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Study sheds light on B.C. youths' experiences with mental health services

A study at UBC's faculty of medicine found that young people value positive interactions with peers, group therapy, and emotional support from service providers. Meanwhile, youth reported feeling pigeonholed by their mental illness and experiencing impersonal encounters with support workers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdministration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research·DateFeb 27, 2017

Strategies designed to reduce excessive body temperature during exercise are explored

Researchers have found that heat-dissipating compression clothing offers no temperature-controlling benefits during exercise in physically active young people. However, for older individuals, the use of these garments can increase body temperature and cardiovascular stress. The study suggests that athletes should avoid using heat-dissi...

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·DateJan 23, 2017

Study dispels myth that Santa only visits children who are nice

A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2016

Study of youth attending mental health service finds low rates of contraception and high rates of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

A study of youth attending mental health services reveals low rates of contraception and high rates of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The research highlights the need for incorporating sexual health clinics into early intervention services to address these unmet needs.

Smoking bans persuade light users to give up the habit

A new study shows that smoking bans in cities and states lead to a significant reduction in the number of young people who start or continue smoking cigarettes. The study found that light smokers are more likely to give up cigarettes after a ban is implemented, while heavier smokers were not affected by the ban.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateOct 5, 2016

Millennials less sexually active than Gen-X peers

A study by San Diego State University psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that millennials are less likely to have had sex since turning 18 compared to Generation X peers. The researchers attribute this trend to increased safety concerns, reduced interaction time due to technology, and a risk-averse attitude.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateAug 2, 2016

Media not the scapegoat when it comes to teen sex

A meta-analysis of 22 studies found a weak link between media consumption and teen sexual behavior, with parents playing a greater role in shaping moral values. The study suggests that parents should be encouraged to discuss sex with their children, while media may have limited influence on actual behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychiatric Quarterly·DateJun 30, 2016

Parents' top fears about teen cellphone use

While parents' fears about teens' digital habits are often overstated, there are valid concerns about cyberbullying and sleep disruption. Teens' online lives mirror their offline experiences, but excessive screen time can lead to negative effects for vulnerable adolescents.

SourceDuke University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 18, 2015

Young whites usually more optimistic than minority peers about likelihood of living to 35

A new study finds that young whites are significantly more optimistic about their chances of living to 35 compared to minority peers. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that foreign-born Mexicans were the most pessimistic about their future survival, even after accounting for socioeconomic status.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 18, 2015

Legal drinking age of 18 tied to high school dropout rate

A new study found that lowering the minimum drinking age to 18 in the US was associated with a rise in high school dropout rates. The research suggests that this policy change may have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including minority students. The study's lead author notes that state policies on drinking ages were ofte...

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateSep 28, 2015

Unemployment takes its toll on young people's mental health

A study of over 2,000 British young people found that those not in education, employment or training (NEET) were more likely to experience mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. However, when interviewed, NEET youths reported higher levels of commitment to work and job searching behaviors compared to their non-NEET peers.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2015