Adolescent Problem Behaviors Research Articles

Protective factors for externalising behaviour problems in children and adolescents living in out-of-home care: A systematic review

Children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) often display disproportionate levels of externalising behaviour problems compared to the general population, which are further linked with detrimental outcomes. Yet, despite similar levels of vulnerability, not all young people in OOHC develop these behaviours. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise knowledge on protective factors for externalising behaviour problems in young people between 0 and 19 years old residing in OOHC. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and the Proquest Social Abstracts and Social Services databases, with 31 studies meeting inclusion criteria (n = 8310 individual participants across the studies). Results indicated that protective factors associated with fewer and/or lower levels of externalising behaviour problems included: individual (e.g., better self-concept), relationship (e.g., quality relationships with family members and peers), and contextual (e.g., higher neighbourhood income) factors. Given the short and long-term consequences associated with externalising behaviours, professionals working with young people in OOHC should focus on identifying protective factors that can be targeted in prevention and intervention efforts. This review indicated that strengthening individual, relational, and contextual factors may be most beneficial for reducing risk of externalising behaviours.

Changes in Rest-Activity Rhythms in Adolescents as They Age: Associations With Brain and Behavioral Changes in the ABCD Study.

Adolescents with disrupted rest-activity rhythms (RAR) including shorter sleep duration, later sleep timing and low physical activity levels are at a greater risk for mental and behavioral problems. However, it remains unclear whether the same associations can be observed for within-subject changes in RAR. Our longitudinal investigation on RAR used Fitbit data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study at the 2-year (FL2: aged 10-13 years) and 4-year follow-up (FL4: aged 13-16 years). 963 youths had good-quality Fitbit data at both time points. In this study we examined changes in RAR from FL2 to FL4, their environmental and demographic contributors as well as brain and behavioral correlates. From FL2 to FL4, adolescents showed decreases in sleep duration and physical activity as well as delayed sleep timing (Cohen's d .44-.75). The contributions of environmental and demographic factors to RAR changes were greatest for sleep timing (explained 10% variance) and least for sleep duration (explained 1% variance). Delays in sleep timing had stronger correlations with behavioral problems including impulsivity and poor academic performance than reductions in sleep duration or physical activity. Additionally, the various brain measures differed in their sensitivity to RAR changes. Reductions in sleep duration were associated with decreased functional connectivity between subcortical regions and sensorimotor and cingulo-opercular networks and with enhanced functional connectivity between sensorimotor, visual and auditory networks. Delays in sleep timing were mainly associated with grey matter changes in subcortical regions. The current findings corroborate the importance of sleep and physical activity in adolescents' brain neurodevelopment and behavioral problems. RAR might serve as biomarkers for monitoring behavioral problems and be potential therapeutic targets for mental disorders in adolescents.

Surfing into trouble? How internet use influences early adolescent behavior through diverse pathways?

In the digital age, the escalating accessibility of the Internet to younger populations prompts significant concerns about its potential behavioral repercussions. The objective of this research is to investigate the connection between Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors in early adolescents. A total of 1155 Chinese early adolescents, ranging in age from 11 to 14 years, participated by completing an anonymous self-report questionnaire. The findings reveal that: (1) there is a positive correlation between the extent of Internet use and the prevalence of externalizing problem behaviors, suggesting a potential risk factor inherent in unregulated digital exposure; (2) both self-education expectations and peer relationships mediate the link between Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors, indicating that educational aspirations and social interactions play a pivotal role in mediating this impact; (3) Internet use indirectly influences externalizing problem behaviors through the sequential mediation of self-education expectations and peer relationships, outlining a complex interplay that influences behavioral outcomes; and (4) the influence of Internet use on externalizing problem behaviors shows notable differences based on gender and geographical location, with a greater adverse impact observed in males than in females and in rural settings compared to urban areas. These findings underscore the urgent need for bespoke strategies to mitigate the negative influences of Internet use on youth, tailored to address the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups. The study not only extends the current understanding of digital media’s impact on adolescent behavior but also catalyzes policy discussions aimed at fostering healthier digital environments for the younger generation.

Core Competencies in Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems: Systemic Stance and Systemic Skills

Core Competencies in Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems: Systemic Stance and Systemic Skills

Patterns of early childhood adversity and neighborhood deprivation predict unique challenges in adolescence: A UK birth cohort study.

This study applies a comprehensive bioecological perspective to address a significant gap in the childhood adversity literature by employing latent profile analysis to examine the impact of diverse combinations of early childhood adversities and protective factors on adolescent psychosocial and behavioral outcomes. Drawing from the United Kingdom's Millennium Cohort Study (N = 19,444), we identified eight unique profiles of early childhood adversity and protective factors. These profiles provide a nuanced understanding of adversity combinations and allow for differentiation between groups with similar profiles. Latent profile membership was a significant predictor of all adolescent outcome variables, indicating that profiles differed significantly from one another on psychosocial and behavioral outcomes (Wald values ranged from 10.10-623.22; p < .001). Some findings support the cumulative risk model, indicating that exposure to multiple early adversities increases the likelihood of adverse outcomes. However, we also found that specific adversities, such as parental psychopathology, parental alcohol use, and neighborhood deprivation, uniquely impact adolescent outcomes. This study highlights the necessity for tailored interventions and policies to support children with distinct early life experiences, emphasizing the importance of addressing both cumulative and specific adversities at multiple levels to prevent psychosocial and behavioral problems in adolescence.

“From Use for Good to Overuse for Bad”: Association Among Smartphone Use, Problem Behaviors and Well-Being in Adolescents

“From Use for Good to Overuse for Bad”: Association Among Smartphone Use, Problem Behaviors and Well-Being in Adolescents

Daily Associations between Parental Warmth and Discipline and Adolescent Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits.

Past longitudinal research has demonstrated links between parenting behaviors and adolescent conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits on macro timescales (e.g., years). Less is known about daily fluctuations in parenting behaviors and adolescent CP and CU traits, as well as their daily associations on a micro timescale. This study investigated thedaily reciprocal associations between three key dimensions of parenting behaviors-parental warmth, inconsistent discipline, and non-harsh discipline-and adolescent CP and CU traits, and explored potential moderating effects of person-mean levels of these parenting behaviors on within-person cross-day links. Participants included an ethnically-racially diverse low risk community sample of 86 adolescents (Mage = 14.5years, 55% female, 45% non-White) who completed daily reports over 1month regarding their perceived parenting behaviors and their own levels of CP and CU traits (2056 total observations). Results from dynamic structural equation modeling showed that at the within-person level, higher than average levels of inconsistent discipline were linked to higher than average levels of CU traits the next day. Among adolescents with higher person-mean levels of parental warmth and non-harsh discipline, daily parental warmth and non-harsh discipline were protective against CU traits. Moreover, among adolescents with higher person-mean levels of parental warmth, adolescent CU traits also evoked lower parental warmth the next day. These findings have significant implications for understanding daily fluctuations in parenting behaviors and adolescent CP and CU traits, and inform novel parenting-based interventions that capitalize on recent advances in mobile and other technology.

Rejection Sensitivity: A Concept Analysis

Purpose: This study conducted a concept analysis of rejection sensitivity using the Walker and Avant method, to clarify its defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences. So, this contributes to a deeper understanding of its role in interpersonal relationships.Methods: Walker and Avant’s framework, this concept analysis included a thorough literature review across multiple disciplines. The literature was extracted from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and RISS.Results: Rejection sensitivity is a psychological construct encompassing several attributes, including rejection expectation, perception of rejection, and reaction to perceived rejection. This trait is influenced by various antecedents, including early life experiences, attachment style, and cultural factors. The consequences or events associated with rejection sensitivity span multiple domains and can significantly affect an individual’s life.Conclusion: According to interpersonal psychology and attachment theory, problem behavior in adolescents is a state of unsatisfied affection for parents and a response to feelings of unacceptance. Rejection sensitivity is particularly important in the Korean culture because of cultural factors.

The German Communities That Care Youth Survey: dimensionality and validity of risk factors.

Communities That Care (CTC) is an evidence-based community change strategy for supporting healthy youth development. One of its key elements is the development of a community profile to identify and prioritise risk factors for health and behavioural problems in adolescents based on the CTC Youth Survey. The strategy was originally developed and evaluated in the United States. An adapted version of the survey has been used in Germany since its first implementation in 2008. However, the dimensionality and validity of the adapted risk factor scales have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to confirm the assumed unidimensional structure and to establish the concurrent criterion validity of each risk factor. A sample of 1,911 adolescents attending grades six to eleven in Lower-Saxony, Germany, was used to evaluate 23 risk factor scales of the German CTC Youth Survey covering the domains peer/individual, family, school, and community. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the dimensional structure of all risk factors with sufficient item numbers. Goodness of fit was determined using CFI, SRMR, and RMSEA. Latent regression analysis tested the concurrent criterion validity of all unidimensional risk factors. For this, violent and delinquent behaviour, substance use, and depressive symptomatology were regressed on each risk factor. All evaluable risk factors demonstrated acceptable to good model fit regarding unidimensionality and predicted violent and delinquent behaviour, and substance use better than depressive symptomatology. Regarding the peer/individual risk factors, there are particularly high correlations with violent and delinquent behaviour, and substance use. In contrast, two risk factors were not correlated with substance use, whilst two other risk factors were not correlated with depressive symptomatology. Overall, the results indicate that most risk factors demonstrate unidimensionality and are valid in terms of concurrent criterion validity. Although some risk factors were not correlated with every outcome, they still predicted most outcomes, suggesting that the CTC Youth Survey is a viable tool for communities to assess their community risk profile. Risk factors that did not demonstrate unidimensionality or concurrent criterion validity should be monitored in future surveys and interpreted with caution until further evidence is available.

A mixed methods exploration of teacher involvement and its effects on adolescent behavioral and emotional problems

This study explored the nuanced perceptions of teacher involvement among adolescents and teachers, shedding light on its distinct impacts on adolescents' behavior and emotional well-being—a relatively under-explored area in the Indian educational landscape. It aims to unravel how differing perceptions of teacher involvement from both parties influence adolescents' behavior and emotional problems. Employing a mixed-methods approach across two studies, involving the same group of participants, the research utilized the Adolescents’ Behavioral and Emotional Problems Scale (ABEP) and Teachers Involvement and its Impact Scale (TI) for quantitative analysis, alongside semi-structured interviews with adolescents, teachers, and parents for qualitative insights. Results reveal that while teacher involvement perceived by adolescents significantly affects their behavior and emotional well-being, teachers' assessment of their involvement lacks significant impact. Themes from interviews underscore the pivotal role of teacher behavior, including public critique and preferential treatment, in influencing students' emotional wellness and academic engagement. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of teacher performance evaluation and job security concerns in shaping positive teacher-student dynamics, particularly for academically challenged students, whose difficulties may strain interactions further. The findings stress the importance for educators in Assam to prioritize fostering supportive relationships with students, actively listening to their perspectives, and addressing their individual needs for a conducive learning environment.

Relations between adolescent perceptions of household chaos and externalizing and internalizing behaviors in low- and middle-income families.

A large body of literature has established that chaos in the home environment, characterized by high levels of disorganization, lack of household routine, crowding, noise, and unpredictability, undermines social-emotional and behavioral development in early childhood. It is less clear whether household chaos is linked to elevated risk for behavior problems in adolescence. The aims of this study were 3fold: (1) characterize the variability of adolescent and caregiver reports of household chaos over time; (2) examine associations among caregiver and adolescent reports of chaos over a 9-month period; (3) consider how between- and within- individual variability in household chaos predicts adolescent externalizing and internalizing problems. This study drew data from the Family Income Dynamics study, a 9-month longitudinal study. Participants included 104 adolescents between 14 and 16 years old (55% female; M age = 14.85) and their caregiver (92% female) from low- and middle-income families. Results showed that adolescent-reports of household chaos were more variable over time compared to caregivers' reports. Adolescent-reports of household chaos had positive within- and between-level associations with externalizing problems and between-level associations with internalizing, while caregiver-reports of chaos had no links to behavior. This work highlights the importance of adolescents' own perceptions of household chaos when considering its links to adolescent development.

Is the Internet to blame for problem behaviours in early adolescents? The effects of different types of Internet use, depression, and self-control

ABSTRACT This study explored the relationships between three types of Internet use (i.e. educational, socialising, and entertainment) and externalising behaviours in early adolescents. Using a representative sample of early adolescents in China (N = 819, Mage = 11.76), the result revealed that the indirect effect of educational Internet use on externalising behaviours was serially mediated by depression and self-control. Meanwhile, entertainment Internet use was found to be indirectly associated with a higher level of externalising behaviour via self-control. Last, socialising Internet use was found to have no effect on externalising behaviours and the two mediators. Theoretical implications for Internet use and externalising behaviours, as well as practical implications for problematic behaviour interventions are discussed.

Emotional Competences in Adolescents Exposed to Colombian Armed Conflict During Their Childhood

AbstractObjective: Analyse the mediation role of emotional competences on behavior problems in adolescents exposed to Armed-Conflict Childhood Adversities (ACCA). Method: Families with adolescent children who studied in three schools in the municipality of Soacha, Colombia, were invited to participate in the study. One hundred and sixty-one participants were selected and pooled into three groups according to their Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores: lower-ACE (LACE), higher-ACE (HACE), and ACCA using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire for Adolescents (ACE-QA). The Emotion Recognition Task, the Empathy for Pain Task, and the Child Behavior Checklist assessed teenagers’ emotional functioning. Results: Teenagers exposed to ACCA more frequently experienced childhood adversities such as domestic violence, child abuse, and parental neglect. Moreover, these adolescents were less accurate in discriminating angry faces, reported higher control perception after social stressors, were more rigorous in punishing those who intentionally harmed others, and showed more internalizing behavior problems. In the mediational model, we found that: the control perception after social stress mediated the reduction of depressive symptoms in adolescents with ACCA history. Additionally, inaccuracy in perceiving angry faces and harsh punishment toward behaviors that intentionally harm others mediated the presence of thinking problems, anxiety, and rule-breaking behaviors. Conclusions: Colombian adolescents who experienced ACCA showed specific changes in their emotional competences, which mediate the parental report of behavioral problems. These results indicate the need for more focused interventions aimed at improving the emotional competences and mental health of adolescent victims of armed conflicts.

Childhood exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence: a longitudinal study in China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between childhood polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence. Participants included 998 school-age children aged 7-12 years (514 girls and 484 boys). Metabolite concentrations of four PAHs (1-hydroxypyrene [1-OHPyr], 2-hydroxynaphthalene [2-OHNap], 2-hydroxyfluorine [2-OHFlu], and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene [9-OHPhe]) were measured in urine samples at baseline (Dec 2014-Dec 2015). During adolescence, we measured emotional and behavioral problems in study participants. We used logistic regression models to assess the effects of different levels of PAH metabolite concentrations on emotional and behavioral problems for boys and girls, separately. Boys exposed to 1-OHPyr and 2-OHFlu had a significantly higher risk of externalizing problems (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.09 ~ 6.29; OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.15 ~ 7.42). 2-OHNap exposure faced a higher risk of internalizing problems (OR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.28 ~ 11.58; OR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.13 ~ 11.63) and externalizing problems (OR: 4.27, 95% CI: 1.44 ~ 12.70; OR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.49 ~ 14.73). Moreover, boys exposed to 9-OHPhe exhibited a significant risk of anxiety (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01 ~ 7.97; OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.04 ~ 8.68). Similarly, girls exposed to 9-OHPhe had a significant risk of anxiety (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.25 ~ 4.64). Childhood PAH exposures are associated with emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence, and boys seem more susceptible than girls.

Associations Between Iron Intake and Behavior Problems in Early Adolescence

Due to a decline in diet quality during adolescence, youth are less likely to consume adequate nutrient dense foods to meet recommended requirements. Iron intake in particular is crucial for healthy physical and brain development in adolescence, but few studies have examined the role of iron intake in adolescents’ behavior problems. The current study examined the associations between iron intake and two types of behavior problems in early adolescents – aggression and rule breaking. The sample included 272 middle school students (Mage =12.08; 53% female; 47% Black, 37% White, 9% Hispanic, 6% other racial/ethnic group). Multivariate regression analyses adjusting for sociodemographic covariates revealed that higher iron intake was linked to lower aggressive behaviors (β = - .16, p &lt; .05), but was not associated with rule breaking. These findings support the role of iron intake in healthy behavioral development in adolescence.

Microbiome signature of posttraumatic stress disorder and resilience in youth.

Identifying biomarkers that can distinguish trauma-exposed youth at risk for developing posttraumatic pathology from resilient individuals is essential for targeted interventions. As trauma can alter the microbiome with lasting effects on the host, our longitudinal, multimeasure, cross-species study aimed to identify the microbial signature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We followed children exposed to war-related trauma and matched controls from early childhood (Mage = 2.76 years, N = 232) to adolescence (Mage = 16.13 years, N = 84), repeatedly assessing posttraumatic symptomatology and maternal caregiving. In late adolescence, we collected fecal samples from mothers and youth and assessed microbiome composition, diversity, and mother-child microbial synchrony. We then transplanted adolescents' fecal samples into germ-free mice to determine if behavioral changes are observed. Youth with PTSD exhibited a distinct gut microbiome profile and lower diversity compared to resilient individuals, and microbiome diversity mediated the continuity of posttraumatic symptomatology throughout development. Low microbiome diversity correlated with more posttraumatic symptoms in early childhood, more emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence, and poor maternal caregiving. Youth with PTSD demonstrated less mother-child microbial synchrony, suggesting that low microbial concordance between mother and child may indicate susceptibility to posttraumatic illness. Germ-free mice transplanted with microbiomes from individuals with PTSD displayed increased anxious behavior. Our findings provide evidence that the trauma-associated microbiome profile is at least partially responsible for the anxiety component of the PTSD phenotype and highlight microbial underpinnings of resilience. Further, our results suggest that the microbiome may serve as additional biological memory of early life stress and underscore the potential for microbiome-related diagnosis and treatment following trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Adolescent behavioral problems, preterm/low birth weight children and adult life success in a prospective Australian birth cohort study

BackgroundPreterm and/or low birthweight (PT/LBW) is predictive of a range of adverse adult outcomes, including lower employment, educational attainment, and mental wellbeing, and higher welfare receipt. Existing studies, however, on PT/LBW and adult psychosocial risks are often limited by low statistical power. Studies also fail to examine potential child or adolescent pathways leading to later adult adversity. Using a life course framework, we examine how adolescent problem behaviors may moderate the association between PT/LBW and a multidimensional measure of life success at age 30 to potentially address these limitations. MethodsWe analyze 2044 respondents from a Brisbane, Australia cohort followed from birth in1981–1984 through age 30. We examine moderation patterns using obstetric birth outcomes for weight and gestation, measures of problem behaviors from the Child Behavioral Checklist at age 14, and measures of educational attainment and life success at 30 using multivariable normal and ordered logistic regression. ResultsAssociations between PT/LBW and life success was found to be moderated by adolescent problem behaviors in six scales, including CBCL internalizing, externalizing, and total problems (all p < 0.01). In comparison, associations between LBW and educational attainment illustrate how a single-dimensional measure may yield null results. ConclusionFor PT/LBW, adolescent problem behaviors increase risk of lower life success at age 30. Compared to analysis of singular outcomes, the incorporation of multidimensional measures of adult wellbeing, paired with identification of risk and protective factors for adult life success as children develop over the lifespan, may further advance existing research and interventions for PT/LBW children.

Which need satisfaction better explains the relation between parental psychological control and adolescent behavior problems: A parallel multi-mediator model based on general strain theory

ObjectivePredicated on the general strain theory and self-determination theory, the present study seeks to comparatively evaluate how well the (dis)satisfaction of three psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) can individually serve as a mechanism by which parental psychological control influences adolescent behavior problems jointly represented by depression, aggression, social anxiety, and problematic internet use. Method974 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.4, SD = 1.49; 46.7 % girl) constituted the sample. At three time points, they completed scales measuring parental psychological control, basic psychological needs, depression, aggression, social anxiety, and problematic internet use. A parallel multi-mediator model was adopted to contrast the individual mediation effect of satisfaction of three psychological need in the path from parental psychological control to adolescent behavior problems. Results(1) Parental psychological control directly predicts adolescent behavior problems. (2) Autonomy and competence need satisfaction independently mediate the association between parental psychological control and behavior problems while relatedness need satisfaction does not. (3) there is no difference in the strength of mediation between autonomy and competence need satisfaction. Yet, both autonomy and competence need satisfaction have a stronger mediation effect than relatedness need satisfaction. ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that in accounting for the relation between parental psychological control and adolescent behavior problems, autonomy and competence need satisfaction may represent better mechanisms than relatedness need satisfaction. Interventions targeting maladaptive parenting practices and adolescent maladjustment in the post-pandemic era need to consider the potency of relevant psychological mechanisms in operation as well as the sociocultural characteristics.

Investigation of Menstrual Hygiene and Self-Care Skills of Adolescent Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mother Views.

Puberty a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, poses problems that are difficult to manage for typically developing adolescents, but even more difficult for adolescents with autism. It is vital that girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), like their typically developing peers, are able to manage these physiological processes in a healthy way and learn self-care and hygiene behaviours without being dependent on others. Given the contribution of mothers to the menstrual hygiene and self-care skills of adolescent girls, this study aims to explore the views of mothers. The study is a case study designed in the qualitative research model. The research was carried out with the participation of 10 mothers met the necessary criteria and agreed to take part in the study voluntarily. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis. Codes, sub-themes and main themes were created. The research identifies the themes of self-care and menstrual hygiene, preparations made during menstruation, behavioral problems in adolescents, the person who carries out hygiene and self-care, and situations that tire/strain mothers during menstruation. At the end of the research, it was concluded that the adolescent girls with ASD are mostly unable to perform their self-care and hygiene adequately, and that the mothers do nothing to prepare their daughters for adolescence. It was also concluded that the most stressful situation for mothers during adolescence is usually the difficulty their daughters have in using sanitary pads, cleaning armpits and genital hair, and bathing.

The impact of peer attachment relationships on behavioral problems in adolescents

The impact of peer attachment relationships on behavioral problems in adolescents