Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A six-year study found that teenage girls' sexual activity is influenced by factors such as relationship dynamics, mood, and time spent with partners. The study revealed that arguments with partners increased the likelihood of afternoon sex, while parental supervision reduced this risk.
A study by Northwestern University researcher David Huffaker finds that teen bloggers are vulnerable to cyberstalking due to their online presence. Blogs provide a platform for teens to share stories and feelings, but also expose them to risks such as sexual predation and bullying.
The incidence of pertussis has increased in Canada, particularly among young infants, adolescents, and adults. Authorities have recommended booster doses for adolescents since 2004 to combat the disease.
Researchers assessed 263 children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders, finding that symptoms were longer-lasting and more variable in youth than adults. The study also revealed faster cycling between symptomatic periods and a higher likelihood of diagnosis changes over time.
A survey of primary care physicians found that only 23% used effective urine sample collection methods, while 40% were unsure about poppy seeds causing positive opioid test results. Misinterpretation of false-positive findings can lead to false accusations and diminished trust among parents, schools, and counselors.
The Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise + Nutrition (PACE+) intervention improved diet and physical activity habits among teens. After one year, adolescents in the PACE+ program reduced their sedentary behaviors by one hour per day and increased their number of active days.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found antidepressants to be an effective treatment option for major depression in children and adolescents. The research suggests that these medications can help alleviate symptoms of depression in this age group, improving their quality of life.
A regional study found that 92% of contemporary movies depicted alcohol use, with kids exposed to about 8 hours of it through films. Higher exposure to movie alcohol use at age 10-14 predicted future drinking in teens.
A survey of 14,000 young people found that health indicators worsen with age, except for mental health and exposure to violence, which improve. Disparities increased across all racial and ethnic groups, with significant declines in health from adolescence to young adulthood.
Young adults in the US exhibit declining healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and reduced substance use, between adolescence and early adulthood. This trend is particularly concerning given the high rates of smoking, obesity, and alcohol abuse leading to preventable deaths.
The study critiques government policies promoting abstinence-only programs, arguing they provide misinformation and neglect real health needs. It advocates for comprehensive reproductive health promotion programs that include information on contraceptives and STI testing.
Between 14 and 26 percent of psychotropic medication visits lacked a mental health diagnosis, sparking concern about trend's impact. Pharmaceutical companies' spending on TV advertising increased six-fold between 1996 and 2000.
A recent Carnegie Mellon University study found that most teens learn about sexually transmitted diseases when they are diagnosed with them. The survey of 300 adolescent girls revealed that those who reported having been diagnosed with a disease knew more about that specific disease but not the others.
A study of 768 US children found that those living in neighborhoods perceived as less safe were more likely to be overweight. Parents' perceptions of neighborhood safety were not affected by other factors, suggesting a direct link between environment and child weight.
A US study found that young people who viewed more alcohol ads drank more alcohol, even those under 21. The study controlled for other factors like total sales and advertising spending.
A study found that adolescent daughters of parents with HIV have a high childbearing rate, with 38-67% experiencing pregnancy. Interventions like family-based counseling and academic support reduced the likelihood of early childbearing.
A recent study by Bradley Hospital found that up to twenty percent of adolescents on psychiatric units may be manic-depressive. The study used a mania rating scale and found that these patients were more suicidal and aggressive than those admitted for depression alone.
Researchers investigated how parents influence adolescents' coping mechanisms for stress. Secure parent-child relationships are associated with the development of adaptive coping styles, which can lead to long-term positive outcomes. In contrast, insecure relationships may result in maladaptive coping strategies that increase distress.
A large-scale study found that nearly 7.5 million adolescents and 8.5 million adults have poor cardiovascular fitness, associated with increased risk of heart disease. The prevalence of poor fitness was higher in females and minority groups, highlighting the need for targeted education campaigns to promote physical activity.
Research reveals that nearly 20% of U.S. adolescents and adults under 50 have low cardiorespiratory fitness, associated with higher risks of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Low fitness is more common in females, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with higher body mass index and waist circumference.
Dr. Raz examines inconsistencies in antidepressant data for treating child and adolescent depression, highlighting the need for stronger evidence and questioning the safety of SSRIs for this age group.
The average annual cost of treating and managing adolescent pain is over £8,000 per patient, with a conservative estimate of £3.8 billion for the UK as a whole. Chronic pain in adolescence has significant financial and social consequences, including high levels of distress, increased healthcare usage, and reduced academic performance.
Adolescent sports-related deaths from commotio cordis can be reduced with timely CPR and defibrillator use. The study suggests that accessible AEDs and CPR-trained coaches at organized sporting events are crucial in delivering effective first-responder therapy.
A new small-scale study suggests that personal fulfillment is the strongest motivator for US adolescents to exercise. The research found that teens are more likely to participate in sports and vigorous activities if they enjoy the process and want to improve their fitness and physical skills.
A research review of 42 studies found that viewing on-screen smoking increases the likelihood of teens starting to smoke. Eliminating tobacco scenes from youth-rated films could substantially reduce smoking initiation in adolescents.
A study found that adolescent girls who accurately perceived their mother's weight concern were more likely to think about being thinner and diet. The study suggests parents should promote healthy habits through physical activity and nutrition, rather than just weight control.
Adolescents cite personal fulfillment as strongest motivator for physical activity, with weight-based motivation and peer influence also playing a role. The study's findings suggest that emphasizing personal fulfillment could be an effective approach to increasing physical activity among all youth, regardless of risk status.
A recent study examined the impact of the 1988 Spitak earthquake on adolescents in Armenia and found that psychotherapy provided sustained benefits even 1.5 years post-disaster. Untreated adolescents had higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms, while treated adolescents saw significant improvements in their conditions.
Researchers found that repeated exposure to marijuana was related to abnormalities in the development of the arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of fibers connecting language and auditory functions. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these changes in the brain are permanent or change over time.
Research reveals a likely connection between early-life stress and teenage mental health problems, including behavioral and emotional disorders. Monkeys studied showed similar responses to early-life stresses as human children, providing a clearer developmental picture.
Researchers found a twofold increase in adolescent depression visits between 1995 and 2002, with medication use rising from 47% to 52% and psychotherapy dropping from 83% to 68%. SSRIs accounted for 76% of prescribed antidepressants during this period.
Researchers found that sixth-grade students with high antisocial behavior were rejected by peers in the classroom. In contrast, eighth-grade students with similar behavior were accepted by peers outside of school and formed relationships with other antisocial youth. This 'networking' increases risk for already antisocial teens.
Research finds that parental discipline, peer relationships, and life events significantly affect teenagers' risk of depression. Having a supportive peer group can protect against depression, while excessive punitive discipline may increase the risk. Genetic background also plays a role in depression development.
A national study finds that adolescents exposed to movie smoking are more likely to try smoking, with the risk increasing 2.6 times for those with high exposure. The study suggests limiting exposure to young teens and encourages the movie industry to reduce depictions of smoking.
African-American adolescents face unique challenges in developing a sense of self amid racial, gender, and socio-economic complexities. A new study led by Professor Jerome Morris will explore the role of class status and context in improving educational outcomes for African-American students.
A recent Australian study found that teenagers who regularly eat with their families are less likely to be overweight. The study suggests that a healthy maternal attitude towards family eating and diet is more important than the frequency of shared meals.
Adolescents' internal sleep pressure builds up more slowly than children's, contributing to an overall shift in teen sleep cycles. This slower build-up may prepare teenagers for adult lifestyles and prolonged waking periods.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that an estimated one in 300 adolescents and adults contracts pertussis each year. The study's results demonstrated that a new pertussis vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing the illness, making it a strongly encouraged booster shot for adults.
A study finds that youth with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and a specific COMT gene variant exhibit significant cognitive decline and psychosis, with excessive dopamine levels contributing to these effects. The study implicates the COMT gene in schizophrenia development, highlighting its potential role in information processing distur...
Researchers developed a technique to predict adult height in children using factors like age, sex, weight, and growth maturity level. The method accurately predicted final heights within specific ranges for boys and girls, offering a valid tool for caregivers to assess their child's growth.
A study of 1212 children and 446 Italian Air Force recruits found that infant and adolescent immune systems can recall responding to hepatitis B more than 10 years after immunisation. The findings suggest that routine booster doses may not be necessary for long-term protection, even in high-risk populations.
A study found that child and environmental factors are stronger predictors of early alcohol experimentation in late childhood, rather than family history. This is associated with increased rates of psychiatric disorders, poor physical health, and criminal behavior in adulthood.
A 2.5-year study involving 2,781 individuals aged 15-65 found the acellular pertussis vaccine to be safe and 92% effective in preventing the disease among adults and adolescents. The vaccine's effectiveness could help reduce transmission of the disease.
A double-blind trial found that buprenorphine combined with behavioral interventions was significantly more efficacious in treating opioid-dependent adolescents than clonidine. The study also showed that 72% of teens who received buprenorphine were retained in treatment, compared to 39% of those given clonidine.
A community-level intervention program targeting young adolescents delays early intercourse, increases condom use, and reduces high-risk sexual behavior. The program successfully delayed sexual debut and increased condom use among participants.
A study of 14,355 children aged 9-14 found that eating fried foods away from home led to higher body mass index and dietary patterns associated with excessive weight gain and chronic diseases. The researchers recommend limiting fried food consumption and promoting family dinners for healthier eating habits.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that adolescents and young adults with AUDs have a smaller prefrontal cortex, which is associated with early-onset drinking. This may lead to difficulties in inhibiting urges, delaying gratification, and thinking clearly about the consequences of actions.
Researchers tracked children from kindergarten to fourth grade, finding that early parent-child relationships and warmth can reduce conduct problems. Effective monitoring practices are laid down in early elementary school years, making interventions during childhood crucial for adolescent outcomes.
Researchers analyzed data from 674 families with same-sex adolescent pairs to explore the connections between environmental factors and individual traits. The study found three key factors: overall adjustment, independence, and parental monitoring, which explained the complexity of family relationships.
Researchers found that parents' warmth and positivity in interactions with their children in childhood are related to the children's self-regulation and adjustment in adolescence. Children of warm parents tend to exhibit fewer problem behaviors as they age.
A study found that teenage boys who believe they might get someone pregnant, regardless of their intentions, are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. Healthcare providers should initiate conversations with adolescent males about reproductive issues, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Research by Dr Andrew Lawrence and Cameron McPherson found adolescent rats exposed to amphetamine had a more sensitised reaction when re-administered as adults, increasing the risk of heart attack. The study suggests teenage experimentation with drugs may have long-term effects on brain function.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that salivary cotinine levels, a measure of second-hand smoke exposure, are linked to an increased likelihood of smoking in adolescence. The research suggests that early childhood exposure may be a key factor in the development of nicotine-seeking behavior.
A new ASU study reveals family environment plays a crucial role in adolescent obesity, highlighting the importance of parental control over diet and limiting sedentary activities. Strong social bonds between parents and children can also contribute to weight gain.
Research found that teens with good relationships with parents tend to have friends who are less likely to fight, more involved in extracurricular activities, and have plans for college. Parents' monitoring and supervision also play a role, although the effects were not as consistent.
A recent study suggests family therapy is an effective treatment tool for children, involving parents in the process can improve outcomes. Family-based treatments like parent management training and behavioral family therapy have shown promise in reducing conduct disorders and substance abuse.
A study of adolescents aged 12-18 found that body image concerns and media influence play a significant role in supplement use. Nearly 20% of teens reported using supplements to improve muscle mass or definition, with creatine and protein powders being the most commonly used products.
A recent study found that adolescent girls who experienced violence are more likely to perpetrate violent acts, with the highest risk at age 14. The research also suggests that improving community safety can help reduce violent behavior among these girls.
The report found that children are more likely to live in poverty, have low birthweight, or commit a violent crime. However, the adolescent birth rate has reached a record low, and immunization rates have increased. Additionally, child mortality rates have declined, with fewer deaths among young children.
A study by Professor Sali Tagliamonte found that female adolescents tend to use words like, just, and so more frequently in their conversations as they get older. This language change occurs earlier than in males, with 15- and 16-year-old females using the word 'like' most frequently.