Search Results (649)

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

Background: Adolescent depression is a growing public health concern. Health promotion for this group requires an understanding of what health means in the context of depression. Given that parents play a central role in adolescents’ everyday lives, their perspectives on health for adolescents are important. The aim of this study was to describe parents’ perceptions of what health means for adolescents with depression. Methods: This qualitative study employed a phenomenographic approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 parents of adolescents with depression. The analysis resulted in four categories, each comprising two sub-categories, reflecting variations in how health was perceived. Results: Parents described health for adolescents with depression in terms of taking initiative in everyday life and creating a daily structure through routines (navigating daily life with depression); experiencing belonging in supportive relationships and understanding one’s own value (building trust in self and others); having a positive outlook while facing struggles and finding pleasure in daily activities (experiencing joy despite depression); and balancing body and mind and maintaining healthy habits (supporting well-being despite depression). Conclusions: The findings provide new insights into how parents understand health for adolescents with depression. These perceptions may inform the development of supportive and health-promoting strategies tailored to adolescents’ and their families’ everyday challenges. Full article

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prospective, longitudinal relations among childhood poverty and rural adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors, and the mediational roles of adolescent attachment to parents and peers. Methods: Participants were from a longitudinal study of rural poverty. Two home visits were conducted, roughly four years apart (Time 1: N = 226; Mage = 13.36, 52.7% male; Time 2: N = 215; Mage = 17.47 years, 51.2% male). Each family’s income-to-needs ratio was assessed at each visit. At Time 2, participants completed questionnaires reporting their attachments to parents and peers, and their externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Results: Parent attachment was found to mediate the relationship between Time 1 family income-to-needs ratio and Time 2 internalizing problems. The mediational effects of peer attachment predicting Time 2 internalizing or externalizing symptoms were not significant. Conclusions: The long-term impact of childhood poverty on adolescents’ parent attachment and their well-being is discussed. Full article

Despite advances toward disability inclusion, high-quality sex and relationship education (SRE) is often inaccessible for disabled communities. Confounding this issue, each individual’s experience of SRE is shaped by aspects within their environment, such as societal contexts, cultural factors, policy frameworks at the national and local levels, and the attitudes of parents and educators. This informal review of the literature synthesizes historical and contemporary literature—focusing primarily on individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism—to explore the multifaceted barriers and opportunities for effective SRE. We have situated the literature within Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to illuminate how interactions among and within the environment shape individual experiences with SRE. The literature outlines several barriers to successful SRE programs for the disabled community, including pervasive misconceptions about the sexual and relational needs of disabled individuals, inadequate training for educators, and limited empirical evidence underpinning best practices. Our paper underscores the need for comprehensive, evidence-based curricula that align with the desires of the disabled community, are accessible to people with disabilities and their communities, and employ a variety of instructional methods to support learning across the life course, beginning in adolescence. We conclude by outlining future directions for research and practical solutions for curriculum development, emphasizing the importance of addressing these multi-layered challenges to enhance SRE for disabled people and their communities. Approaching and conceptualizing the literature within a systems framework and through our shared perspectives and experiences is noteworthy, as our review provides a descriptive and unique lens to understanding SRE influences on people with disabilities nationally and internationally. Full article

Background: Tobacco use remains a major public health concern among adolescents, particularly as electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased in recent years. While academic performance has been linked to health-risk behaviors, less is known about its specific relationship to tobacco use among predominantly Black youth in urban settings. Understanding this association is essential for informing targeted prevention strategies. Objective: To examine the association between academic performance (self-reported grades from A to F) and use of tobacco products—including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other forms—among predominantly Black high school students in Baltimore, a city marked by socioeconomic and health disparities. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using survey data from 604 public high school students in Baltimore. The main predictor was self-reported average school grades. Outcomes included ever use of (1) combustible tobacco products, (2) e-cigarettes, and (3) any tobacco product. Logistic regression models estimated associations between academic performance and each tobacco outcome, adjusting for age, sex, race, parental education and employment, and household structure. Results: Among participants (mean age = 16.1 years), 20.2% reported using e-cigarettes, 7.1% used cigarettes, and 25.2% had used any tobacco product. Academic performance was inversely associated with all forms of tobacco use. Students with A, B, or C grades had significantly lower odds of e-cigarette use compared to those with D or F grades. Students with A grades had lower odds of cigarette use and any tobacco use. Conclusions: Lower academic achievement was consistently associated with higher odds of tobacco use among predominantly Black adolescents. Academic performance may help identify youth at higher risk of tobacco use and guide school-based prevention and intervention strategies in similar urban settings. Full article

This study used latent transition analysis to explore the categories of self-concept clarity transformation and their influencing factors among adolescents. A total of 3010 adolescents (Mage = 17.56, SD = 2.61, ranging from 12 to 23 years, 41.23% males) were longitudinally tracked, with assessments of their self-concept clarity conducted three times over half a year. Results showed that (1) there existed heterogeneity in the adolescents’ self-concept clarity, with three distinct profiles identified at each time point; and (2) adolescents’ self-concept clarity exhibited different transition trajectories. The group with high self-concept clarity revealed higher stability, with those in the low self-concept clarity group tending to shift towards either the moderate self-concept clarity group or the high self-concept clarity group. (3) Parent–child relationships had a more stable impact on adolescents’ self-concept clarity subgroups, while peer relationships played a less consistent role. The study advances our understanding of the potential changes in the development of adolescent self-concept clarity profiles in conjunction with the impact of peer relationships and parent–child relationships, but also offers a basis for classification description and intervention practices in enhancing adolescents’ self-concept clarity. Full article

Adolescents often perceive various educational barriers that may hinder their academic engagement and future planning. These barriers, whether internal (e.g., low self-efficacy) or external (e.g., socioeconomic constraints), are shaped by both individual and contextual factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived educational barriers and future orientation among Italian high school students, with a focus on gender and sociodemographic predictors. A total of 479 students (aged 14–18) from six high schools in northern Italy completed validated measures assessing internal and external educational barriers, future orientation, and sociodemographic variables. Analyses included t-tests, Pearson’s correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression. Girls reported significantly higher internal barriers than boys, while no gender differences emerged in external barriers or future orientation. However, being female, having lower parental education, lower perceived social status, and lower future orientation were all significantly associated with higher overall perceived barriers. Regression analysis confirmed that gender, parental education, and perceived social status predicted perceived barriers, with future orientation adding independent explanatory power. These findings highlight the need for educational interventions that address both structural inequalities and internal psychological barriers. Enhancing future orientation and academic self-efficacy may help reduce perceived barriers, particularly among girls and socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Full article