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Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health: Research and Strategies for...
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Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health: Research and Strategies for Comprehensive Development

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 June 2025 | Viewed by 2491

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ignasi Navarro-Soria

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Alacant, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: emotional regulation; emotional intelligence; frustration tolerance; behavioral problems; behavioral disorders; social skills; relational skills; childrens; adolescents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tíscar Rodríguez-Jiménez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain
Interests: children; adolescents; emotional disorders; treatment; assessment; mental health continum; suicide; autism spectrum disorder

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Introduction

Childhood mental health is a critical issue that has garnered global research attention. Currently, children and young people face significant challenges in their mental health, with profound effects on their well-being and development. Understanding these issues and their impact on children and the youth population is crucial to effectively addressing mental health needs. This monograph addresses the importance and urgency of researching these topics, highlighting how attention to childhood mental health has become an internationally recognized issue. We will explore current challenges and strategies with which to improve the mental health of children and young people in a global context.

Context and Significance

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for cognitive, emotional, and social development; however, in recent years, we have witnessed an increase in mental health disorders among this population, which represents a growing concern worldwide. Issues such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are negatively impacting the quality of life of children and young people, as well as their ability to reach their full potential.

Importance of Research

This monograph underscores the importance of research in the field of child mental health. Through rigorous studies and data analyses, we can identify the risk and protective factors that influence the mental health of children and young people. Additionally, research provides crucial information for the development of effective interventions and public health policies aimed at promoting psychological well-being from an early age.

Current Challenges

We face various challenges in the field of child mental health, ranging from a lack of access to adequate services to the social stigma associated with mental disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these difficulties, with an increase in levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among children and young people due to social isolation, the disruption of routines, and uncertainty about the future.

Strategies for Improvement

To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement comprehensive strategies involving multiple stakeholders, including health professionals, educators, families, and communities. This may include promoting healthy school environments, training healthcare professionals in the early detection and treatment of mental disorders, as well as public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote acceptance and support for those facing emotional difficulties.

Conclusion

In summary, this monograph highlights the urgency of addressing child mental health as a global priority. By understanding current challenges and developing effective strategies, we can work towards a future where all children and young people have the opportunity to grow and thrive in environments that promote their mental health and overall well-being.

Dr. Ignasi Navarro-Soria
Dr. Tíscar Rodríguez-Jiménez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • childhood mental health
  • cognitive development
  • emotional well-being
  • mental disorders
  • early interventions
  • prevention strategies
  • social impact
  • access to healthcare services
  • stigma and discrimination

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 1087 KiB  
Article
Risk Factors and Clinical Predictors of Suicidal Behaviors and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Pediatric Psychiatry Emergency Admissions Pre- and Post-Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Roxana Șipoș, Tudor Văidean and Elena Predescu
Children 2025, 12(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010081 - 11 Jan 2025
Viewed by 309
Abstract
Background: Suicidal behavior (SB) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are significant public health concerns among adolescents. The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these issues. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 341 adolescents (aged 6–18 years) presenting to a Romanian pediatric psychiatry emergency [...] Read more.
Background: Suicidal behavior (SB) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are significant public health concerns among adolescents. The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these issues. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 341 adolescents (aged 6–18 years) presenting to a Romanian pediatric psychiatry emergency department during the years 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2022 (post-pandemic). All participants underwent a thorough psychiatric assessment, and, together with their caregivers, were questioned on a wide range of potentially relevant issues, such as family, social, school, and life history factors. Logistic regression and random forest models were used to identify predictors of SB and NSSI. Results: SB was significantly predicted in regression models based on a prior suicidal ideation (OR = 68.410; p < 0.001), having a parent living abroad (OR = 11.438; p = 0.020), depression (OR = 6.803; p < 0.001), and conflicts with peers (OR = 0.325, p = 0.042), teachers (OR = 0.119, p = 0.024), or both (OR = 0.166, p = 0.012). The random forest model featured a slightly different order of the main predictors and highlighted the importance of additional predictors, such as prior suicide attempts, gender, and past non-suicidal self-injury. NSSI was mainly predicted by a history of self-harm (OR = 52.437; p < 0.001), the number of comorbid psychiatric disorders (OR = 1.709; p = 0.003), and conduct disorder (OR = 0.184; p < 0.001), to which are added, according to random forest models, new predictors, such as borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, and school performance. Post-pandemic increases were observed in depression, suicidal ideation, and possible psycho-traumatic negative life event exposure. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex interplay of individual, familial, and societal factors influencing adolescent self-harm. Comprehensive interventions are needed, with early intervention crucial for those with a history of self-harm. Further research using prospective designs is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health: Research and Strategies for Comprehensive Development)
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15 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Connective Tissue-Related Symptoms: An Exploratory Case-Control Study in Children
by Leonardo Zoccante, Gianfranco Di Gennaro, Erika Rigotti, Marco Luigi Ciceri, Andrea Sbarbati and Marco Zaffanello
Children 2025, 12(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010033 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome (TS) are neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with overlapping symptoms, suggesting a partially shared genetic origin. This study investigates the prevalence of connective tissue-related conditions in individuals with ASD, ADHD, or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome (TS) are neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with overlapping symptoms, suggesting a partially shared genetic origin. This study investigates the prevalence of connective tissue-related conditions in individuals with ASD, ADHD, or TS. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to families of 120 individuals with ASD, ADHD, or TS, collecting sociodemographic data and examining 10 types of disorders affecting various organs and systems. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 16.0, with the significance level set at 5%. Results: Among the 120 patients, 48 had ASD, 36 had ADHD, and 36 had TS. Flat feet were significantly more common in individuals with ASD (52.1%; OR 7.20; p < 0.001), ADHD (52.8%; OR 6.73; p = 0.001), and TS (38.9%; OR 3.70; p = 0.034) compared to controls (13.6%). Hypersensitivity was more frequent in individuals with ASD (56.3%; OR 5.90; p = 0.001), ADHD (50.0%; OR 4.11; p = 0.011), and TS (58.3%; OR 5.35; p = 0.003) compared to controls (18.2%). Myopia and ptosis were more common in ADHD (30.6%). There was a possible trend towards orthodontic device use in TS (OR 3.20; p = 0.076). Flat feet and hypersensitivity were also common in fathers (31.0% and 36.4%, respectively), mothers (31.0% and 15.2%), and patients (43.8% and 55%). Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the significant associations between ASD, ADHD, and TS and specific physical symptoms, such as flat feet, sensory hypersensitivity, and other connective tissue-related manifestations. The familial prevalence of these symptoms suggests a potential genetic underpinning, further supporting the hypothesis of shared aetiological pathways. These insights underscore the need for interdisciplinary research to explore the mechanisms linking neurodevelopmental and connective tissue disorders, aiming to improve diagnosis and management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health: Research and Strategies for Comprehensive Development)
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16 pages, 1027 KiB  
Article
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Pain and Sensitivity Reactivity Scale in a Diverse Sample of Autistic People
by Agustín E. Martínez-González, Matti Cervin, José A. Piqueras, Lidia Infante-Cañete and Susana Pérez-Sánchez
Children 2024, 11(12), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121562 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Background: Recent studies indicate the need to examine how the gut microbiota–brain axis is implicated in pain, sensory reactivity and gastro-intestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no scale exists that assesses all these constructs simultaneously. Methods: We created a pool of [...] Read more.
Background: Recent studies indicate the need to examine how the gut microbiota–brain axis is implicated in pain, sensory reactivity and gastro-intestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no scale exists that assesses all these constructs simultaneously. Methods: We created a pool of 100 items based on the real-world experience of autistic people, and a multidisciplinary team and stakeholders reduced this pool to 50 items assessing pain, sensory hypersensitivity, and sensory hyposensitivity. In the present study, we present this new assessment tool, the Pain and Sensitivity Reactivity Scale (PSRS), and examine its psychometric properties in a sample of 270 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; mean age = 9.44, SD = 4.97), of which almost half (45%) had intellectual disability (ID). Results: A factorial model of three factors (pain, hyporeactivity, and hyperreactivity) and five specific factors for sensory hypo- and hyperreactivity, respectively, fitted the data well. Good to excellent internal consistency and adequate test–retest reliability was found for most PSRS scales. Sound psychometric properties were found in individuals with and without ID. Correlations with other measures of sensory sensitivity and pain indicated sound convergent validity. Conclusions: PSRS shows promise as a reliable measure to analyze pain and sensory reactivity in autistic people regardless of whether they have ID or not. The measure overcomes several limitations of previous assessment tools and includes variables that are important for the understanding of the gut microbiota–brain axis in ASD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health: Research and Strategies for Comprehensive Development)
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14 pages, 1243 KiB  
Article
Linking Mechanisms in the Intergenerational Transmission of Mental Health: The Role of Sex in Parent–Adolescent Dynamics
by Hye-Jung Yun, Jungyeong Heo and Cynthia B. Wilson
Children 2024, 11(12), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121484 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study addresses the significance of mental health concerns by examining the intergenerational transmission of mental health between parents and adolescents. It investigates the serial mediating effects of family resilience, adolescents’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their ability to flourish in the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study addresses the significance of mental health concerns by examining the intergenerational transmission of mental health between parents and adolescents. It investigates the serial mediating effects of family resilience, adolescents’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their ability to flourish in the transmission of mental health from parents to adolescents, with a focus on sex differences. Methods: This study used a sample of 54,434 adolescents aged 12–17 from the 2016–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). Mothers reported on their mental health status and family resilience, and adolescents’ ACEs, flourishing, and mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Serial mediation models were used to assess the hypotheses. Results: The findings revealed that better parental mental health status was associated with fewer mental health problems in adolescents, with significant sex differences observed in these associations. Specifically, in both maternal and paternal models, better parental mental health was linked to higher family resilience, which was associated with fewer ACEs, greater flourishing, and ultimately fewer adolescent mental health problems. Furthermore, maternal mental health had a stronger association with daughters’ mental health, while paternal mental health more strongly influenced sons’. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of targeted prevention and clinical interventions to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of mental health issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health: Research and Strategies for Comprehensive Development)
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