against engaging in violent behavior.
A new study published in Child Development found that teenagers who feel good about themselves and are comfortable with their peers can be socially successful without being popular. The research suggests that adolescents' feelings of confidence in their own social standing are a protective factor for long-term social functioning.
Research finds that most ethnic minority teens avoid ethnically-oriented crowds in high school, despite potential benefits for identity and pride. However, certain factors such as friendship groups, socioeconomic status, and experiences with discrimination can lead to association with these crowds.
A study of 76 children and adolescents found that obesity negatively impacts vascular endothelial function, a key indicator of cardiac health. The findings suggest that early signs of cardiovascular disease may begin in childhood, highlighting the need for intervention.
The ASSIST training programme, which involves training influential students to promote anti-smoking messages, has been shown to reduce smoking rates among teenagers. The programme was effective in achieving a sustained reduction in uptake of regular smoking in adolescents for two years after its delivery.
Researchers found that teens with asthma dramatically overestimate their ability to control the condition, affecting treatment adherence. A new approach of unplanned planned asthma visits led to improved patient outcomes, including a 30% increase in treatment action plans and 50% reduction in hospitalizations.
A recent study reveals that approximately 2.1% of US youth aged 14-21 exhibit problem gambling behaviors, projecting to around 750,000 young problem gamblers nationwide. The study also found significant correlations between increased gambling involvement and transitioning into adulthood.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that adolescent rats who demonstrated a taste for alcohol after only three nights of drinking were likely to become the biggest drinkers later on. The research suggests that early drinking patterns may be set and targets efforts to prevent alcoholism in these individuals.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that US teens adopted as infants may be at a greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Adoptees were more likely to have contact with a mental health professional and experience disruptive behavior disorders compared to non-adopted adolescents.
A recent study found that genetic factors play a significant role in the early initiation of alcohol use among young adolescents, while common environmental factors become more influential once drinking has begun. This new perspective on the causes of adolescent drinking may lead to targeted interventions for parents and families.
A new study using adolescent rats has found that early exposure to alcohol during adolescence can quickly lead to heavy drinking patterns. Researchers examined the characteristics of rats that developed problem drinking behaviors and found that novelty seeking and stress responsiveness were not related to drinking outcomes.
Researchers found that low-dose amitriptyline significantly improves overall quality of life for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, shows that patients receiving antidepressant therapy experience reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.
A study of 900 Vancouver-area teenagers found that physical activity and healthy eating are not strongly linked, contradicting established assumptions. Boys reported more physical activity but a less-healthy diet than girls, while individuals with lower BMI values were no more likely to be physically active.
A new study found that adolescent rats were more likely to prefer the place where they got cocaine, and even after extinction, a low dose of cocaine rekindled this preference. This suggests that younger brains are more vulnerable to addiction due to stronger memories for drug-associated cues.
Researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center presented on two studies at the 2008 National Conference on Child Health Psychology. The first study explored parent-teen communication in Latino families, finding that issues like religion and gender roles impact risky behaviors. Another study found that weight control treat...
A study of 5,840 people found a connection between low birth weight, excessive weight gain during adolescence and young adulthood, and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Chronic inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein levels, may play a key role in this association.
A University of Minnesota study found that teenagers with a TV in their bedroom are less likely to engage in healthy activities like exercising and eating fruits or vegetables. They also consume more sweetened beverages and fast food, leading to lower grades and reduced family connectedness.
A recent study found that genetic risk factors for common fears, such as situational or blood-injury phobias, decline in importance during childhood and adolescence. However, new genetic influences emerge during early adolescence, late adolescence, and adulthood, suggesting a dynamic relationship between genetics and fear.
A new study found that young children who lead inactive lifestyles are five-to-six times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease and diabetes. The study tracked the same group of children over time, measuring factors such as body mass, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, to show the importance...
Research published in Dynamic Medicine found that low levels of physical activity and aerobic fitness in children are associated with metabolic syndrome, a precursor to heart disease. The study suggests that efforts to increase exercise from an early age can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.
The adolescent brain experiences increased connectivity and integrative processing, with gray matter peaking in childhood and declining thereafter. These changes enable increased executive functioning, novelty seeking, and risk-taking behaviors during adolescence.
A study of 80 years of research found that cooperative learning leads to better social relationships, academic success, and peer interaction among 12- to 15-year-olds. In contrast, competitive and individualistic environments hinder friendships and lower achievement scores.
A new study challenges the idea that antisocial behavior is relatively unchangeable during the teenage years. The study found that decision making and behavior among adolescents are related across time, with efforts to help being more effective if they address how adolescents make decisions about acting aggressively.
A University of Missouri researcher has developed a program that keeps girls interested in science, with a recent study showing an 81% success rate. The Magic of Chemistry program provides hands-on, inquiry-based workshops on campus, encouraging girls to ask questions and think critically about scientific applications.
A recent study found that adolescents with chronic insomnia are more likely to experience drug use, depression, and school work difficulties. The study, which involved over 3,000 teenagers, also suggests that primary care settings may be an effective venue for screening and early intervention of adolescent insomnia.
Adolescent girls with ADHD are more likely to develop body-image dissatisfaction and binge-eating behaviors, according to a new study. The study found that these girls may be at risk for eating disorders, depression, and anxiety due to impulsive behaviors.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that after-school programs increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among middle school girls by 80 calories a week. The intervention also reduced sedentary behavior by 8.2 minutes per day.
New University of Washington research suggests that negative mother-daughter relationships and low serotonin levels in adolescents may be linked to self-harming behaviors. The study found that these two factors combined account for 64% of the difference between adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors and those who do not.
Resilient children of alcoholics have greater control over emotional responses due to enhanced activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and insula, while vulnerable COAs struggle with processing negative emotions. This may lead to differences in behavior and risk of developing alcohol-use disorders.
Research on 44,751 students from 1979-2004 shows that deviance-prone male youth are more likely to use marijuana when social acceptance is high. In contrast, deviance-prone female teens consistently use marijuana regardless of national trends, suggesting a lack of response to social pressures.
Children and adolescents at high risk for substance-use disorder show deficits in executive cognitive function, including reduced frontal brain activation. Researchers used fMRI to assess eye movements and found a link between brain functioning and SUD risk.
Researchers found that daily breakfast eaters consumed a healthier diet and were more physically active, leading to less weight gain and lower body mass index levels. Eating a healthy breakfast may help adolescents avoid overeating later in the day and disrupt unhealthy eating patterns.
African American adolescent mothers with depression are more likely to have a subsequent pregnancy within two years of giving birth. Depressive symptoms were associated with a 44% increase in risk of subsequent pregnancy, highlighting the importance of treating maternal depression.