Adolescence is marked by identity formation and moral development, often accompanied by increased transgressive behaviors. While existing research highlights the interplay between moral constructs and transgression in adolescence, the role of kindness remains underexamined. This study conceptualizes kindness as a multidimensional moral construct and investigates the relationship between different stages of kindness (i.e., egocentric, social/normative, extrinsically motivated, authentic) and transgressive behaviors among adolescents, also considering the moderating role of self-importance of moral identity. The participants were 215 Italian adolescents (aged 15–19) who completed a self-report questionnaire. The results showed that egocentric and authentic kindness were positively and negatively associated with transgression, respectively. Moreover, moral identity significantly enhanced the protective role of authentic kindness. These findings suggest that the relationship between kindness and transgression varies based on the stage of kindness and the importance adolescents attribute to their moral identity. They contribute to extending the understanding of kindness during adolescence, offering implications for reducing transgressive behaviors through targeted and innovative interventions.

This study assessed the effects of a family function (FF) program on excessive digital behaviors—smartphone overuse (SO) and phubbing—and psychological needs—anxiety, loneliness, and fear of missing out (FoMO)—among 28 Thai female Muslim adolescents randomly assigned to the experimental (Mage = 15.7) and control (Mage = 15.2) groups. The experimental group received two 1.5 h morning sessions of the FF program weekly over four weeks (eight sessions in total). Baseline assessments confirmed group homogeneity. Using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.008), the results indicated a significant improvement in family function for the intervention group (F (1,26) = 11.91, p = 0.002, η2p = 0.31), with a strong time-by-group interaction (F (1,26) = 19.51, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.43). While the program did not significantly reduce SO overall, a notable interaction effect suggested group differences (F (1,26) = 10.31, p = 0.004, η2p = 0.28). Phubbing remained unaffected. For psychological outcomes, interaction effects were found for the FoMO (F = 10.00, p = 0.004) and loneliness (F = 8.67, p = 0.007), though no main effects emerged. Anxiety levels did not significantly change after correction. These findings suggest that the program effectively enhances family functioning and partially alleviates psychosocial risks, but further refinements are needed to address digital overuse and anxiety more effectively.

The literature has been scarce in addressing parental interference/family abduction and its relationship with depressive symptoms. Due to this, the objective of this study was to examine the association between family abduction/parental interference and depressive symptoms in a national sample of 11,568 children and adolescents aged 12 to 18 from Chile. Robust linear regression models were conducted to assess how these experiences are related to depressive symptoms while controlling for age. Our results show that children and adolescents who reported these experiences in their lives presented higher levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, although all forms of caregiver victimization were associated with depressive symptoms, parental interference/family abduction also showed a significant association, even when controlling for sociodemographic variables. These findings highlight the need for attention to the phenomenon of family abduction/parental interference, especially concerning its potential associations with mental health outcomes such as depression. Theoretically, the study contributes to the limited body of research on this form of caregiver victimization, and practically, it provides evidence that may inform future prevention strategies and mental health policies targeting children and adolescents exposed to high-conflict family dynamics in the Chilean context.

Background: Teen dating violence (TDV) is a serious public health concern, with sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) at elevated risk due to minority stress and systemic inequalities. This systematic review examines individual, relational, and contextual risk factors for TDV among SGMY. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and APA PsycInfo on 10 December 2024. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 focusing on teen dating violence (TDV) as an outcome among sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) aged 13–19 were included. Study selection was independently performed by multiple reviewers using Rayyan. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Due to heterogeneity in the study design and measurement tools, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Six risk domains emerged: (1) Demographic/Identity (e.g., gender, orientation, or race); (2) Psychological/Behavioral (e.g., distress or substance use); (3) Violence/Bullying (e.g., cyberbullying or exclusion); (4) Family/Sexual Abuse (e.g., family rejection); (5) Relational/Social (e.g., partner outing); and (6) School/Community (e.g., non-inclusive environments). Bisexual, pansexual, transgender, and racialized youth showed heightened vulnerability. Most studies were conducted in the USA and relied on non-validated TDV measures and cross-sectional designs, limiting comparability and causal inference. Conclusions: SGMY face unique, often overlooked TDV risks. There is a need for intersectional, longitudinal research and inclusive, developmentally appropriate prevention efforts that address both relational and structural factors. This review received no external funding and was not registered.

Internet addiction among adolescents has emerged as a significant global health issue, contributing to social isolation, academic difficulties, and emotional disorders, with excessive use of social networks further intensifying these challenges. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational intervention grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in reducing Internet addiction and enhancing academic performance among adolescent girls in southern Iran. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 370 female students aged 15–16 years, selected through two-stage cluster random sampling and divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in a five-week TPB-based program, incorporating lectures, group discussions, and parent–teacher meetings, while the control group received unrelated health education. Data were collected using the Yang Internet Addiction Test (IAT), a TPB-based questionnaire, and academic performance scores (grade point average, GPA) before and after the intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions to reduce Internet use (p < 0.001). Internet addiction scores significantly declined, and GPA improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.950). The findings support TPB-based interventions as effective tools for reducing Internet addiction and improving academic outcomes among adolescents. This study was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20131014015015N18).

We assessed economic vulnerability, measured by food insecurity, in relation to primary risk behaviors for adolescent pregnancy among U.S. adolescent females. The survey data for this cross-sectional study were collected from adolescent females (n = 187) recruited from high schools (n = 18) serving low-income communities in Southern California between January 2022 and July 2023. We used crude and adjusted logistic regression models to assess associations between food insecurity and sexual risk behaviors for adolescent pregnancy (e.g., early age of sexual initiation, contraceptive use, condom use), as well as financial dependence on a male partner. Adjusted models included demographics significantly associated with outcome variables. Participants were, on average, 17 years old (SD = 1.48); most participants were born in the U.S. (90.3%) and identified as Latina/Hispanic (85.0%). In crude and adjusted bivariate logistic regression models, compared to participants not reporting food insecurity, participants who reported food insecurity were (1) more likely to report early age at first sex (aOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.1–11.7), (2) less likely to report condom use in the previous six months among those sexually active during that timeframe (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.6), and (3) more likely to report being financially dependent on a male partner (aOR: 4.2. 95% CI: 1.6–11.3). The findings suggest the importance of addressing economic vulnerability to reduce risk factors for adolescent pregnancy.

Background: Boredom is a common but insufficiently explored experience in adolescence, which has been increasingly linked to the development of risky behaviours. This study explores the extent to which boredom predicts engagement in various risky behaviours among adolescents aged 15 to 17. Methods: A cross-sectional study on a sample of 281 high-school students in Croatia was performed in 2024. The participants completed a structured online questionnaire, including validated scales measuring their proneness to boredom, substance use, disordered eating, theft, and cyberbullying. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests, correlation coefficients, and linear regression. Results: Boredom showed a significant association with all forms of risky behaviour, with the strongest association found for disordered eating. Moderate predictive ability was observed for alcohol, marijuana, and drug use, while weaker but significant associations with cyberbullying and theft were also found. Male adolescents reported higher involvement in certain risky behaviours, although no significant gender differences were observed in boredom levels. Conclusions: Boredom is a developmental risk factor, notably when leisure time lacks structure and meaning. While the cross-sectional design of this study limits causal conclusions, the findings highlight the importance of taking boredom into consideration regarding pedagogical prevention efforts. Pedagogical activities targeting quality leisure time, especially within schools and families, may reduce adolescents’ susceptibility to harmful behaviours.

Background: As global populations age, addressing societal attitudes towards older adults becomes increasingly crucial. Ageism negatively impacts both older and younger individuals. Aging simulation has been proposed as a means to challenge ageist attitudes and promote intergenerational solidarity. This study examines the effectiveness of a brief aging simulation in altering adolescents’ perceptions of aging and older adults. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted with 63 high school students aged 15–18. Participants completed the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) before and after intervention. A subset of 20 students was randomly selected to wear an aging simulation suit. Results: Post-intervention FSA scores significantly decreased from 63.50 to 51.00, indicating a reduction in ageist attitudes. Participants showed significant changes in beliefs related to cognitive decline, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, and the perception that older adults are homogeneous. Additionally, 80% of participants reported a positive shift in their attitude toward aging. The simulation experience was rated highly (average score: 9/10). Conclusions: The findings support the effectiveness of aging simulation in reducing ageist attitudes among adolescents. Given the role of adolescence in shaping long-term perceptions, incorporating aging simulations into educational curricula could be a valuable strategy for promoting intergenerational understanding.

Developmental theories posit that social perspective-taking, the social-cognitive process of adopting another person’s viewpoint to understand the person’s thoughts and feelings, is important for youths’ successful functioning in close relationships, yet this idea has received little empirical attention. Guided by a social-emotional adjustment trade-offs framework, the current study tested the proposal that adolescents’ (N = 300, M age = 14.76) social perspective-taking would be linked with positive aspects of friendship in terms of friendship quality but also maladaptive aspects of friendship, namely co-rumination (i.e., excessive problem discussion between friends). This study used a multi-method design including surveys, laboratory tasks, and observations and extended past work by considering multiple dimensions of social perspective-taking including ability, tendency, and accuracy. Results provided support for friendship adjustment trade-offs of social perspective-taking.

Background: Suicidal ideation among adolescents remains a major public health challenge. Exposure to neighborhood violence is associated with increased risk of mental health distress and school-related vulnerabilities. This study investigates the predictors of suicidal ideation among U.S. adolescents who have witnessed neighborhood violence. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a nationally representative survey of high school students in the United States. A subsample of 3495 adolescents who reported witnessing neighborhood violence was analyzed. Key variables included sociodemographic characteristics, mental health symptoms, perceived school safety, and experiences of victimization. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation, defined as seriously considering suicide in the past year. Analyses were conducted using Jamovi (version 2.6), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation in the sample was 34.2%. Bisexual adolescents had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation compared to heterosexual peers (OR = 2.34, p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were the strongest predictor (OR = 7.51, p < 0.001). Both perceived lack of safety at school and differences in ethnic and population backgrounds were significant. Black and Hispanic/Latino adolescents had lower odds compared to White peers. Conclusions: Findings highlight sexual identity, depressive symptoms, school safety concerns, and ethnic and population background differences as key correlates of suicidal ideation. Culturally responsive, trauma-informed interventions are urgently needed for youth exposed to community violence.