Adolescent Well-being Research Articles

Establishing Priorities for Improving Data Collection and Measurement of Mental Health and Well-Being of Adolescents With Special Educational Needs Within Nonmainstream Schools: Protocol for a Delphi Study.

There are more than 1.5 million children and young people in England with special educational needs (SEN), with over 160,000 young people in the United Kingdom attending a special school or alternative provision (AP) setting. Young people with SEN have been found to be at risk for poorer mental health and well-being than non-SEN peers. However, there is a range of both school-related and research challenges associated with identifying difficulties in a timely manner. This Delphi study aims to determine a list of stakeholder priorities for improving school-based measurement of mental health and well-being among young people with SEN, at an aggregated level, within secondary special school or AP settings. A secondary objective is to inform the implementation of school-based well-being surveys, improve engagement in special schools or AP settings, and improve survey response rates among children and young people with SEN. A mixed methods Delphi study will be conducted, including a scoping review and preliminary focus groups with school staff members and researchers to establish key issues. This will be followed by a 2-round Delphi survey to determine a list of stakeholder priorities for improving the measurement of mental health and well-being at an aggregate level within special schools and AP settings. A final stakeholder workshop will be held to discuss the findings. A list of recommendations will be drafted as a report for special schools and AP settings. The study has received ethical approval from the University College London Research Ethics Committee. The stage 1 scoping review has commenced. Recruitment for focus groups will begin in Autumn 2024. The first round of the Delphi survey will commence in early 2025, and the second round of the Delphi survey in the spring of 2025. The final workshop will commence in mid-2025 with final results expected in late 2025. There is a need for clear recommendations for special schools and AP settings on priorities for improving the measurement of mental health and well-being problems among young people with SEN. There is also a need for recommendations to researchers implementing school-based well-being surveys, including the #BeeWell program, to enable them to improve their engagement in special schools and AP settings and ensure surveys are accessible. PRR1-10.2196/58610.

How childhood psychological abuse affects adolescent cyberbullying: The chain mediating role of self-efficacy and psychological resilience.

Despite the recognition of the impact of childhood psychological abuse, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience on cyberbullying, there is still a gap in understanding the specific mechanisms through which childhood psychological abuse impacts cyberbullying via self-efficacy and psychological resilience. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, this study aims to investigate the link between childhood psychological abuse and cyberbullying in adolescents, mediated by the sequential roles of self-efficacy and psychological resilience. The sample consisted of 891 students (M = 15.40, SD = 1.698) selected from four public secondary schools in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. All the participants filled in the structured self-report questionnaires on childhood psychological abuse, self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and cyberbullying. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS 24.0. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) Childhood psychological abuse is positively associated with adolescent cyberbullying; (2) Self-efficacy plays a mediating role between childhood psychological abuse and adolescent cyberbullying; (3) Psychological resilience plays a mediating role between childhood psychological abuse and adolescent cyberbullying; (4) Self-efficacy and psychological resilience play a chain mediation role between childhood psychological abuse and adolescent cyberbullying. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking childhood psychological abuse to adolescent cyberbullying, shedding light on potential pathways for targeted interventions and support programs to promote the well-being of adolescents in the face of early adversity.

Perception, use of social media, and its impact on the mental health of Indian adolescents: A qualitative study.

Mental illness is a health challenge faced by adolescents that has grown worse after the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Research on social media and young people's mental health has recently increased, and numerous studies have examined whether frequent use of social media is linked to issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, frustration, feeling alone, and externalizing problems among adolescents. This influence of social media on adolescents' lives is clear, with many platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube playing an important role in daily interactions and self-expression. Even though social media offers numerous benefits, such as connectivity and information sharing, excessive usage can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents. To study the impact of social media on the mental wellbeing of adolescents, and the associated potential dangers in India. A total of 204 adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years were included in the study. This study explored the intricate relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health in India. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design to capture a snapshot of adolescent mental health and social media usage patterns. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires and the analysis utilized quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics. Excessive use of social media is correlated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents engage in compulsive behaviors such as scrolling in the middle of the night, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health, and leads to significant sleep disruption. Findings from the study aim to provide insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and inform strategies to promote positive wellbeing in the Indian population. The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay between social media and adolescent mental health, and need for effective strategies to combat online harassment.

Longitudinal Associations Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Cognitive and Affective Components of Subjective Well-Being in Adolescents: A Network Analysis

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in studies aimed at investigating the relationships between cyberbullying and subjective well-being (SWB) among adolescent populations. Nonetheless, the existing literature on this topic remains relatively sparse. Consequently, this study aims to explore the prospective associations of these constructs through the application of psychometric network analysis. Two cross-lagged network analyses were conducted (Wave 1 and Wave 2), alongside a longitudinal network analysis, encompassing 888 students aged 12 to 16 years (M = 12.61; SD = 1.79) from five secondary educational institutions. The results from both cross-lagged networks at both time points revealed significant associations among overall life satisfaction (OLS) and the various domains of life satisfaction, thereby reinforcing the central role of OLS within the network architecture of adolescent well-being. Regarding the affective component of SWB, “happy” emerged as the affect demonstrating the highest level of influence and impact at both time points. Additionally, a robust temporal consistency of the network structure was observed. In the longitudinal network analysis, the trajectories of the variables across time indicated that forms of cyberbullying, specifically “exclusion” and “harassment,” were prospectively and negatively related to “satisfaction with friends” and “satisfaction with body image.” The results of these findings are discussed in terms of their practical implications for the prevention and intervention of cyberbullying in adolescent population.

Alcohol abuse among adolescents and suicide risk - is there a correlation?

Introduction: Adolescent alcohol abuse is a critical public health issue with far-reaching consequences for individual development and societal well-being. Adolescent alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, particularly due to its effects on brain development and its association with increased suicide risk. Purpose of the work: This study aims to investigate the relationship between alcohol abuse and suicide risk in adolescents. Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken using the search terms including the following keywords: alcohol abuse/ alcohol abuse in adolescence/ alcohol consumption in adolescence/ alcohol abuse and suicide risk in adolescence/ suicide risk factors in adolescence/ suicidal tendencies among teenagers. Conclusions:Adolescent alcohol abuse has profound implications for brain development and mental health, significantly increasing the risk of suicide. Effective public health strategies, including early intervention, education, and strong support systems, are essential to mitigate these risks and promote healthier environments for young individuals. Addressing the underlying causes of alcohol abuse and providing targeted support can reduce its long-term consequences and improve adolescent well-being.

How Screen Time and Social Media Hyperconnection Have Harmed Adolescents’ Relational and Psychological Well-Being since the COVID-19 Pandemic

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in screen time and hyperconnection on social media is raising significant concerns, with particular emphasis of their effects on the relational and psychological well-being of children and adolescents. The present study analyses data from two representative cross-sectional surveys conducted among Italian adolescents in 2019 and 2022. Through bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression models, the study examines changes in screen time on social media, identifies key socio-demographic predictors of hyperconnection, and explores its effects on both the relational and psychological well-being of young people. The findings reveal the profound impact of the pandemic on daily social media use, showing a significant increase across all social groups regardless of socio-demographic characteristics, with girls consistently exhibiting higher levels of hyperconnection. Additionally, the results indicate that hyperconnected individuals are 1.4 times more likely to experience negative psychological states compared to their peers. The effects of hyperconnection vary by gender, influencing both horizontal and vertical social interactions, reducing trust in adult figures, increasing the likelihood of cyberbullying victimisation, phubbing, and body image concerns, and fostering the belief that online relationships can replace offline ones. Overall, the study highlights the urgent need for more effective prevention, awareness, and educational strategies aimed at educators, parents, and adolescents.

The Psychological and Social Effects of Social Media on Adolescents

This study examines the psychological and social effects of social media on adolescents, using a sample of 300 participants to analyze their social media interaction behaviors. Through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression models, and independent samples tests, variables such as social media usage duration, frequency of checks, notification responses, and online interaction preferences were examined. The regression analysis revealed an R^2 value of 0.031, indicating a poor model fit and suggesting that the predictors did not significantly explain the variance in the psychological outcomes measured. The findings indicate a minimal influence of specific measured social media behaviors, pointing to the potential impact of unmeasured factors such as personality traits and offline social environments. The study highlights the need for future research to incorporate a broader range of variables and employ longitudinal designs to better understand the complex effects of social media on adolescent well-being.

The Role of Outdoor Mindfulness Intervention in Optimizing Mental Well-Being in Adolescents with Specific Learning Disabilities

Adolescents with specific learning disabilities may experience mental well-being challenges as a result of struggling academically, facing social stigma, being subjected to negative stereotypes, and experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, poor mental health, lower self-esteem, and increased stress. This study explores the potential benefits of outdoor-based mindfulness interventions as a complementary approach to remedial education, in improving mental well-being in adolescents with specific learning disabilities. This study was conducted at an institution that gives remedial education for children with specific learning disability in Thrissur, Kerala. Convenient sampling was used to select 30 students aged 13-18 years. Later, participants were randomly divided into two groups the experimental group (n=15) received outdoor mindfulness training in addition to their regular remedial education program. In contrast, the control group (n=15) received only remedial training. The study duration spanned four weeks, during which the mindfulness group participated in weekly outdoor mindfulness sessions conducted individually. They were instructed to practice mindfulness exercises daily between sessions. Both groups were assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) at the beginning (pre-intervention) and at the end (post-intervention) of the four weeks to measure changes in mental well-being. The outdoor mindfulness interventions included a range of activities, designed to optimize the level of well-being experienced by the participants in their day-to-day lives. These activities focused on enhancing the skills of mindfully listening, walking, breathing, and observing without any judgments of self and surroundings and being in the present at the moment. Results indicated significant improvements in mental well-being scores among participants in the mindfulness group compared to the control group. This underscores the potential of integrating mindfulness practices into educational settings to enhance emotional regulation and overall well-being in adolescents with specific learning disabilities, highlighting interdisciplinary opportunities across psychology, education, environmental psychology, public health, and social work to support comprehensive student development.

How can the Social Family Climate Contribute to Emotional Intelligence in Preventing Suicidal Ideation and Promoting Life Satisfaction Among Adolescents?

While findings have documented the association between emotional intelligence, life satisfaction, and suicidal ideation among adolescents, few studies have investigated the moderating effect of family climate on the association. This study examined the moderating effect of family cohesion, expressiveness, and conflict on the relationships between emotional intelligence, life satisfaction, and suicidal ideation among Spanish adolescents. A total of 2,722 adolescents aged 12 to 18 (Mage = 14.11, SD = 1.42, 52.8% girls) formed the sample. The interaction effects were significant, with family conflict mitigating the effects of emotional intelligence on life satisfaction, and family cohesion and expressiveness strengthening the effects of emotional intelligence on suicidal ideation. These findings provide additional evidence for the protective role of family cohesion and expressiveness in adolescent suicidal ideation, and the harmful role of family conflict in adolescent wellbeing. The results imply that enhancing family cohesion and expressiveness and reducing family conflict may be a promising way to boost the link between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction and to prevent suicidal ideation among adolescents.

Maternal Factors as Determinants of Stunting in Children under the Age of Five: Scoping Review

Background: Chronic malnutrition during a child's early years leads to stunting, a condition that can harm both their mental and physical development. Studies have indicated a correlation between parenting styles and stunted growth in children that the nutritional knowledge and practices of mothers significantly affect the dietary habits of toddlers. The perspectives and cultural convictions of mothers are significant but have received limited attention as factors that influence the nutritional well-being of children and adolescents. Aims: This review examined maternal factors as determinants of stunting in children under five. Methods: Three databases were used to search for literature, namely PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The key to the search is as follows: “maternal” or “mothers” and “factor” and “stunting” or “stunted” or “growth disorder” and “toddler” or “children under five.” The material displayed in search engines is selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: This review was done on nine articles that were screened and analyzed out of 1,450 articles. The articles come from Nepal, India, Indonesia, Ghana, Congo, Uganda, Lebanon, and the Central African Republic. The type of research articles was cross-sectional and case-control. Conclusion: This review has provided an overview of maternal factors contributing to the prevalence of stunting. These factors include maternal employment, the educational status of mothers, maternal body mass index, the diversity of the mother-child diet, maternal exposure to mass media, and maternal age.

X (Twitter): A Protective Platform for Personal Revelations Among Indonesian LGBTQ Adolescents

Social media provides a protective space for LGBTQ adolescents to share their experiences and self-disclosures. Digital platforms such as X (Twitter) offer an environment that is distinct and more open compared to the conservative attitudes commonly found in traditional societies. However, not all social media platforms provide a safe space for LGBTQ adolescents to openly share their identities and personal experiences, highlighting an urgent need to create safer and more educational digital spaces. This study employs a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach to understand the self-disclosure experiences of LGBTQ adolescents on the X platform. The findings reveal that the X platform plays a crucial role in supporting the self-disclosure of LGBTQ adolescents in Indonesia. The motivations for self-disclosure include the desire to acquire and disseminate knowledge, personal expression, self-acceptance, and involvement in LGBTQ movements and groups. The feedback received in self-disclosure encompasses positive responses such as acceptance and recognition, as well as negative responses such as rejection and exclusion. The consequences of self-disclosure are divided into internal benefits, such as self-actualization and increased self-esteem, and external benefits such as social connections and recognition from the community. This study provides insights for social media platform developers to create more inclusive and supportive environments, despite limitations related to sample size and other factors that may influence the results. Future research is recommended to expand the sample size and explore the long-term impacts of online community support on the well-being of LGBTQ adolescents.

The Association Between Social Media Use and Mental Well-Being Among Vietnamese Adolescents

Adolescence is a developmental stage that experiences an interaction among several factors including biological, psychological, and social sides that contribute to the overall well-being. In a technological advanced era, the emerge of social media takes up enormous attention of social concern that the use of social media is potentially associated with reduced interaction and isolation. However, in Asian context, little is known about the effect of social media on adolescent psychological well-being. According to social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) and social cognitive theory (Bandura), people are driven to evaluate themselves with others and may find motivation to improve or feel dissatisfied, which was not justified in a virtual environment. This study explores the possible relationship between the social media patterns and adolescence well-being. Adolescence’s well-being is measured by The Stirling Children's Wellbeing Scale (SCWBS) for emotional symptoms and psychological well-being and open data reflect personal perception on the topic.

Organizing physical education and sports within the framework of a school sports club based on the trainees’ needs and interests

Introduction. The report of the latest study of the World Health Organization ‘Health Behavior in School-Aged Children’, aimed to gain an understanding of the adolescents’ health in Europe and North America, presents the results on the health and well-being of adolescents from 45 countries and regions; it revealed that only 19% of adolescents comply with recommendations regarding one-hour daily physical activity. The study aims to practically substantiate the organization of physical education and sports within the framework of a school sports club based on the trainees’ needs and interests. Materials and methods. The experiment involved 78 students aged 10-17. The research was carried out at the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution ‘P.P. Balyuk Secondary School No. 56’ in Grozny, Chechen Republic (Russian Federation). From the students of 3 experimental groups (13 people each), educational and training groups were formed, which (in addition to the school PE program) attended sections at the school sports club. Methods of mathematical statistics were: arithmetic mean, Student's t-test. Research results. The experimental methodology was developed as programs of educational and training sessions for football, volleyball and basketball as the most popular and attractive sports for schoolchildren. Comparative analysis and mathematical processing of the experimental results showed statistically significant changes in the indicators of younger schoolchildren in agility (t=3; p <0.05), speed (t=5.9; p <0.05), strength (t=2.9; p <0.05) and flexibility (t=8.9; p <0.05), in middle school students in agility (t=10.2; p <0.05), speed (t=7.3; p <0.05), strength (t=4.9; p <0.05) and flexibility (t=9.4; p <0.05), and in high school students in agility (t=7.3; p <0.05), speed (t=7.3; p <0.05), strength (t=4.3; p <0.05) and flexibility (t=9.3; p <0.05). Conclusion. The obtained data demonstrate the positive dynamics provided by the methodology of organizing PE and sports within the framework of a school sports club based on the trainees’ needs and interests. This proves the chosen method effective, namely, in increasing the scope of physical activity and developing the physical qualities of schoolchildren – the most reliable indicators of their involvement in PE and sports.

183 Association between mental health and different patterns of physical activity in adolescents in Luxembourg – HBSC 2022

Abstract Purpose Regular physical activity (PA) is a key protective factor for health in youths. The WHO recommends that adolescents do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities (VPA) at least 3 days a week. Nonetheless, lower amounts of PA already carry benefits. This study aims to explore and to examine association between well-being and PA levels in adolescents in Luxembourg. Methods A representative sample of 8117 adolescents (11-to-18-years-old) took part in the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Luxembourg survey. Based on the WHO-5 Index adolescents were categorised as “depression symptomatology”, “low mood” and normal well-being. In addition, they were categorised as frequency per week (0 to 7 days) of MVPA and VPA practice. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed, controlling by sex and SES. Normal well-being and physical inactivity were the respective refence groups. Results The results showed an association between mental well-being and both MVPA and VPA (p<.001). Compared to their inactive peers and independently of sex and SES, adolescents in Luxembourg who practiced MVPA 4 days per week or VPA 2 times per week had decreased odds to present low mood (ORMVPA=0.63, 95%CI[0.45-0.87] and ORVPA=0.75, 95%CI[0.60-0.92]) and PA even in a small frequency (1 day per week) already decreased the odds to have depressive symptoms (ORMVPA=0.67, 95%CI[0.51-0.89] and ORVPA=0.61, 95%CI[0.49-0.75]). Conclusions These findings highlight the significance of physical activity in fostering well-being, revealing an inverse relationship between the frequency of physical activity and the occurrence of depressive symptomatology and low well-being. In this regard, the advantages of engaging in physical activity are linked not only to physiological benefits but also to social interactions within these practices. In this context, the benefits of regular physical activity extend beyond its direct impact on mental health, encompassing both physiological and social dimensions.

Problematic internet use: A growing concern for adolescent health and well-being in a digital era.

Problematic internet use: A growing concern for adolescent health and well-being in a digital era.

Holistic adolescent well-being: public health units and spiritual wellness in school mental health during COVID-19.

Holistic adolescent well-being: public health units and spiritual wellness in school mental health during COVID-19.

Environmental sensitivity moderates the longitudinal effect of fathers' positive parenting on mental disorders in Chinese adolescents

BackgroundExposure to fathers' positive parenting has been associated reducing mental disorder symptoms during adolescence, evidence on the mechanisms underlying this association is lacking. One potential mechanism linking fathers' positive parenting and mental disorders is environmental sensitivity (ES). Here we studied whether the increased positive behaviors of both parents (1) separately, (2) relatively, (3) and jointly predict reduced depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, suicidal ideation (SI), and increased well-being in Chinese adolescents. Additionally we investigated (4) whether ES moderates these relationships. MethodsThis study involving 7010 Chinese adolescents (55.6 % girls) aged 15 to 18 from six junior high schools in Shaanxi, China was conducted at four timepoints. ES was assessed using the Highly Sensitive Child (HSC) scale at ages 15 and 16, parental positive behaviors using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) at ages 16 and 17, and psychopathology symptoms using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) Inventory at ages 17 and 18. Results(1) Multilevel analyses revealed that increased positive parenting predicted reduced psychiatric disorder symptoms and improved well-being; (2) trend interaction indicated that the compensatory effect of fathers' positive parenting was stronger in alleviating mental problems in adolescents than that of mothers'; (3) Simple slope analyses suggested that both high levels of fathers' and mothers' positive parenting predicted fewer subsequent psychiatric disorder symptoms, particularly for sensitive adolescents. LimitationsThis study was limited to its generalizability to the Western Chinese adolescents. ConclusionsSubstantial differences in the effects of positive paternal and maternal parenting highlight the important role of fathers' positive parenting in mental development, especially for highly sensitive adolescents.

Interventions to Address the Health and Well-Being of Married Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Child marriage, defined by the United Nations as marriage before the age of 18 years, is a widespread practice with serious health and social consequences. We systematically reviewed academic and gray literature to learn what is known about the current state of the evidence for interventions to respond to the needs of married adolescents. Our analysis of the 29 included intervention studies identified variability across sectors, with most programs focusing on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and maternal health. We found that interventions occur mostly at a small scale, are geographically concentrated, and focus on SRH to the neglect of other sectors. There is a need for programs to focus on improving educational and economic outcomes among married girls, as well as increased efforts to support equitable marital relations and engage men and boys. The emphasis on preventing child marriage must be matched by efforts to mitigate and respond to the practice.

Mental Health Issues Among Adolescents: Challenges and Management

Abstract: Adolescence is an important stage of life between childhood and adulthood. The shift in lifestyle, physical inactivity, high expectations of family/friends/teachers, and continuous exposure to social media and the internet have created physical, social, emotional, and mental imbalances in adolescents. The individuals of this age group are vulnerable and exposed to these stressful factors, leading to psychological complications. Most psychological problems diagnosed in the later stages of life begin in adolescence. The purpose of this mini-review was to identify mental health problems and available non-pharmacological interventions to manage the overall well-being of adolescents. A literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies, including research, review, and other articles/data available on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, WHO, GHDx, and AACAP. Search keys included essential keywords like adolescence, yoga, mental health, anxiety, depression, and a combination of these words. The literature search identified several mental disorders like emotional, behavioral, identity, psychosis, dietary, and other risky behaviors. Most of these non-pharmacological interventions adopted focused on improving the mental and physical well-being in school and community settings. Among all the interventions, we found yoga to be the most popular and widely accepted effective tool that reduces anxiety, depression, and psychological problems. Yoga also improved resilience, attention, and other well-being parameters. Yoga helps manage physical and mental health in adolescence.

Household income mobility and adolescent subjective well-being in China: Analyzing the mechanisms of influence

BackgroundThe relationship between adult happiness and income has been a topic of extensive discussion. However, among children and adolescents, who are not directly engaged in economic activities, the relationship between household income over time and happiness is more complex and remains less explored. MethodsWe used nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS) from 2012 to 2018. The analytic sample consisted of 3,607 Chinese adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in 2018. Using an ordinary least squares model, we investigated the associations of 2-year (2016–2018), 4-year (2014–2018), and 6-year (2012–2018) household income mobility (i.e., upward mobility and downward mobility) with adolescents’ subjective well-being (i.e., happiness and depression) in 2018. We further explored the potential mediating effects of parental care on these associations and whether they were moderated by adolescent age, adolescent sex, and initial household economic status. ResultsWe found that upward mobility in household income was associated with decreased subjective well-being and parental care mediated this association. Furthermore, we found that the effects of upward mobility on adolescent subjective well-being varied by age, sex, and initial household economic status. Additionally, downward income mobility did not significantly impact adolescents’ subjective well-being. ConclusionOur findings emphasized that economic progress and upward mobility should not come at the expense of parental care, as this would decrease adolescents’ subjective well-being. Collaboration between the government and families is crucial to address the conflicts between work and family responsibilities, ensuring that parents are available and supportive to their children.