Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Research suggests that parents who discuss issues related to television with their older children are more likely to influence what they watch. Discussing without lecturing is key, according to expert Amy Nathanson.
Research at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that kids who hang out with peers who bully tend to do more bullying themselves. The study's findings support the 'homophily hypothesis,' which suggests individual behavior is influenced by groups they're part of.
A survey of 1,069 high school students found that teens consider 'avoiding environments with alcohol' and 'talking with friends or other informal supports' as effective strategies to cut back on drinking. Formal counseling was more useful for quitting than reducing drinking, according to the teens.
A study of 286 girls ages 8-10 found that a low-fat diet resulted in reductions in estrogen hormone concentrations. After 5 years, girls in the intervention group had 29.8% lower estradiol levels and 27.2% higher testosterone levels compared to those on usual care.
A study found that cocaine use in rats has distinct effects on adolescents versus adults. Adolescent rats showed stable activity levels during treatment, whereas adults developed increased sensitivity to the drug's effects. Additionally, adult rats had altered neurochemical adaptations, including increased dopamine transporter density.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that socioeconomic factors do not equally impact child obesity rates among different ethnic groups. The research suggests that focusing on social and environmental factors can lead to more effective weight management, particularly in minority populations.
A study of 178 black and Hispanic teens found that those with permissive parents, attending church, or from single-parent homes were more likely to engage in sexual intercourse. The researchers suggest empowering parents to monitor their adolescents' daily activities can help reduce risky sexual behavior among males.
Research suggests that adult influence is a significant predictor of teen smoking, with ease of getting cigarettes from parents and non-parents linked to increased experimentation. The study highlights the importance of reducing social availability of tobacco to minors.
A study found that teens who engage in extreme dieting are more likely to smoke, use marijuana, and experience suicidal thoughts. Moderate dieters were less likely to exhibit these behaviors, suggesting a link between extreme dieting and underlying issues of self-esteem or peer influence.
A study of over 5000 5th-8th graders found that 28% were exposed to extremely violent R-rated movies, including scenes of rape and murder. The researchers suggest better oversight of movie industry marketing practices and parental monitoring are needed to protect children.
A recent study found that alternative cigarettes like bidis and additive-free tobacco can deliver high levels of nicotine and other toxins, similar to conventional cigarettes. The study's results suggest that these products may pose a significant health risk to adolescents and young adults.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that teens with friends in higher grades were more likely to have sex in early adolescence. Additionally, going steady in early adolescence significantly increased the odds of having sex. The study suggests a significant minority of youth engage in sex outside of relationships.
Researchers found that novice drivers don't always identify hazardous situations, leading to unsafe responses. A new web-based program helps teach new drivers to anticipate these dangers without putting themselves or others at risk.
A recent NIH study found that families participating in the Checkpoints Program reported imposing stricter driving limits on their teens, both when they got their licenses and three months later. The program includes a video, newsletters, and a parent-teen driving agreement that help parents teach adolescents to drive safely.
Research suggests that adolescent girls who set high standards for themselves may be at risk of developing eating disorders like anorexia. Girls with bulimic tendencies and symptoms of depression are more likely to develop a full-blown disorder if they report these symptoms.
Researchers found a significant increase in Delta FosB protein in the striatum of adolescent mice following chronic exposure to psychostimulants. This adaptation may contribute to increased sensitivity to addiction and therapeutic use of these medications in adolescents.
A recent study published in Youth & Society found that disadvantaged youth are less likely to engage in volunteer work, but religious activity and schools can provide a pathway for them to develop prosocial behaviors. The study suggests that early disadvantages may not affect volunteering if they promote social responsibility.
A study of 18 obese and 18 normal-weight adolescents found significantly lower physical activity levels in the obese group. The results suggest that intensity and duration of physical activity are important for maintaining energy balance in a society with unrestricted food consumption.
A new survey demonstrates that perceptions of physical activity do not match the reality, with many adults and teenagers overestimating their exercise levels. The study highlights the importance of finding effective ways to educate parents and teens about the need for regular physical activity.
A study by Tiffany Yip and Andrew J. Fuligni found that adolescents' sense of ethnicity increased with participation in ethnic activities, such as speaking Chinese or eating Chinese food. The researchers also discovered a stronger connection between feeling Chinese and positive feelings in boys compared to girls.
A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that oral contraceptive use during adolescence is not associated with weight gain or increased body fat. Researchers monitored 66 female participants, aged 16-21, for four years, tracking their blood lipid patterns and body composition.
Recent research shows that alternate tobacco products are gaining popularity among youth, with over 8% of teens reporting use in the last month. Exposure to other smokers and depression significantly increase the likelihood of alternate tobacco product use, regardless of demographic factors.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that teens who feel close to their mothers are less likely to start having sex. The study also suggests that parents' awareness of their teens' sex lives is frequently inaccurate.
A recent study has revealed a significant decrease in leisure-time physical activity among black girls (56%) and white girls (31%) aged 16-17. Lower parental education levels and higher body mass indexes were found to predict activity decline in both racial groups, while pregnancy was associated with activity declines only in black girls.
A study found that adolescents whose parents engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and heavy drinking, are more likely to be sexually active and participate in other problem behaviors. Conversely, high levels of parental supervision are associated with reduced likelihoods of sexual activity.
A study by University of Southern California researchers found that Asian-American women who consumed soy on a weekly basis during their teen years and adulthood had about half the risk of developing breast cancer. The risk was also lowered for those who ate soy regularly during adolescence but consumed little during adulthood.
A study found that childhood body mass index (BMI) values are strongly linked to adult overweight or obesity. Younger children with higher BMI-for-age had a greater risk of becoming overweight as adults. The authors recommend monitoring children in the ≥ 85th percentile of BMI for age to prevent weight management issues.
A study found that different social settings impact adolescent mental health, social behavior, and academic performance. Family quality has a strong joint effect with friend quality, while school and neighborhood quality are also linked.
A recent study by Bridget Goosby suggests that maternal mental health and warmth can mitigate the negative effects of poverty on adolescents, while education plays a role in promoting self-worth. The study found that experiencing poverty between ages 0-4 has the strongest impact on early adolescent self-worth.
Renowned researcher Lewinsohn has made significant contributions to understanding depression in adolescents, adults, and older individuals. His work on treatment interventions continues to be widely used globally.
A recent study found that teenagers value honesty, nonjudgmental care, and a provider's expertise in building trust. Long-term relationships with doctors who take the time to listen and understand their concerns are essential for adolescents' medical care and well-being.
Researchers suggest that the concept of teenagers emerged between the 13th and 17th centuries in western Europe. Young people in this age group engaged in various activities such as sports, education, and work, but also faced societal pressures like marriage and violence.
A study found that children adopted from foreign countries have a higher risk of severe mental health problems and social maladjustment, especially suicide, drug abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Adoptees are 3-5 times more likely to experience these issues compared to those born in Sweden to Swedish parents.
A study by Northeastern University researchers found that adolescent steroid use is linked to reduced serotonin levels, particularly in areas related to aggression and violence. The study suggests that long-term exposure to steroids during adolescence may permanently alter the production of the 'feel-good' receptor.
A 22-year study found that early adolescence and peer influences are precursors to later drug use, which leads to increased health problems. Researchers tracked over 600 youths from age 1 to 27 and found that rebelliousness, distrust of authority, and risk-taking behavior were associated with later substance abuse.
Researchers at UC Riverside are studying the effects of fathers on their children's well-being, particularly during adolescence. The three-year study will examine cultural differences and explore how biological bonds influence the relationship between fathers and their teenage sons and daughters.
Researchers will study 400 families from public schools in Phoenix and Southern California to examine the role of fathers in protecting their children from adolescence's perils. The study aims to identify culturally-universal concepts of fatherhood and its impact on child development.
A new study found that adolescents with ADHD symptoms are more likely to smoke, highlighting the potential for targeting tobacco control efforts towards high-risk youth. The researchers also suggest that nicotine may help manage ADHD symptoms.
A study found that cigarette advertising and promotions can circumvent the protective effects of authoritative parenting. Teens from less authoritative households are more susceptible to tobacco ads and promotions. Parents can counter this by discussing marketing tactics with their teenagers.
A recent study by Emory University Health Sciences Center found that lower levels of social capital are associated with higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases. The research, which analyzed data from 48 US states, discovered that social capital is a significant predictor of infectious diseases including AIDS and STDs.
Research finds that two-thirds of adolescent girls in Zimbabwe are involved with older men due to economic need, increasing risk of HIV. The study suggests promoting economic self-sufficiency through education and vocational training can help reverse the epidemic.
A study of 150 high school students found that anxiety was a prevalent issue among teens, with those experiencing more anxiety spending less time with friends and engaging in unhealthy behaviors. The researchers used hand-held computers to collect data, providing valuable insights into the adolescent mind.
A new study published in Pediatrics recommends screening for medical problems and addressing treatment barriers when treating overweight children. Healthcare providers face challenges such as parental resistance, patient lack of motivation, and insufficient support services, hindering effective treatment.
A study found that 14- to 18-year-olds have a high prevalence of alcohol and drug disorders, with over half having used substances in the past year. A new screening tool, CRAFFT, was effective in identifying teens at risk.
A survey of over 1,750 inner-city teenagers found that education and job opportunities were top priorities for achieving a positive future. The study suggests that focusing on protective factors such as education, jobs, and adult connections can help mitigate the negative effects of urban poverty.
A study found that homeless sexual minority youth are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse, with bisexual individuals reporting the most incidents. These young people face significant challenges in their lives, including heavy substance abuse and difficulties dealing with their sexual identity.
A new study from Ohio State University found that students in racially diverse schools are more likely to form segregated friendships. The research suggests that schools can promote cross-racial friendships by encouraging extracurricular activities that bring together students of different races.
The prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents tripled in Brazil, almost doubled in the US, and increased by one-fifth in China over 2-3 decades. Improved economic conditions led to more secure food supplies and inactive leisure time, contributing to childhood obesity.
Research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significant increases in obesity rates among older children and adolescents in Brazil, China, and the US between 1991 and 2017. The study highlights the growing global burden of nutritional problems and calls for revised nutrition programs to address energy excesses.
A recent study published in the Pediatric Academic Societies found that low-grade cervical lesions (LSILs) tend to clear up on their own in adolescent women. The study of 187 adolescents aged 13-22 years showed that only 4% had persistent LSILs after three years, and most regressed within three months.
A study by researchers at Indiana University found that self-esteem plays a significant role in the loss of virginity among adolescents. Young girls with high self-esteem were less likely to engage in early sexual activity, while young boys with high self-esteem were more likely to report being sexually active.
The study found that high-intensity physical training significantly improved cardiovascular fitness profiles and reduced abdominal fat in obese adolescents. Moderate-intensity physical training had less impact on these outcomes.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that teen habitual smokers who believed they could quit anytime had a higher risk of progressing to established smoking. Teenagers who were highly receptive to tobacco advertising also had a higher risk, with 70% more likely to have progressed to established smoking.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study emphasizes the importance of involving adolescents in their own health promotion. Young people offer a unique perspective and valuable insights that can improve survey design, outcomes, and overall effectiveness.
A recent study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a boy's height at age 16 is a significant determinant of his salary as an adult. The study controlled for race, gender, and socio-economic status, and found that taller teenagers earned up to 15% more than shorter counterparts in any given field.
A study of 729 teenagers aged 12-17 found they slept an average of 8.5 hours during the week and 9.5 hours on weekends, with nearly half reporting daytime sleepiness. The later wake times among older teens suggest starting school later may improve attendance and academic performance.
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, gaining scope and depth of knowledge and comprehension but losing ability to acquire new sounds and speech patterns. Research on post-mortem cerebral cortexes reveals that nerve cells undergo pruning or streamlining during this period.
School connectedness is a student's feeling of belonging and care at school, with classrooms where students get along playing a key role. Despite school size, teacher experience or education level, classroom climate has no bearing on school connectedness.
Teenagers are more likely to drive safely when their parents set restrictions and monitor their activities. The study found that adolescents who lack self-control or engage in deviant behaviors are at a higher risk of driving dangerously.
Research tracking over 700 children from adolescence to adulthood found that adolescents watching more than one hour of TV daily were more prone to violence. The link remained even after accounting for other factors like childhood neglect and low family income. The study's findings contradict the common assumption that media violence o...