Anxiety In Adolescents Research Articles

Iron Deficiency and Internalizing Symptoms Among Adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Iron Deficiency (ID) affects two billion people worldwide, predominantly adolescent girls, and may be associated with increased psychopathology. The associations between ID and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents were examined using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Americans. Methods: The current analysis included survey cycles where both iron-related markers and mental health-related outcomes were collected in adolescents 12 to 17 years old. Acute and serious medical conditions, acute inflammation, and abnormal birth weight led to exclusion. Linear multivariable regression analyses examined the association between ID status (defined based on the total body iron model) and (1) total Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score, (2) one item examining anxiety severity, and (3) one item examining overall mental well-being. Covariates included age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index, household income, head-of-household marital status, and psychotropic medication use. Sensitivity analyses examined the robustness of the findings when ID was defined based on the ferritin model. Results: In 1990 adolescents (age [mean ± SD]: 14.5 ± 1.7 years; 85.7% females), ID with and without anemia was significantly associated with a higher PHQ-9 score in multiracial adolescents (Cohen’s d = 1.09, p = 0.0005 for ID without anemia; d = 0.92, p = 0.0395 for ID with anemia). Moreover, ID with anemia was associated with more severe anxiety (d = 3.00, p = 0.0130) and worse mental well-being (d = 2.75, p = 0.0059) in multiracial adolescents. The findings remained significant after adjusting for psychotropic use and in the sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Iron deficiency is associated with poorer mental health in adolescents of multiracial background. Future studies should confirm these findings prospectively and examine the underlying mechanism.

Shared and unique lifetime stressor characteristics and brain networks predict adolescent anxiety and depression.

Exposure to major life stressors and aberrant brain functioning have been linked to anxiety and depression, especially during periods of heighted functional brain plasticity, such as adolescence. However, it remains unclear if specific characteristics of major life stressors and functional network disruptions differentially predict anxiety and depression symptoms over time and, if so, whether they act independently or jointly. We collected baseline lifetime stressor exposure data and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data in a longitudinal sample of 107 adolescents enriched for anxiety and depressive disorders. We examined five stressor characteristics: physical danger, interpersonal loss, humiliation, entrapment, and role change/disruption. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed at baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Linear mixed effect models tested if these stressor characteristics, functional connectivity within and between frontoparietal, default, and ventral attention networks, and their interactions differentially predicted anxiety and depression symptoms at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Greater lifetime severity of physical danger and humiliation prospectively predicted increased anxiety symptoms at both follow-ups, whereas greater lifetime entrapment severity prospectively predicted higher anxiety and depression symptoms. Only the effects of lifetime entrapment severity were robust to including within- and between-network functional connectivity metrics and other significantly predictive stressor characteristics. Lifetime entrapment severity more strongly predicted anxiety symptoms in youth with higher default network connectivity. Greater functional connectivity between frontoparietal and default networks prospectively predicted increased depression symptoms. Taken together, these results underscore the critical importance of using stressor characteristics and functional connectivity jointly to study predictors for adolescent anxiety and depression.

Association between childhood trauma and social anxiety in adolescents: The mediating role of self-compassion and loneliness

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown a correlation between childhood trauma and social anxiety. However, the underlying mechanism of this association is not well understood. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and social anxiety in adolescents, and to explore the mediating role of self-compassion and loneliness. Participants and settingIn total 1309 adolescents (531 of whom were female) were recruited, and their mean age was 15.4 ± 2.30 years. MethodsParticipants completed the Adolescent Social Anxiety Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, Self-Compassion Scale, and University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships among childhood trauma, self-compassion, loneliness, and social anxiety. The PROCESS Macro Model 80 was used for regression analysis to explore the mediating effects of self-compassion and loneliness on the relationship between childhood trauma and social anxiety. ResultsAfter controlling for the influence of gender and parental marital status, self-compassion mediated the association between childhood trauma and social anxiety, in which positive self-compassion alleviated the relationship between childhood trauma and social anxiety, while negative self-compassion aggravated the relationship between childhood trauma and social anxiety. Furthermore, self-compassion and loneliness chain-mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and social anxiety. ConclusionThese results offer theoretical support for the research and intervention of adolescents' social anxiety, and are crucial for developing adolescents' mental health education and promoting interpersonal communication.

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review.

Social media use is ubiquitous to the lives of children and adolescents. The body of research investigating its potential impact on mental health has risen exponentially. We systematically reviewed the present literature exploring potential linkages between social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety in this vulnerable group. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses framework, articles were searched across Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception to February 2024. Quantitative studies with social media as exposure and anxiety/depressive symptoms as outcomes in children and adolescents 5-18 years of age were included. Of the 4850 studies retrieved, 67 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most frequent measures of social media were "time spent on social media" and "frequency of use." Depressive symptoms were the outcome of 61 studies, whereas anxiety was measured in 27 studies. Most studies were of fair quality (n = 53). A meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Our review shows that (1) problematic social media use is associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents, (2) duration of social media use was more consistently linked with anxiety and depression in girls compared with boys, and (3) mediating and moderating mechanisms were sleep deprivation, social comparison, and feedback-seeking behaviors, exercise, social support, and type of social media use. Qualitative work and robust large-scale longitudinal observations using a person-specific approach are needed to further our understanding of the impact of social media use on depression and anxiety in children and adolescents.

Social Anxiety in Adolescents: An Analysis of the Psychological Influence Mechanism of Social Media Use

With the rapid progress of Internet technology, social media has become an indispensable part of the daily life of contemporary teenagers, which has a profound impact on their social habits, information acquisition methods and psychological development tracks. This paper explores the psychological mechanism of social anxiety in adolescents using social media, aiming to reveal how social media exerts a profound influence on social behavior, psychological cognition and emotional state of adolescents through various complex ways.The features of social media, such as convenience, interaction, anonymity and visualization, together constitute the basic environment for teenagers to use social media. They have many impacts on teenagers, including positive aspects such as the expansion of social circle, the convenience of information acquisition and the realization of self-expression, and may also bring negative impacts, especially social anxiety. This paper makes an in-depth analysis from multiple dimensions. On the one hand, the phenomenon of social comparison on social media is widespread, and teenagers are prone to inappropriate self-evaluation and feelings of inferiority when browsing the life fragments carefully selected and displayed by others, which will trigger social anxiety. On the other hand, there is also the ever-present threat of cyberbullying and harassment, and these negative experiences pose a serious threat to adolescents' mental health and exacerbate their symptoms of social anxiety. In addition, the increase of information overload and cognitive burden, addiction and dependence on social media are also important factors leading to social anxiety among adolescents. From the family, school and social level, it is necessary to strengthen the education and guidance of young people, help them establish the correct concept of social media use, set a reasonable time to use, encourage physical social activities, and cultivate self-esteem and self-confidence. At the same time, for adolescents with social anxiety symptoms, professional psychological help should be sought in time to alleviate their anxiety and promote their mental health development.

The relationship between emotion regulation ability and anxiety in adolescents: independent and collaborative mediating roles of adaptive and nonadaptive emotion regulation strategies

The relationship between emotion regulation ability and anxiety in adolescents: independent and collaborative mediating roles of adaptive and nonadaptive emotion regulation strategies

62 Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a brief virtual group intervention for adolescents with mild to moderate suicidal ideation and their caregivers: The BRAVA study

Abstract Background Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA) is a brief virtual group intervention designed for adolescents with mild to moderate suicidal ideation (SI) and their caregivers. The goal of BRAVA is to reduce SI in adolescents and increase family connection. The intervention consists of six independent, 90 minute modules that are delivered in a group setting on a weekly basis. Independent modules allow for rolling admission thereby reducing wait time to start the intervention. The modules include components of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Attachment Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving and psychoeducation. Adolescents and their parents attend separate groups. Adolescents focus on emotional regulation, coping skills, managing crisis situations and caregivers focus on connecting with their teen, validation and crisis management Objectives This randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the efficacy of BRAVA in reducing symptoms of SI, depression and anxiety in adolescents, and improving life stress and competency in caregivers. Design/Methods Ninety-nine eligible youth (13-17.5 years) presenting with mild to moderate SI (rated 1 on the suicide item of HEADS-ED MH screening tool) and their caregivers were recruited from hospital and community services. Families were randomized to BRAVA (n=50) or the control group (n=49). The control group intervention consisted of weekly text messages and the opportunity to join the BRAVA group post-exit assessment). Outcome measures were administered at intake and exit for adolescents (Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior, SIQ-JR; Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, RCADS) and caregivers (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS; Parent Sense of Competency Scale, PSOC). Outcomes were analyzed using repeated measures of multivariable analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results Preliminary analyses showed no significant differences between groups at intake for any demographic or clinical variables. Most adolescents and caregivers completed their exit assessment (nBRAVA=37; nControl=39). Adolescents and caregivers attended a median of six and five groups, respectively. Comparing to the control group, BRAVA was superior in reducing SI (p = 0.05) and depression (p = 0.005) in adolescents and caregiver life stress (p = 0.026). Preliminary MANOVA of adolescent outcomes were significant for time [p <0.01, Effect size (ES) = 0.98] and between groups (p = 0.03, ES = 0.11). Caregiver outcomes were significant for time (p=0.051, ES=0.70). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a brief virtual group intervention can have a significant impact on adolescent SI and depression compared to an enhanced treatment as usual control group. In addition, BRAVA can reduce caregiver perceived stress, helping them view their lives as less unpredictable, uncontrollable and overloaded.

Maternal and paternal harsh parenting and anxiety symptoms in Chinese adolescents: examining a multiple mediation model

BackgroundHarsh parenting has been recognized as a risk factor for adolescent anxiety; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear, and it is unknown whether this relationship is influenced by different parental roles and living arrangements. This study aimed to investigate the mediating mechanisms between harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms using a multiple mediation model and to further compare specific roles of harsh parenting and distinguish between the living arrangements.MethodsA total of 3505 adolescents completed this survey, and 3295 adolescents (54.7% girls, Mage = 14.97 years) were included in the study. Participants completed self-assessments measuring harsh parenting, self-efficacy, school connectedness, Internet addiction, sleep problems, and anxiety. They were categorized into three groups based on living arrangements: living with both parents, only with the mother, or only with the father.ResultsCorrelational analyses revealed that both maternal and paternal harsh parenting were associated with increased anxiety symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) mediation analyses and multigroup analyses showed that the independent mediating effects of school connectedness, Internet addiction, and sleep problems, as well as the sequential mediating pathways involving self-efficacy → school connectedness, self-efficacy → Internet addiction, and self-efficacy → sleep problems, vary across the adolescents’ living arrangements in the association between maternal and paternal harsh parenting and adolescent anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsThis study elucidated the mechanisms linking harsh parenting to adolescent anxiety symptoms and validated the effects of different parental roles and living arrangements. The findings provide important insights for developing targeted interventions to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents exposed to harsh parenting.

Longitudinal effects of father‐adolescent attachment on anxiety: A multi‐informant study

AbstractResearch has demonstrated that many elements of the family context can play a significant role in the development of anxiety in adolescents. Some work suggests that parent‐adolescent attachment may serve as an antecedent of adolescent anxiety problems, but there remains a gap in research that examines both the mother‐adolescent and father‐adolescent attachment relationship and its impact on adolescent anxiety. Evidence suggests that parent‐child attachment security may provide a context for the development of emotion regulation skills; if an adolescent lacks these important regulatory capabilities in a time of stressful transitions, this may be related to increased feelings of anxiety. However, little is known about the particular effects of father‐adolescent attachment on anxiety, especially in early to mid‐adolescence. The present study addresses parental influences on the development of adolescent anxiety in a sample of 295 mothers, fathers, and adolescents studied across three years. Two dyadic growth‐curve models were specified: one for mother‐adolescent dyads and the other for father‐adolescent dyads. Results indicated that linear increases in adolescent reports of secure attachment with their fathers were predictive of linear decreases in adolescent reports of anxiety. Interestingly, there were no significant effects for the mother‐adolescent model. The results call attention to the developmental significance of attachment to fathers in buffering adolescents from emerging anxiety in this developmental period. The present study contributes to a growing body of research that highlights the importance of the father‐child relationship in adolescence.

Understanding the Interplay between Anxiety and Self-Esteem among School-Going Adolescents: Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Adolescents undergo significant psychological and emotional changes, with factors such as anxiety, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem playing pivotal roles in their regular development, whereas their association is unclear. This study investigates how emotional intelligence plays a role as a moderator between anxiety and self-esteem of Bangladeshi adolescents. The study was conducted by following a cross-sectional study design, whereas a total of 300 high-school students were selected using a random sampling technique. Data were collected using the Bangla version of anxiety, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem measuring questionnaires. The results displayed that in the case of anxiety, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem, no significant differences were found across varied socio-economic statuses, while these three outcome variables were significantly varied due to gender and family types. In addition, the Pearson product-moment correlation explored a significant negative correlation of anxiety with emotional intelligence and self-esteem and a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and self-esteem among students. Furthermore, the hierarchical regression analysis manifested buffering effects of emotional intelligence in the relationship between anxiety and self-esteem. This study's findings emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in mitigating anxiety and enhancing self-esteem, regardless of varied socio-economic status. Ultimately, the findings would contribute to policy and decision-making regarding improving the well-being of adolescents in Bangladesh. Jagannath University Journal of Science, Volume 11, Number 1, June 2024, pp. 94−105

Network analysis of correlations between suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety symptoms in adolescents.

Adolescents with a history of suicide exposure, defined as experiencing the suicide death of a family member, friend, or other acquaintances, are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. This study aimed to explore prevalence rates and the network of adolescents' suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety symptoms, and to clarify the correlations between suicide exposure and symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 8,957 adolescents were included in this cross-sectional study. Data regarding general information, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and suicide exposure were collected from mid-September to early October 2021. Network analysis was employed to assess relationships between suicide exposure and individual symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Central symptoms were identified by strength; the flow network was visualized to identify symptoms directly related to suicide exposure. The prevalence rates of suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety were 5.28%, 12.87%, and 10.48%. Results indicated that suicide exposure was associated with both depression and anxiety, and had the strongest positive association with suicidal ideation. Central symptoms of the network were sad mood, nervousness, fatigue, irritability, and uncontrollable worry. Bridge symptoms were suicidal ideation and irritability. Appetite changes, suicidal ideation, uncontrollable worry, sleep difficulties, and irritability were symptoms directly related to suicide exposure. There were significant inter-symptom associations between suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety in adolescents. It is recommended that future studies explore whether targeted interventions and long-term monitoring concerning these inter-symptom associations can protect adolescents with suicide exposure.

Sleeping on the edge: Adolescents living at moderate altitude report greater sleep need

PurposeResearch in adults suggests that altitude impacts the restorative properties of sleep and increases risk for mental health concerns. The aim of this study was to extend this research to an adolescent sample to examine how living at altitude may be associated with greater sleep need and mental health symptoms during a period of the life-span when risk for insufficient sleep and mental health difficulties is high. MethodsData were collected from 105 adolescents aged 10–17 years residing at moderate-high altitudes. Parents reported on sociodemographics and adolescent depressive and anxiety symptoms, and adolescents reported on their subjective sleep need and sleep duration. Altitude was calculated using U.S. Geological Survey data. ResultsAdjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, rurality, and sleep duration, living at higher altitude was associated with reports of greater sleep need. Altitude was unrelated to mental health symptoms. DiscussionThe majority of adolescents do not obtain the recommended amount of sleep. These findings suggest that adolescents living at moderate-high altitudes may be at further risk due increased sleep need at higher elevations.

A Meta-analysis on the Influence of Authoritarian Parenting Style on Adolescents' Social Anxiety

Aim To understand the influence of authoritarian parenting style in adolescents' social anxiety.  Methodology Previous research papers and articles published on this topic were reviewed and comprehended through google scholar and pub med etc that were previously used by other scholars. After collecting various studies, these studies were reviewed and reached a conclusion.  Literature Review This study comprises various papers conducted by researchers on the impact of authoritarian parenting on adolescents’ social anxiety. These studies were assumed to be the data for this present study. This study was successfully completed by discussing the findings of these already existing studies.  Discussion and Interpretation Many studies have found that authoritarian parenting has a significant direct effect on social anxiety in adolescents. The cold and rejecting parenting enhances fear in the child. As the child grows into adolescence, the teen may withdraw from social situations and isolate himself or herself solely because of the fear of being judged and scrutinized by others.  Conclusion It is suggested that parents should not adopt authoritarian parenting to upbring the child. Girls were reported to be higher in social anxiety as compared to boys.

The mediating role of inhibitory control and the moderating role of family support between anxiety and Internet addiction in Chinese adolescents

ObjectiveWhile some studies have explored the influencing factors of adolescent internet addiction, the risk factors and protective factors still require further discussion. This study aims to examine the mediating role of inhibitory control between anxiety and internet addiction among Chinese adolescents, as well as the moderating role of family support in the relationship between anxiety and inhibitory control. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling from February to March 2024 in seven schools across five provinces in China. A total of 1677 participants (697 males and 980 females) with an average age of 15.86 ± 0.74 years were included in the study. Self-reported data on internet addiction, anxiety, inhibitory control, and family support were collected, followed by correlation analysis and moderated mediation model testing. ResultsAfter controlling for participants' gender and age, the study found that anxiety could significantly predict adolescent internet addiction directly (β = 0.429, p < 0.001). When inhibitory control was introduced as a mediating variable, the predictive effect of anxiety on adolescent internet addiction remained significant (β = 0.317, p < 0.001). Additionally, family support alleviated the relationship between anxiety and adolescents' inhibitory control (β = −0.057, p < 0.01). ConclusionAnxiety can predict adolescent internet addiction through inhibitory control, while family support can moderate the predictive relationship between anxiety and adolescents' inhibitory control. It is recommended that guardians pay attention to adolescents' negative emotions, provide adequate support, guide emotional regulation, and prevent the occurrence of internet addiction.

Anxiety, inhibitory control, physical activity, and internet addiction in Chinese adolescents: a moderated mediation model

BackgroundAdolescents may have anxiety due to a series of events such as school work and social interaction. Improper handling of anxiety often leads to some negative consequences, such as Internet addiction. Therefore, this study further explored the relationship between anxiety and Internet addiction, as well as the mediating role of inhibitory control between the two, and also considered the moderating role of physical activity between anxiety and inhibitory control.MethodsA total of 1607 adolescents, comprising 664 boys and 943 girls with an average age of 15.86 years (SD = 0.73), from Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, and Hunan provinces completed a self-report survey on physical activity, anxiety, inhibitory control, and Internet addiction. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation test were conducted.ResultsThe results revealed a significant positive correlation between anxiety and adolescent internet addiction (r = 0.413, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation with inhibitory control (r = -0.423, p < 0.001). Inhibitory control was found to be significantly positively correlated with physical exercise (r = 0.143, p < 0.001) and significantly negatively correlated with internet addiction (r = -0.368, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic variables, anxiety significantly positively predicted Internet addiction (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) in adolescents, and it also indirectly predicted Internet addiction through inhibitory control (β = -0.231, p < 0.001). Physical activity significantly weakened the predictive effect of anxiety on inhibitory control (β = -0.092, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study further explored the issue of psychological mechanisms between anxiety and Internet addiction in adolescents, and added that physical activity alleviates the negative effects of anxiety on adolescents. Schools and families are encouraged to promote physical exercise among adolescents to alleviate the influence of negative emotions on their psychological and behavioral health.

Comparative Outcomes of Three School-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Adolescent Suicide Prevention in Hong Kong.

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a school-based suicide prevention program in Hong Kong. Methods: 105 secondary school students aged 14-16, identified as having high levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Participants were divided into three intervention groups: one for adolescents only, another for adolescents with peers, and a third for adolescents with parental involvement. All groups engaged in weekly online exercises. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the within-group and between-group differences in the levels of adolescents' suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. Results: The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety levels after participation in all three groups. No statistically significant between-group differences were identified, meaning the effects of the three interventions on the measured outcomes were similar. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the promise of implementing school-based suicide prevention programs in the Hong Kong context.

The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Social Anxiety and Coping Strategies

Today's adolescents are a generation born with the advent of the internet, and their lifestyle and thinking patterns are deeply influenced by the online environment. Unlike in the past, when adolescent growth mainly depended on living, learning, and social environments, media technology today is intricately linked to human development. With the widespread use of social media, while adolescents enjoy the convenience and fun it brings, they also face challenges related to social anxiety and other mental health issues. Therefore, this paper analyzes the impact of social media use on adolescent social interactions from different dimensions, including both positive and negative effects. It also explores the causes of adolescent social anxiety, which include individual psychological factors, the characteristics of social media itself, and the family and social environment. Accordingly, it suggests that targeted support should be provided to adolescents to help them develop good social media habits, effectively cope with social anxiety, and promote their overall healthy development.

Sertraline medications plus dialectical behavior therapy for depressed adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors.

The study aims to investigate the efficacy of sertraline medication plus dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in reducing nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior and depression among adolescents. Participants were 100 adolescents with depression and NSSI behaviors, 50 of whom received sertraline medication plus DBT and 50 of whom received sertraline medication plus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 12 weeks. During 6 months post intervention, 26 (57.8%) participants did not report having engaged in any form of NSSI in the sertraline + DBT group and 15 (32.6%) in the sertraline + CBT group, showing significant difference. The sertraline + DBT group and the sertraline + CBT group exhibited significant difference regarding the proportions of cutting skin and biting self. The scores of anxiety, depression, aggression against self in four modified overt aggression scale categories, and Personal and Social Performance were notably lower in the sertraline + DBT group than those in the sertraline + CBT group at 6 months post intervention. Sertraline medication plus DBT could decrease NSSI episodes and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression for adolescents, and these changes were comparable to those of CBT. More importantly, DBT was demonstrated better clinical improvements at 6-month follow-up.

O IMPACTO DO USO DE CIGARROS ELETRÔNICOS NA SAÚDE MENTAL DOS ADOLESCENTES: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Objective: To analyze the impact of electronic cigarette use on adolescent mental health, identifying motivational and risk factors associated with the use of these devices. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, with descriptors in Portuguese and English. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 that analyzed the relationship between electronic cigarette use and the mental health of adolescents aged 12 to 24 years were included. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected for analysis. Results: The main motivational factors for the use of electronic cigarettes include curiosity, the perception of lower risk compared to traditional cigarettes, sensory appeal, and social influence. Risk factors include adverse childhood experiences, mental health problems, substance use, and poor academic performance. The review indicated a strong association between the use of electronic cigarettes and increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders in adolescents. Additionally, the importance of stricter public policies and psychological support programs is emphasized to mitigate the negative effects of electronic cigarette use among young people.

Generational Shifts in Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Time-Lag Study.

There is concern that adolescents today are experiencing a "mental health crisis" compared to previous generations. Research has lacked a longitudinal time-lag design to directly compare depressive symptoms and social anxiety of adolescents in two generations. The current study surveyed 1081 adolescents in the current generation (Mage = 14.60, SD = 0.31, 49% female) and 1211 adolescents in a previous generation (Mage = 14.40, SD = 0.51, 51% female) across the high school years (grades 9-12), 20 years apart. Mixed-effects analysis revealed that the Current-Sample reported higher and increasing mental health problems over time compared to the Past-Sample. Although most adolescents reported consistently low mental health problems, the Current-Sample had a higher proportion of adolescents who were consistently at risk across the high school years compared to the Past-Sample. These findings highlight while most adolescents in both generations do not report elevated mental health problems, there may be a small, yet growing, group of adolescents today at risk for experiencing a "mental health crisis".