Adolescent Behavior Research Articles

Contextual Variables Associated with Challenging Behaviors in Adolescents with Fragile X Syndrome.

Our purpose was to report on a novel method of identifying variables associated with challenging behaviors in natural interactions between mothers and their adolescents with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Videotaped interactions of 47 dyads interacting with an iPad game, completing a puzzle, and making a snack and were coded for challenging behaviors by adolescents with FXS, and maternal behaviors that preceded these behaviors. We described the frequencies of adolescent challenging behaviors, then used sequential and survival analyses to identify maternal and adolescent behaviors that preceded self-injurious behavior (SIB) and aggression. Across all the dyads, 109 instances of SIB and 79 instances of aggression were identified during the 30min of recorded interaction. Most of these challenging behaviors occurred during the iPad activity. The sequential analysis indicated that maternal requests for behavioral compliance frequently preceded both SIB and aggression. Survival analyses revealed that the likelihood of SIB or aggression was increased if the mothers requested behavioral compliance after the child engaged in another challenging behavior. Challenging behaviors including SIB and aggression were frequently observed in many participants. The sequential and survival analyses were useful for identifying precursors to these behaviors. Further research is needed to investigate preventative strategies based on the results of sequential and survival analyses.

An Umbrella Review of Cognitive Behavioural and Dialectical Behavioural Therapies to Treat Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents.

The incidence of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in adolescents is increasing. Considering the great impact in this population, an actualization of the evidence of those psychological treatment's excellence for suicidal behaviour. Thus, the aim of this paper is to compile the available evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy in preventing self-harm and suicidal behaviour in adolescents. A umbrella review was carried out, different databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psyinfo, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) were consulted. The 16-item measurement tool to assess systematic reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) were performed by two independent reviewers and any discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The Rayyan-Qatar Computing Research Institute was used for the screening process. Nine systematic reviews were included. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy appears to reduce the incidence of suicide-related events compared with treatment as usual, compared to usual treatment (which usually consists of drugs and talk therapy) especially when combined with fluoxetine. Dialectical behavioural therapy seems to be associated with a reduction in suicidal ideation and self-harm. Although the results found show results with high heterogeneity. The evidence on cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy for suicide prevention, self-harm and suicide ideation in adolescents seems to show positive results. Considering, the special population and great impact, further research is needed and comparable studies should be sought that allow to set up robust recommendations.

Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviour in Context of Identity Formation

Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviour in Context of Identity Formation

Relationship between motivations and dietary behaviours within parent-adolescent dyads: Application of actor-partner interdependence models.

Parents play a substantial role in improving adolescent dietary behaviours. To examine the interdependent relationships between motivations (autonomous and emotional motivation) and dietary behaviours (fruit and vegetable [F/V] and junk food and sugar-sweetened beverage [JF/SSB] intake) within parent-adolescent dyads. This secondary data analysis was conducted on 1522 parent-adolescent dyads using a cross-sectional Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. The ratio of boys to girls among the adolescents was approximately equal, and 74% of the parents were mothers. The adolescents were between 12 and 17 years old, and 85.5% of the parents were between 35 and 59 years old. Parents and adolescents completed an online survey on dietary motivations and behaviours. Actor-partner interdependence models were performed within parent-adolescent dyads. F/V and JF/SSB intake was influenced by parents' or adolescents' autonomous motivation (actor-only pattern), except among adolescents with obesity. A dyadic pattern was found in the relationship between autonomous motivation and F/V and JF/SSB intake, but only among adolescents with normal weight. No relationship was found between F/V and JF/SSB controlled motivation and F/V or JF/SSB intake among adolescents with overweight or obesity. Autonomous motivation had a significant relationship with F/V and JF/SSB intake for both parents and adolescents, but the association varied depending on the adolescents' weight. Personalized programmes that foster autonomous motivation to change dietary behaviours should be provided based on the adolescents' weight status.

Can physical activity counteract the negative effects of sedentary behavior on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents? A narrative review.

The increase in sedentary behavior (SB) in children and adolescents is one of the major threats to global public health, and the relationship between physical activity (PA) and SB has always been a key topic. The literature search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and Scopus, and 121 pieces of literature were included in this study after screening and evaluation. (1) SB caused by screen time such as mobile phones and TVs has varying degrees of negative impact on obesity, cardiovascular metabolism, skeletal muscle development, and cognitive, and psychological disorders in children and adolescents. (2) Regular physical activity could effectively prevent, offset, or improve the harm of SB to the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, mainly by reducing the incidence of obesity, and cardiovascular and metabolic risks, promoting skeletal muscle development, and improving cognitive function and mental health. (3) The mechanism of physical activity to prevent or ameliorate the harm of SB was relatively complex, mainly involving the inhibition or activation of neurobiomolecules, the improvement of blood and cell metabolic factors, and the enhancement of brain functional connectivity. Children and adolescents should avoid excessive SB, and through a variety of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to replace or intermittent SB, which could effectively prevent or improve the harm of SB to physical and mental health.

Emergency Department Utilization Due to Challenging Behavior in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a greater risk of seeking emergency department (ED) services during behavioral crises, such as acute aggression, suicidal or homicidal ideation, self-injury, or other types of challenging behavior (e.g., pica, dangerous behaviors). Research demonstrates children and adolescents with ASD often return to the ED due to challenging behavior, suggesting that gaps in care exist (e.g., follow-up appointments, referrals). However, the current knowledge basis is largely based on data from other countries. Given the unique landscape of healthcare in the United States, it is prudent to elucidate characteristics of children and adolescents with ASD who are seeking emergency care due to challenging behavior, as well as systems-level factors that both contribute to our understanding of challenging behavior and ASD in ED settings. In this study, we focus on frequency and characteristics of children and adolescents with ASD presenting to the ED with challenging behavior over the course of a 6-year period in the Midwest region of the United States. Clinical implications for ED staff are discussed.

Neighbourhood Environments and Lifestyle Behaviours in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectivesEarly prevention strategies are needed to mitigate the high risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Residential neighbourhood features can promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and reduce cardiovascular risk, but less is known about their role in lifestyle behaviours in adolescents with T1D, and no studies used comparisons to healthy controls. MethodsWe examined associations between residential neighbourhood features and lifestyle behaviours in adolescents with T1D and healthy controls. Data were analyzed from the CARdiovascular Disease risk factors in pEdiatric type 1 diAbetes (CARDEA) study, a cross-sectional investigation of 100 adolescents with T1D (14 to 18 years) from a pediatric diabetes clinic in Montréal, Canada, and 97 healthy controls. Outcomes included physical activity and sedentary behaviour (accelerometry), screen time and sleep duration (questionnaires), and dietary habits (24-hour recalls). Cluster analysis of selected neighbourhood indicators computed for participants’ postal codes resulted in 2 neighbourhood types: central urban and peri-urban. Central urban neighbourhoods were characterized by very high population density, high active living index, numerous points of interest, higher social deprivation, higher residential mobility, and lower median household income compared with peri-urban neighbourhoods. Associations of neighbourhood type with lifestyle behaviours were estimated with multiple linear regressions and interactions by T1D status were tested. ResultsLiving in central urban neighbourhoods was associated with greater daily minutes of moderate-to-vigourous physical activity (beta = 8.61, 95% confidence interval 1.79 to 15.44) compared with living in peri-urban neighbourhoods. No associations were observed for other lifestyle behaviours, and no statistically significant interactions were found between neighbourhood type and T1D status. ConclusionFeatures that characterize central urban built environments appear to promote physical activity in adolescents, regardless of T1D status.

Reduced prosocial motivation and effort in adolescents with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits.

Prosocial behaviours - acts that benefit others - are of crucial importance for many species including humans. However, adolescents with conduct problems (CP), unlike their typically developing (TD) peers, demonstrate markedly reduced engagement in prosocial behaviours. This pattern is particularly pronounced in adolescents with CP and high levels of callous-unemotional traits (CP/HCU) who are at increased risk of developing psychopathy in adulthood. While a substantial amount of research has investigated the cognitive-affective mechanisms thought to underlie antisocial behaviour, much less is known about the mechanisms that could explain reduced prosocial behaviours in adolescents with CP. Here we examined the willingness to exert effort to benefit oneself (self) and another person (other, prosocial condition) in children with CP/HCU, CP and lower levels of CU traits (CP/LCU) and their TD peers. The task captured both prosocial choices, and actual effort exerted following prosocial choices, in adolescent boys aged 11-16 (27 CP/HCU; 34 CP/LCU; 33 TD). We used computational modelling to reveal the mechanistic processes involved when choosing prosocial acts. We found that both CP/HCU and CP/LCU groups were more averse to initiating effortful prosocial acts than TD adolescents - both at a cognitive and at a behavioural level. Strikingly, even if they chose to initiate a prosocial act, the CP/HCU group exerted less effort following this prosocial choice than other groups. Our findings indicate that reduced exertion of effort to benefit others may be an important factor that differentiates adolescents with CP/HCU from their peers with CP/LCU. They offer new insights into what might drive low prosocial behaviour in adolescents with CP, including vulnerabilities that may particularly characterise those with high levels of CU traits.

Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children and adolescents with Wilson's disease in the context of quality of life.

Patients with Wilson's disease (WD) are at increased risk of poor quality of life (QoL) and social-emotional outcomes. The above data has been well established in the adult population. What are the predictors of QoL in children and adolescents with WD are unknown. Our study examined whether subjective feelings about QoL are related to the psychosocial functioning in paediatric patients. A cross-sectional study among 50 children with WD, aged 7-18 years. Participants completed the KINDL QoL questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist assessing internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Internalizing and externalizing behaviors and their interaction are significant in predicting the QoL of children with WD. Internalizing behaviors are significant predictor of the QoL β = -0.328 (p < 0.05). The effect of internalizing behavior on the QoL varies with the level of externalizing behavior β = -0.344* (p < 0.05). Simple effects analysis indicates that the highest QoL for children with WD is in the group characterized by both low levels of internalizing and medium levels of externalizing behaviors, t = -3.052 (df = 46) and p < 0.01, or high levels of externalizing behaviors, t = -2.725 (df = 46) p < 0.01. The interaction between internalizing behaviors explained an additional 7.5% of the variance in scores on the QoL scale. Overall, the final regression model explained 14.9% of the scores on the QoL scale. Monitoring internalizing and externalizing behaviors will allow a better understanding of the course of treatment. In chronic disease, the QoL is an aspect that determines the doctor-patient relationship and often determines the course of the therapeutic process.

An alpha 5-GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator attenuates social and cognitive deficits without changing dopamine system hyperactivity in rats exposed to valproic acid in utero.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by core behavioral symptoms in the domains of sociability, language/communication, and repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. Deficits in the prefrontal and hippocampal excitatory/inhibitory balance due to a functional loss of GABAergic interneurons are proposed to underlie these symptoms. Increasing the postsynaptic effects of GABA with compounds that selectively modulate GABAergic receptors could be a potential target for treating ASD symptoms. In addition, deficits in GABAergic interneurons have been linked to dopamine (DA) system dysregulation, and, despite conflicting evidence, abnormalities in the DA system activity may underly some ASD symptoms. Here, we investigated whether the positive allosteric modulator of α5-containing GABAA receptors (α5-GABAARs) SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 (10 mg/kg) attenuates behavioral abnormalities in rats exposed to valproic acid (VPA) in utero, an established risk factor for autism. We also evaluated if animals exposed to VPA in utero present changes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA system activity using in vivo electrophysiology and if SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 could attenuate these changes. SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before each behavioral test and electrophysiology. In utero VPA exposure caused male and female rats to present increased repetitive behavior (self-grooming) in early adolescence and deficits in social interaction in adulthood. Male, but not female VPA rats, also presented deficits in recognition memory as adults. SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 attenuated the impairments in sociability and cognitive function in male VPA-exposed rats without attenuating the decreased social interaction in females. Adult male and female VPA-exposed rats also showed an increased VTA DA neuron population activity, which was not changed by SH-053-2'F-R-CH3. Despite sex differences, our findings indicate that α5-GABAARs positive allosteric modulators may effectively attenuate some core ASD symptoms.

Sensory processing associated with subcategories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in Japanese children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Sensory processing associated with subcategories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in Japanese children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Does Parental Marital Status Matter in Male Adolescent's Smoking Behaviors?

Does Parental Marital Status Matter in Male Adolescent's Smoking Behaviors?

A meta-analysis on the lifetime and period prevalence of self-injury among adolescents with depression.

Adolescents are vulnerable to mental disorders due to physiological, psychosocial, and cognitive changes during this critical developmental stage. Depression, in particular, can lead to high-risk behaviors such as self-injury (SI) and suicide. This study aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of SI behaviors among adolescents with depression. We systematically searched databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Sciences for relevant articles published on adolescents with depression from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2024. The quality assessment of the studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria. The global prevalence of SI was calculated based on a random effects model using Stata software version 17. Our analysis included 29 studies involving 12,934 adolescents. The lifetime prevalence of SI was 52% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 41-64), while the period prevalence was 57% (95% CI: 49-64). Notably, a significant relationship was observed between the prevalence of SI and the year of publication of articles (p = 0.002). Furthermore, publication bias was not significant for both lifetime prevalence (p = 0.281) and period prevalence (0.358). The prevalence of self-injurious behaviors in adolescents with depression is alarmingly high, with more than half of adolescents having engaged in these high-risk behaviors during their lifetime or within the last year. Given the associated risk of suicide, it is crucial to identify individuals at risk and provide timely interventions.

Examining the Relationships Between Emotion Regulation and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Examining the Relationships Between Emotion Regulation and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Fear of Fat, Processes of Change, and Weight-Related Behaviors in Mexican and Spanish Adolescents.

Fear of fat is a relevant variable in initiating weight regulation behaviors in adolescents. However, little is known about the experiential and behavioral change processes that mediate the choice between healthy and unhealthy weight regulation behaviors in this population. The general objective was to examine the predictive role of fear of fat on weight-related behaviors (healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors) through the mediation of experiential and behavioral change processes (consciousness raising, counterconditioning, helping relationships, reinforcement management, self-liberation, self-reevaluation, stimulus control, substance use) in 838 adolescents aged 15-19 years from Mexico and Spain using parallel mediation analysis. Additionally, the study examined the correlations between the variables with regard to gender and country, as well as the differences in the use of processes of change across stages of change through the use of a multivariate analysis of variance. The Spanish version of the Fear of Fat, Stages of Change, Processes of Change, and Weight-Related Behaviors scales were used. The mediation analysis showed that fear of fat predicted healthy weight control behaviors through consciousness raising, self-liberation, and stimulus control. On the other hand, fear of fat predicted unhealthy weight control behaviors through counterconditioning, stimulus control, and the use of weight loss substances. Intervening to reduce fear of fat may be a way to modify the processes of change used by adolescents to regulate their weight. The results of this study indicate that adolescents may initiate weight control behaviors as a result of fear of fat. This process is mediated by experiential and behavioral processes that influence weight regulation.

Cybersex Behavior in Indonesian Adolescents: Factors, Impacts, and Strategies for Reproductive Health Preservation in a Digital Age

Cybersex behavior in Indonesia has increased since 2012 in West Sumatra. It was found that the number of teenagers who had watched and read porn sites which are categorized as passive cybersex was 35.98%. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence cybersex behavior in adolescents and suppress the impact on reproductive health. This research was an analytic study with a cross-sectional research design and a total sample of 88 people. The research was conducted from April to July 2023 at Senior High School (SHS) X Pariaman City. Data was collected using a questionnaire which contained questions about the factors that influence cybersex behavior, namely accessibility and access costs. Data analysis used SPSS, namely univariate and bivariate analysis. Less than half (27.3%) of students at SHS X Pariaman City engaged in cybersex behavior in the high-risk category. The results of the bivariate analysis showed that there is a relationship between attitude (p-value=0.004), and the role of peers (p-value=0.002). There was a relationship between attitudes and the role of peers in cybersex behavior. For this reason, it is expected that adolescents will choose peers who can have a positive influence and utilize the media to develop their abilities positively. Keywords: Adolescents, Behavior, Attitude, Role of Peers, Cybersex

Grief Accompanied by Suicidal Thoughts After Traumatic Loss in Adolescent: A Case Report

Grief is a normal process that occurs following the irreversible loss of a loved one. This process, characterized by painful experiences, varies widely and is influenced by numerous factors, including the identity of the deceased, the circumstances of their death, the individual characteristics of the bereaved, and the availability of support systems. The suddenness and violence of a loss can disrupt the normal grieving process, leading to the manifestation of traumatic symptoms. This phenomenon, referred to as “traumatic grief” in the literature, is associated with an increased risk of various psychiatric disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The death of a parent represents a profound loss for an adolescent, complicating their coping mechanisms and significantly impacting their psychological well-being. Parental loss alone is a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior in adolescents. When a parent’s death is traumatic, it can further exacerbate this risk, leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviors by disrupting the normal grief process, even in adolescents who were previously mentally healthy. This article presents the diagnosis and treatment of a 17-year-old girl who exhibited active suicidal thoughts and behaviors after her father was killed with a firearm. The objective of this case report is to explore the atypical grief symptoms that can follow traumatic losses during adolescence and to assess the effectiveness of holistic approaches that combine supportive psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy in treating such cases.

The Effect of Religiosity and Parenting Pattern on Adolescent Sexual Behavior through Motivation to Avoid Premarital Sexual Behavior

The Effect of Religiosity and Parenting Pattern on Adolescent Sexual Behavior through Motivation to Avoid Premarital Sexual Behavior

Prevalence and determinants of risky behaviors: a comprehensive review of substance use and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in the United States

Adolescents are often the most vulnerable to risky behaviors due to their quest for independence, experimentation, and identity development, resulting in deep-rooted patterns that affect health across the life course. This review examines the prevalence and determinants of substance use and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in the United States. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 1980-2023 was conducted using multiple databases. Studies focusing on U.S. adolescents aged 12-19 and reporting on prevalence or associated factors of substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or any illicit drugs) or sexual risk behaviors (early sexual initiation, multiple partners, or inconsistent condom use) were included. The review synthesized data from 40 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results indicate concerning rates of substance use and sexual risk-taking, with variations by demographic factors. Alcohol and marijuana use were most prevalent, reported by 30-40% of adolescents. Nearly half of high school students reported having sexual intercourse, with 40% not using condoms consistently. Prevalence was generally higher among older adolescents, sexual minorities, and some racial minority groups. Key determinants of risk behaviors were reviewed based on socioecological models including individual, interpersonal, community and societal factors. The review highlights the multilevel nature of influences on adolescent risk behaviors. Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing multiple determinants. Particular attention to vulnerable groups such as African American Adolescents and social determinants of health inequities is warranted. More research on risk and protective factors and effective interventions is needed. This synthesis can inform the development of evidence-based policies and programs to reduce substance use and sexual risk behaviors among U.S. adolescents.

Bullying Behaviors of Adolescents: The Role of Attachment to Teachers and Memories of Childhood Care

Bullying is a social phenomenon that involves the repetition of aggressive, intentional and harmful behaviors directed at a specific person. Currently, one in three children is a victim of bullying. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between the quality of the relationship with teachers, memories of childhood care and bullying in adolescents. The sample consisted of 416 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years old. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Cuestionario de Evaluación de la Violencia entre Iguales en la Escuela y en el Ocio, the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and the Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale. The results demonstrated that bullying behaviors are more often perpetrated by males and with higher levels of aggression in private schools. They also revealed that students who perceive higher levels of support, understanding, trust and openness from teachers tend to be less likely to be targets of bullying. The results also demonstrated a relationship between positive memories of childhood care and students’ perceptions of greater support, understanding, trust and openness from their teachers. An analysis of the results was discussed considering attachment theory due to the implications of memories of primary care and the quality of teacher–student relationships regarding bullying.