Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A study found that adolescents with depression are more receptive to tobacco advertising and are at a higher risk of experimenting with smoking. Exposure to peer smokers also plays a significant role in the decision to smoke.
A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that students were significantly less likely to report considering suicide after the Columbine incident, but the incidence of attempts remained unchanged. The fear of unsafe schools varied depending on location, with urban teens showing a notable increase in safety concerns.
Children who grow up in risky families often suffer lifelong health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health issues. The study found a pattern of serious long-term health consequences for children in homes marked by conflict and aggression.
Research finds that exposure to movie stars smoking increases positive attitudes toward smoking among adolescent never-smokers. High exposure is linked to a greater intent to start smoking and lower resistance to peer offers.
A new Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that thickening of the heart can develop as early as adolescence in women, with obesity being the main factor. The study also discovered significant racial disparities in left ventricular hypertrophy prevalence among young African American and Caucasian women.
A study shows that black teen girls who rarely talked to their parents about sex and STD prevention were less likely to report condom use. Parents can help motivate their daughters to discuss safe sex techniques with partners, according to researchers.
A University of Michigan study found that adolescent girls who feel confident about their physical abilities enjoy exercise more than those who doubt their skills. The research, led by Nola Pender, suggests that girls' perceptions and responses to exercise are linked to their confidence levels, with more confident girls reporting less ...
A Yale study found that 25 percent of severely obese children are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The condition was more prevalent among girls and affected children from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
A study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that teens with positive role models and those who participate in religious activities are less likely to use tobacco. The study suggests that taking a positive, asset-based approach may help reduce tobacco use among young people.
The Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group will support clinical trials sites, a statistical center, and operations center with renewed funding. The new agenda emphasizes five key areas: perinatal transmission, pediatric treatment, adolescent treatment, long-term evaluation of antiretroviral therapies, and domestic and international coll...
A recent study by Dr Eirini Flouri and Ann Buchanan found that involved fathers are associated with improved academic motivation, reduced psychological distress, and better life outcomes for children. The research, based on 17,000 UK-born children, highlights the importance of father involvement in childhood and adolescence.
A study of over 1,500 children found that risk-taking behaviors, rebelliousness, and delinquency are common factors in smoking among all ethnic groups. Good relationships with parents, however, provide a protective effect against smoking across ethnicities.
A study of 984 Chinese children found that about half continued their high-fat diet six years later, highlighting the importance of early diet in preventing chronic diseases. Socioeconomic factors such as family income and education level also played a significant role in shaping dietary patterns.
A comprehensive study found that both prenatal and postnatal lead exposure were associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. The researchers followed inner-city adolescents for over two decades, tracking blood lead levels and documenting delinquent behavior.
Teenagers living in high-tax areas were 13% less likely to smoke any cigarettes than those in low-tax areas. Regular smokers who purchased their own cigarettes responded more strongly to price increases, the study found. The study analyzed data from Monitoring the Future Surveys of 8th-, 10th- and 12-grade students.
A study of 114 adolescent male offenders found that those committing only sexual offenses had better behavior, attitudes, and lower re-offending risk compared to those with concurrent crimes. The findings suggest different pathways to juvenile sexual offending, warranting tailored interventions.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure differentially affects visual and auditory attention in adolescents, with dysmorphic individuals showing a specific deficit in visual processing. The results suggest that attention is not uniformly affected, and knowledge of these patterns may aid in the development of remediative programs.
A new study finds that restricting R-rated movies is associated with lower rates of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use. Children who are not restricted from watching R-rated movies are three times more likely to smoke or drink compared to those who have no restrictions.
A study by Dartmouth researchers found that restricting R-rated movies is associated with lower rates of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use. The study surveyed over 4,500 students in grades five through eight, showing a significant decrease in smoking and drinking among those who never watched R-movies.
Girls from supportive families were almost three times more likely to have used a condom during sex in the past month and less likely to report emotional abuse from their partners. The study also found that girls from unsupportive families were twice as likely to be afraid to talk to their partners about using a condom.
Researchers used Longitudinal Data Analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of adolescents with common patterns of symptoms, improving the accuracy of DSM-IV AUD diagnoses. The study found a one-year decrease in severity of alcohol-related problems after substance-abuse treatment.
Researchers surveyed 5,000 middle school students and found that those exposed to more movie smoking were 2.5 times more likely to start smoking than those with minimal exposure. The study also showed strong correlations between on-screen actor endorsement of cigarette brands and increased likelihood of smoking.
A multi-site clinical trial found that citalopram, a popular adult anti-depressant, may help relieve suffering in children and adolescents with depression. The study showed significant improvement in mood among patients receiving the drug compared to those taking a placebo.
A new study aims to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination in treating major depression in teenagers. The study, administered by Northwestern University Medical School, will enroll participants between 12-17 years old with clinician-diagnosed depression.
A study by Professor Melissa DelBello found that quetiapine added to divalproex reduced psychotic symptoms in significantly more patients than divalproex alone. The quetiapine combination group also showed improved outcomes without treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms.
Research in South Africa found that over 80% of respondents had witnessed or been victims of stranger violence, with 70% experiencing violence at home. The study concluded that high levels of violence put children at risk of serious mental health problems.
A study found that ethnic differences affect the relationship between family environment and teen gang involvement, with black youth benefiting from more controlling parents and white/other youth increasing their involvement with gangs. Gang intervention programs should address both peer and parent relationships to be effective.
The study explores the sanctioned and unsanctioned use of stimulants among Canadian adolescents. It highlights concerns about parental and peer involvement in prescription stimulant use, as well as the risks associated with long-term use.
The study, conducted by Virginia Tech researchers, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. It found that regular soft drink consumption was not associated with dental cavities among adolescents, young adults, or older adults.
A third of U.S. adolescents suffer some form of dating violence, with most instances being psychological abuse. The study found that one in five adolescents reported only psychologic violence and about one in 10 reported physical violence.
A study found that negative emotionality is highly correlated with self-reported health problems in adolescents with alcohol use disorders. The study suggests that these health problems are predominantly of psychological origin, despite relatively normal laboratory and physical exam results.
A study of 100 middle-class Indian fathers found they are more socially connected to their families, engaging in lengthy discussions with their children on various topics. In contrast, American fathers tend to be less engaged and absorbed in their work lives.
A new study by Charles G. Go, Ph.D., and Paula Cupertino, Ph.D. found that adolescents who engage in delinquent behaviors are more likely to contemplate suicide. The study surveyed over 1,200 middle school students in Oakland, California, and found that those who contemplated suicide also reported the most delinquency.
A national survey of eighth graders found that religious involvement has the largest influence on their self-esteem, with positive effects observed in African American girls and White male students. The study suggests that churches and families play a significant role in shaping young adolescents' self-evaluations.
Experts analyze a study finding that religious involvement has the largest impact on early adolescent self-esteem. They caution against overlooking practical implications and highlight limitations of the study's explanations.
A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adult obesity is predicted by family social class and weight history. The research examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and social class across four generations. Early age at menarche was also linked to later obesity, while BMI at age 14 was a str...
Researchers found that an early AFD is associated with increased rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and educational underachievement. Early drinking is also linked to genetic risk for disinhibitory behaviors, suggesting it may be a symptom rather than a cause of alcoholism.
A recent study by Dr. Laura C. Klein found that adolescent nicotine exposure directly affects stress hormone levels in adults, leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the effects observed in human studies.
Researchers found that adolescents and young adults accounted for a relatively high proportion of all cases of meningococcal meningitis. The study revealed that infection in this age group led to death more often than expected due to higher rates of smoking, ecchymoses, and septic shock.
A new nationwide study found that children of divorced parents showed more academic, psychological and behavioral problems a year before the divorce. The study also revealed that family dysfunction existed long before the marriage ended, with parents who would later divorce showing lower well-being in their children.
Researchers found that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was more effective than imipramine or placebo in reducing depression symptoms and improving patient moods. The study involved 275 patients aged 12-18 with major depression.
A UK government road safety programme could actually increase the number of teenagers who die on roads in the UK. Driver education programmes in schools and colleges may lead to earlier licensing and more drivers on the road, increasing road deaths.
A large-scale study evaluated community-based treatment programs for adolescents, finding significant reductions in drug use and improved mental health outcomes. The study also identified the importance of minimum length of stay in treatment for optimal results.
A recent study found that adolescents who participated in community-based treatment programs significantly reduced drug use and criminal behavior, and improved academic performance. Longer stays in treatment were associated with better outcomes.
A new study, involving over 400 families from four European countries, has found no evidence of emotional problems among ART parents. The research also revealed that ART fathers have a warmer and less authoritarian relationship with their children.
A new study has found that children conceived through assisted reproduction have stable and satisfying marriages, psychologically healthy parents, and well-adjusted children. The research also suggests that the absence of a genetic link between fathers and children does not interfere with developing positive relationships.
A study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that long-term contraceptives, such as Norplant, reduced second pregnancy rates among teens. Among the participants who chose these methods, only 11% became pregnant within a year, compared to 25% of those using oral contraceptives and 38% of those not using birth control.
A short, confidential questionnaire can detect adolescent experimental smoking and identify those at high risk of nicotine addiction. The survey correctly identified 92% of smokers and found that smoking frequency increases with grade level, social influences play a role in initiation.
A study of over 90,000 US adolescents found that those who took public virginity pledges delayed having sex by an average of 18 months compared to non-pledgers. The pledge's effectiveness depends on the social environment and age group of the teens, with younger students in open schools experiencing a significant delay.
Children rated cartoon cigarette warnings significantly more believable than plain text, regardless of the message. Cartoon tobacco warning labels may be an effective way to reach children and adolescents, who are at increased risk of becoming regular smokers.
A new study by researchers at Wake Forest University found a strong association between exposure to violence and the use of violence by young adolescents. The study, which included 722 Georgia middle school students living in or around public housing, found that even if children are exposed to other risk factors, social learning from e...
Teenagers who smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day are at greater risk of developing agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in young adulthood. However, the study found no significant association between teenagers with anxiety disorders and chronic smoking as young adults.
A study has identified four factors that contribute to decreased school connectedness, including declining health status, cigarette use, and lack of extracurricular involvement. School nurses may play a key role in identifying disconnected youth, who are at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a strong link between teenage smoking and depressive symptoms, with non-depressed teens who smoke facing a four times greater risk. Social factors such as peer tobacco use, poor school performance, and parental report of bad temper also predict progression to heavy smoking.
Researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 smokers and found that teenagers, women, and whites experience higher rates of nicotine dependency symptoms. The study suggests that these differences in sensitivity to nicotine may reflect varying thresholds for determining nicotine dependence among different groups.
A new study found that nearly 80% of depressed teenagers do not receive necessary psychiatric medical treatment, which can lead to a repeat bout of major depression and involvement in substance abuse by early adulthood. Especially at risk are depressed teenage girls who clash with parents or have a family history of recurrent depression.
Research found that parent's marital status affects African American adolescent boys' self-esteem, with married parents having a positive impact. The study also revealed differences in how males and females respond to their family environments, highlighting the importance of public policy changes to support families.
Adolescents raised on a strict macrobiotic diet during infancy and early childhood show signs of impaired cognitive function, including lower intelligence and spatial ability scores. A study found an association between vitamin B12 status and cognitive abilities, highlighting the potential risks of avoiding animal products.
A study of over 9,000 youngsters found that children and adolescents who threaten violence are significantly more likely to behave violently than those who do not make threats. Students who frequently threaten others are at particularly high risk for violence.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge-pattern exposure to alcohol during adolescence can disrupt working memory and make the brain more vulnerable to cell death. The study suggests that teenagers who drink heavily and often may be especially susceptible to the neurobehavioral effects ...