Search Results (655)

Background: This study examined the relationship between screen time, body image satisfaction, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life among children and adolescents from two school clusters in Sesimbra, Portugal. Methods: The sample included 80 students aged 10 to 18 years, assessed using validated questionnaires (Collins’ Figure Rating Scale and KIDSCREEN-27). Results: Results indicated sex differences in electronic game use, with boys reporting higher usage. A negative association was found between time spent on social networks and perceived autonomy and parent–child relationship quality. A high prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was found, particularly among boys, which was significantly associated with BMI. Regarding quality of life, participants scored lower than the European average in the domains of physical and psychological well-being. Conclusions: Findings suggest that screen time, body image, and BMI interdependently affect quality of life, underscoring the need to promote digital literacy, self-esteem, body acceptance, and healthy lifestyles in both school and family settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: The family environment exerts a significant influence on the development of weight-related behaviors among adolescents. However, the lack of motivation often leads to failure in sustaining health behaviors, particularly among adolescents with overweight and obesity. This study examined whether parental healthy behaviors are associated with proactive health behaviors among adolescents with overweight and obesity and investigated the mediating roles of adolescents’ self-efficacy and family cohesion in these relationships within Chinese families. Methods: We recruited 4932 adolescents with overweight and obesity aged 10 to 15 in Shandong Province between October and December 2024. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing parental healthy behaviors, self-efficacy, family cohesion, and proactive health behaviors. We analyzed the data using multilevel regression models and mediation analysis, controlling for key sociodemographic factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted by gender and region level. Results: Both fathers’ (β = 0.442, 95% CI = 0.263, 0.620) and mothers’ (β = 0.525, 95% CI = 0.336, 0.714) healthy behaviors were positively associated with proactive health behaviors among adolescents with overweight and obesity in the adjusted model. Further mediation analysis revealed that adolescent self-efficacy and family cohesion significantly mediated these relationships. Conclusions: This work suggested that parental healthy behaviors were positively associated with proactive health behaviors among adolescents with overweight and obesity. Additionally, higher self-efficacy and family cohesion enhance these associations. The findings offered evidence-based recommendations for creating family-centered interventions targeting adolescents with overweight and obesity. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to understand these relationships better and improve the efficacy of family-based interventions for adolescents with overweight and obesity. Full article

Media food marketing (MFM) may greatly influence adolescents’ and parents’ dietary behaviors through direct and mutual influences, yet the interplay of these dynamics is unexplored. This study investigated the impact of parents’ and adolescents’ trust in MFM on their own and each other’s unhealthy food consumption (actor and partner effects). Parent–adolescent dyadic data (n = 1656 dyads) collected from the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating study were analyzed. Actor–Partner Interdependence Models were estimated to assess for actor and partner effects of MFM trust/influence on unhealthy food intake (i.e., detrimental food, junk food, sugar-sweetened beverages, fast and convenience foods) while accounting for dyadic interdependence. Covariates included parents’ and adolescents’ age and sex, and parents’ health literacy, food insecurity, and food label reading habits. Parents’ and adolescents’ higher MFM trust/influence were related to their higher unhealthy food intake (actor effects). Parents’ higher MFM trust/influence was also associated with unhealthy food intake in adolescents (partner effect). Partner effects from adolescents to parents were found for sugar-sweetened beverages only. Parents’ and adolescents’ MFM trust/influence was related to adolescents’ unhealthy food intake, highlighting the need to address it in both parents and adolescents to reduce adolescents’ unhealthy dietary intake. Full article

Middle school boarders are more prone to maladjustment to school due to a lack of parental accompaniment and long school hours. Focusing on this specific group, this study explored the effects of emotion malleability beliefs on their adjustment to school and their influential pathways, and constructed a hypothetical model with resilience and peer relationships as chain mediators. The Implicit Theories of Emotion Scale, the Adaptation to School Scale for Middle School Students, the Adolescents Resilience Scale, and the Peer Relationship Assessment Scale were applied to measure 511 middle school boarders. The results showed that there were significant positive correlations between emotion malleability beliefs, resilience, peer relationships, and adaptation to school. Emotion malleability beliefs directly influence adaptation to school and are indirectly associated with adaptation to school through the chain mediation of resilience and peer relationships. Our study emphasized the important influence of emotion malleability beliefs on boarding students’ adaptation to school, which also hinted to us that interventions targeting emotion malleability beliefs may help enhance resilience and peer relationships, thereby supporting school adaptation. Full article

Background/Aim: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in development, not only in the early stages of life but also during adolescence, a period marked by vulnerability to the onset of overweight, obesity and eating disorders, with repercussions for reproductive and bone health. This narrative review aims to explore how parenting style, parental feeding practices and social media exposure influence eating behaviors in children and adolescents. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed through the PubMed and Scopus databases, including studies on participants aged 0–18 years. Both observational and interventional studies focusing on parenting approaches and the impact of social media on dietary behaviors were included. Given the narrative design, studies were selected based on conceptual relevance rather than formal inclusion or exclusion criteria, and on their contribution to understanding the multifactorial determinants of eating behavior. Results: A substantial body of research has demonstrated the critical influence of the family in cultivating positive eating habits and fostering a healthy relationship with food in children, serving as a role model and through responsive and authoritative parenting. Conversely, controlling or restrictive styles may contribute to dysfunctional eating patterns. Social media can positively and negatively influence children’s eating behaviors and parental feeding practices, promoting nutritional awareness or exposure to unhealthy food marketing and unrealistic body ideals. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should promote an educational, trust-based approach to nutrition, empowering parents and youth for responsible digital engagement. Integrating family, school and media education is essential for preventing obesity and eating disorders in the digital age. Full article

The growing prevalence of short-form video applications among adolescents has drawn increased public and scholarly attention to problematic short-form video use. The current longitudinal study gathered data from adolescents aged 12 to 15 across two waves spaced one year apart. A total of 665 participants provided reports on parental neglect, problematic short-form video use, psychological capital, and demographic details at Time 1 (T1), and reported again on problematic use at Time 2 (T2). After controlling for gender, age, parental education level, parental work status, family socioeconomic status, only-child status, and T1 problematic short-form video use, T1 parental neglect remained a significant predictor of T2 problematic use. Additionally, T1 self-efficacy, T1 resilience, and T1 hope significantly moderated the relationship between T1 parental neglect and T2 problematic use, whereas T1 optimism did not demonstrate a buffering effect. Specifically, the association between T1 parental neglect and T2 problematic use did not vary significantly between adolescents with high and low levels of optimism. However, the predictive effect was significantly weaker, though still statistically significant, among adolescents with higher self-efficacy and hope. Most notably, among those with higher resilience, the effect of parental neglect became non-significant. The study offers valuable evidence-based insights for preventing and addressing adolescent problematic short-form video use in the mobile internet era. Full article

Background: Preschool bedroom television placement represents an established risk factor for negative psychological and behavioral outcomes in adolescence. Girls and boys have different risk factors for developmental psychopathology. It is unclear if childhood sport participation can act as a protective factor for the potential maladaptive behaviors associated with having a bedroom television in early childhood. Methods: This study aims to evaluate the impact of having a bedroom television in early childhood on later externalizing behaviors while examining the potential beneficial role of extracurricular sport participation in middle childhood using the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (Canada). We examine subsequent teacher-reported psycho-social outcomes by the end of sixth grade. Linear regression is used to examine the interaction between child-reported bedroom television placement (age 4 years) and parent-reported childhood sport participation trajectories (ages 6 to 10 years) in predicting behavioral outcomes at age 12 years. Results: For boys, extracurricular sport amplified the relationship between having a preschool bedroom television and subsequent physical aggression (b = 0.95, SE = 0.32, p < 0.001) and ADHD symptoms (b = 0.59, SE = 0.30, p ≤ 0.05), beyond individual and family characteristics. No interaction results were found for girls; however, consistent sport participation between ages 6 and 10 years resulted in a decrease in ADHD symptoms in girls (b = −0.329, SE = 0.102, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Unexpectedly, for boys exposed to early bedroom television, consistently participating in extracurricular sport in childhood exacerbated long-term behavioral risks. Social unpreparedness from bedroom television placement countered the intended benefits of sport. This private access to screens might influence sedentary, unsupervised, isolated activity that increases the chances of viewing violence and reduces opportunities for social interaction. Full article

Introduction: Exposure to violence is an adverse experience associated with the perpetration of violent future behaviors such as child-to-parent violence. Objective: The objectives were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Violence Exposure Scale (VES) in a sample of Ecuadorian adolescents as well as its measurement invariance by sex and age; analyze the differences in exposure to violence across four settings (home, school, street, and TV), in two time frames (last year and childhood), according to sex and age; and analyze the relationship between exposure to violence in the four settings and in both time frames with child-to-parent violence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a probabilistic sample of 2150 Ecuadorian adolescents (55% female), aged 12 to 18 years (M = 14.53; SD = 1.55). Participants completed the adapted version of the VES and the Child-to-Parent Violence Questionnaire (CPV-Q). Confirmatory factor analyses, reliability testing, convergent and discriminant validity analyses, and measurement invariance assessments were performed. Results: The VES showed excellent model fit in both versions, VES¹ (last year) and VES² (before age 10), with strong goodness-of-fit indices (VES¹: CFI = 0.988; RMSEA = 0.055; VES²: CFI = 0.994; RMSEA = 0.044). Reliability was good (α_o and ω_o ≤ 0.80; G.6 and CR ≤ 0.70). Effect sizes ranged from 0.11 to 0.31 for violence by children toward parents and reached up to 0.83 among the different forms of victimization. Conclusions: The adaptation of the VES in Ecuadorian adolescents showed validity and reliability in assessing exposure to violence. Girls were more at risk at home, while boys were more exposed at school and in the community. Full article

This umbrella review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on the relationship between digital device use and adolescent sleep. It summarizes results from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, presenting the magnitude and direction of observed associations. A total of seven systematic reviews, including five qualitative reviews and two meta-analyses, were included, comprising 127 primary studies with a combined sample of 867,003 participants. The findings suggest a negative impact of digital device use on various sleep parameters, including sleep duration, bedtime procrastination, and sleep quality. Devices such as smartphones and computers were found to have a greater adverse effect, while television use showed a weaker association. The most significant disruptions were observed in relation to social media and internet use, with problematic usage leading to delayed bedtimes, shorter sleep duration, and increased sleep onset latency. The review also highlights the role of timing and duration of device use, with late-night use particularly contributing to sleep disturbances. Biological, psychological, and social mechanisms are proposed as potential pathways underlying these effects. Despite moderate evidence supporting the negative impact of digital media on sleep, there is considerable heterogeneity across studies, and many relied on self-reported data, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should aim to standardize exposure and outcome measures, incorporate objective data collection methods, and explore causal relationships through longitudinal studies. This umbrella review underscores the importance of developing targeted public health strategies, parental guidance, and clinical awareness to mitigate the potential adverse effects of digital device use on adolescent sleep and mental health. Full article

Background: The widespread use of social media among children and adolescents has raised increasing concern about its potential impact on mental health. Given the unique neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities during adolescence, understanding how digital platforms influence psychiatric outcomes is critical. Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between social media exposure and key psychiatric symptoms in youth, including depression, anxiety, body image disturbances, suicidality, and emotional dysregulation. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, drawing from longitudinal, cross-sectional, and neuroimaging studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Specific attention was given to moderators (e.g., age, gender, and personality traits) and mediators (e.g., sleep, emotion regulation, and family context) influencing the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. Results: Evidence indicates that certain patterns of social media use, especially passive or compulsive engagement, are associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation. Adolescent girls, younger users, and those with low self-esteem or poor emotional regulation are particularly vulnerable. Neuroimaging studies show that social media activates reward-related brain regions, which may reinforce problematic use. Family support and digital literacy appear to mitigate negative effects. Conclusions: Social media use is not uniformly harmful; its psychological impact depends on how, why, and by whom it is used. Multilevel prevention strategies, including media education, parental involvement, and responsible platform design, are essential to support healthy adolescent development in the digital age. Full article

In Hong Kong, the interaction between traditional values and modern influences creates a unique cultural landscape that influences family dynamics, intergenerational communication, and adolescent mental health. This study aimed to fill critical research gaps by exploring the relationship between authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles within this hybrid cultural context. Parenting style scores were based on the PSDQ-26 questionnaires completed by both parents of 2325 students. These students also provided demographic data used in the analysis (1013 girls, M_age = 13.35, SD = 1.22). The data analysis examined the correlations between parenting styles and variations across gender and age groups. Contrary to patterns observed in Western contexts, the results indicated no significant correlation between authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles (r = 0.02, p > 0.05), suggesting a complex coexistence influenced by Hong Kong’s hybrid sociocultural context. Notably, the study revealed gender-based differences: boys’ parents reported higher levels of democratic participation and reasoning, reflecting authoritative parenting, while also showing greater use of physical coercion and punitive discipline, indicative of authoritarian parenting. Authoritative parenting, but not authoritarian parenting, showed a decline as children matured. By investigating these dynamics, the study not only addresses a significant gap in the literature but also enhances the understanding of how cultural and developmental factors shape parenting practices. These insights are crucial for developing culturally adapted parenting education materials and informing interventions that support child development in diverse cultural settings. Full article

Background: Undernutrition and overnutrition are considered a rising challenge among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, including Lebanon, where overlapping economic, political, and public health crises have worsened food insecurity. Food and nutrition literacy in adolescents may serve as protective factors against food insecurity and its nutritional consequences. This study aims to evaluate the associations between adolescent and parental food and nutrition literacy with household and adolescent food insecurity, and explores their relationship with stunting and overweight/obesity. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and July 2022 among 442 Lebanese adolescents (10–18 years) and one parent/caregiver per household, recruited via snowball sampling from all eight governorates. Validated tools assessed adolescent food and nutrition literacy, parental food literacy, household/adolescent food insecurity, and anthropometric status. Chi-square, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regressions identified factors associated with food insecurity, stunting, and overweight/obesity. Results: Higher adolescent food and nutrition literacy was significantly associated with lower odds of severe food insecurity (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26–0.70). Higher parental food literacy scores were linked to reduced odds of severe household food insecurity (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98). Severe food insecurity was more likely in households in Akkar and among adolescents not attending school or with poor food and nutrition literacy. Overweight/obesity was positively associated with attending private school and higher parental body mass index, but inversely associated with higher child food security and household crowding index. No significant association was found between food insecurity and stunting. Conclusions: Both adolescent and parental food and nutrition literacy are protective against severe food insecurity, highlighting the value of literacy-focused interventions alongside economic support measures. Addressing both educational and structural determinants may help break the cycle of malnutrition in crisis-affected Lebanese youth. Full article

This research examines the impact of parental communication and education on the aggressive behavior of adolescents and their attitudes toward morality, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The study aims to investigate the relationship between parental attitudes towards aggressive behaviors, the disciplinary styles used, and the school adaptation of adolescents. The central hypothesis is that a parenting style based on open communication reduces aggressive behavior and improves moral attitudes. Methods. The method involved a cross-sectional study on a sample of 403 adolescents, using structured questionnaires to assess parental communication, attitudes towards aggression, school experience, and aggressive behaviors. The findings revealed a significant positive association between parental tolerance of aggression and adolescents’ aggressive behaviors (r = 0.280, p < 0.001). In contrast, open parental communication was positively related to school adaptation (r = 0.348, p < 0.001). Moreover, negative school attitudes were strong predictors of aggressive manifestations (r = −0.374, p < 0.001). The conclusions emphasize the importance of parental intervention programs that promote effective communication and reduce tolerance of aggressive behaviors, thereby fostering the development of prosocial behaviors and healthy moral attitudes in adolescents. Full article

Background: Children today are growing up in a digital environment where screen-based technology is a central part of everyday life. While screens can offer educational and recreational benefits, there is growing concern about their influence on different areas of child development. Objective: This review explored how screen time affects developmental outcomes in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. Methods: A structured search was carried out across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO to identify relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024. Studies were included if they examined the relationship between screen time and at least one area of child development, involved participants within the target age group, and were peer-reviewed and published in English. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and articles were independently screened and evaluated for quality by two reviewers. Results: A total of 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence points to a link between higher levels of screen use and negative outcomes such as reduced physical activity, poorer sleep, attention difficulties, and challenges in emotional and social functioning. However, some studies indicated that limited or educational screen use, especially with parental involvement, may have neutral or even positive effects in certain contexts. Conclusions: Screen time can have both positive and negative effects on child development, depending on factors like duration, type of content, and the context in which screens are used. Managing screen use through age-appropriate guidelines and adult supervision may help reduce risks and promote healthier development. More longitudinal research is needed to establish clearer recommendations for screen use in childhood. Full article

Offline forms of violence are evolving into their online counterparts. The aim of this study was to examine cyber child-to-parent violence by (1) analyzing its bidirectional relationships with offline CPV and distress, (2) identifying individual risk factors (distress and substance abuse) and family-related risk factors (exposure to family violence, parental ineffectiveness, parental impulsivity, and punitive discipline) regarding Cyber-CPV, (3) examining individual and family-related risk factors for CPV and (4) evaluating the moderating role of substance abuse in the relationship between distress and Cyber-CPV. The study sample consisted of 1034 adolescents (M_age = 15.05; SD = 1.53), who completed the measures at two time points, six months apart. The results show bidirectional relationships between Cyber-CPV and distress. Furthermore, CPV significantly predicted the occurrence of Cyber-CPV over time. Moreover, substance abuse predicted Cyber-CPV and moderated the association between distress and Cyber-CPV; this association was strengthened under high levels of substance abuse. Additionally, both substance abuse and punitive discipline predicted CPV. This study highlights the predominant role of individual factors in Cyber-CPV, and it provides pioneering insights into the related variables of this emerging form of intrafamilial violence mediated by digital technologies, thus laying the groundwork for future research. Full article