Early Adolescence Research Articles

Human-centered design approach to building a transition readiness mHealth intervention for early adolescents.

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may be an efficacious strategy for promoting health behaviors among pediatric populations, but their success at the implementation stage has proven challenging. The purpose of this article is to provide a blueprint for using human-centered design (HCD) methods to maximize the potential for implementation, by sharing the example of a youth-, family-, and clinician-engaged process of creating an mHealth intervention aimed at promoting healthcare transition readiness. Following HCD methods in partnership with three advisory councils, we conducted semistructured interviews with 13- to 15-year-old patients and their caregivers in two phases. In Phase 1, participants described challenges during the transition journey, and generated ideas regarding the format, content, and other qualities of the mHealth tool. For Phase 2, early adolescents and caregivers provided iterative feedback on two sequential intervention prototypes. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis in Phase 1 and the rapid assessment process for Phase 2. We interviewed 11 youth and 8 caregivers. The sample included adolescents with a range of chronic health conditions. In Phase 1, participants supported the idea of developing an autonomy-building tool, delivering transition readiness education via social media style videos. In Phase 2, participants responded positively to the successive prototypes and provided suggestions to make information accessible, relatable, and engaging. The procedures shared in this article could inform other researchers' plans to apply HCD in collaboration with implementation partners to develop mHealth interventions. Our future directions include iteratively developing more videos to promote transition readiness and implementing the intervention in clinical care.

Longitudinal relationships between perceived social support and social behaviors in preadolescence and early adolescence: the mediating role of social self-concept

The transition to adolescence is a critical phase for shaping child behavior. Previous studies have revealed the correlation between perceived social support and children’s social behaviors. However, the longitudinal causal relationship between perceived social support and social behavior remains unclear. This study aimed to reveal the longitudinal, bidirectional relationship between perceived social support (from parents, peers, and teachers) and social behaviors (i.e., prosocial behavior, aggressive behavior, and social withdrawal) and the potential mediating role of social self-concept. 577 Chinese children in preadolescence and early adolescence participated in the study at three time points. Results indicated that prosocial and aggressive behavior predicted subsequent perceived social support from peers and teachers. Social withdrawal negatively predicted subsequent perceived social support from parents, peers, and teachers. In turn, only perceived peer support marginally and negatively predicted subsequent aggressive behavior. Social self-concept mediated the effect of social behaviors on perceived social support, the effect of perceived parent support on social behaviors, and the effect of perceived peer support on negative social behaviors. No significant difference was found in the above associations between children in preadolescence and early adolescence. The study highlights the significance of children’s self-evaluation and self-cognition in promoting their perceived social support and adjusting their social behaviors, which provides implications for family- and school-based education and interventions.

Building Parental Capacity: Outcomes of a Therapeutic Parent Group Run Concurrently with a Social Skills Group for Their Young Person

Introduction: Raising a child with social communication and emotion regulation challenges, such as those experienced in the context of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is associated with family disruption and parental stress. Research shows that parents of children and young people with ASD can experience challenges in managing their child’s behaviour and experience a sense of disconnectedness, a lack of support from the “system”, and a broader lack of understanding within the community. Methods: A therapeutic parent group was held in parallel to a young person group working on social skills. The young person cohort included both boys and girls in early adolescence with neurodevelopmental diagnoses. The parent group provided a space for participants to focus on themselves, tune into their own emotions, and receive support in relation to their lived experiences of parenting. Parental outcomes were assessed using standard measures, and the experiences of the groups were captured qualitatively through focus groups with both parents and staff. Results: The project found that the therapeutic parent group was effective in supporting parents to feel less stressed and more in control, as well as less alone in their parenting journey. Qualitative data indicated that the groups filled an identified need within the service and were engaging and acceptable to parents.

Homicidality risk prediction based on ecological systems theory in an early adolescent cohort using machine learning

PurposeIdentifying high-risk adolescents prone to homicidality, linked to serious criminal activities and homicide, offers vital avenues for homicide prevention. MethodsThis study analyzed data from 1596, 1596, and 1526 students at baseline, one-year, and two-year follow-ups, respectively, drawn from the Chinese Early Adolescent Cohort study. Based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, predictors of adolescent homicidality were categorized into individual, family, and school and peer levels. Five machine learning methods were utilized to construct prediction models for homicidality risk and to pinpoint predictive factors. ResultsLogistic regression models using only significant features effectively predicted adolescent homicidality and new onsets in the short term, as well as homicidal trajectories throughout early adolescence. Key factors identified included suicidal ideation, emotional abuse, life satisfaction, physical violence, and verbal violence, with suicidal ideation and emotional abuse emerging as the most critical predictors. ConclusionsThis study successfully developed risk-predictive models for adolescent homicidality using machine learning, emphasizing suicidal ideation and emotional abuse as primary predictors. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions focused on these key variables for the early prevention of adolescent homicide.

More similarity than difference: comparison of within- and between-sex variance in early adolescent brain structure.

Adolescent neuroimaging studies of sex differences in the human brain predominantly examine mean differences between males and females. This focus on between-groups differences without probing relative distributions and similarities may contribute to both conflation and overestimation of sex differences and sexual dimorphism in the developing human brain. We aimed to characterize the variance in brain macro- and micro-structure in early adolescence as it pertains to sex at birth using a large sample of 9-11 year-olds from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N=7,723). Specifically, for global and regional estimates of gray and white matter volume, cortical thickness, and white matter microstructure (i.e., fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity), we examined: within- and between-sex variance, overlap between male and female distributions, inhomogeneity of variance via the Fligner-Killeen test, and an analysis of similarities (ANOSIM). For completeness, we examined these sex differences using both uncorrected (raw) brain estimates and residualized brain estimates after using mixed-effects modeling to account for age, pubertal development, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, MRI scanner manufacturer, and total brain volume, where applicable. The overlap between male and female distributions was universally greater than the difference (overlap coefficient range: 0.585 - 0.985) and the ratio of within-sex and between-sex differences was similar (ANOSIM R range: -0.001 - 0.117). All cortical and subcortical volumes showed significant inhomogeneity of variance, whereas a minority of brain regions showed significant sex differences in variance for cortical thickness, white matter volume, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity. Inhomogeneity of variance was reduced after accounting for other sources of variance. Overlap coefficients were larger and ANOSIM R values were smaller for residualized outcomes, indicating greater within- and smaller between-sex differences once accounting for other covariates. Reported sex differences in early adolescent human brain structure may be driven by disparities in variance, rather than binary, sex-based phenotypes. Contrary to the popular view of the brain as sexually dimorphic, we found more similarity than difference between sexes in all global and regional measurements of brain structure examined. This study builds upon previous findings illustrating the importance of considering variance when examining sex differences in brain structure.

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

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

The Role of Early Adolescence in Subsequent Risk and Resilience

Early adolescence comes with new opportunities for subsequent risk and resilience. Yet, international cohort studies covering this important developmental period and extending into young adulthood are rare. To address this gap in research, this special issue draws on data from the Zurich Project on Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso). We outline the terminology for risk and resilience used in this special issue, describe the z-proso study design, characterize the z-proso sample in terms of important markers of adolescence, and provide an overview of Switzerland as a study setting. The contributions to this special issue highlight that adolescent well-being is not a given, even in a setting with relatively low contextual risk. Supportive parent–child relationships in early adolescence emerged as an important promotive factor for longer-term well-being. This special issue illustrates how early adolescence serves as an important juncture for different areas of future development.

The role of antioxidant intake in weight status of children in early adolescence

The role of antioxidant intake in weight status of children in early adolescence

Short-term exposure to relative humidity and lung health in early adolescents

Short-term exposure to relative humidity and lung health in early adolescents

How do Social Achievement Goals Affect Early Adolescents’ Academic Engagement? The Role of Feeling Stressed and Lonely

Research has established the significance of social achievement goals in shaping adolescents’ academic engagement. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning this connection remain incomplete. In two studies involving U.S. middle school students (Study 1 N = 212, Study 2 N = 318), we explored the relationship between social achievement goals, academic adjustment, and the mediating role of social distress and loneliness. High social development goals related to reduced social stress and loneliness, leading to enhanced classroom engagement. In contrast, social demonstration-avoidance goals were linked to elevated loneliness and stress, resulting in diminished classroom engagement. While the mediation effect was unclear for social demonstration-approach goals, they exhibited direct associations with unfavorable classroom engagement indicators. These findings illuminate the intricate dynamics between social achievement goals and academic engagement among early adolescents, emphasizing the role of social distress and loneliness in shaping their classroom experience.

Nutritional status and dietary pattern of government school going adolescents of Lucknow city with reference to recommended dietary allowances- ICMR 2024, India

BackgroundAdolescent is the second growth spurt and transitional phase in individual's life. Malnutrition is prevailing highly in adolescents. This study aims at studying the actual nutritional intake and the consumption pattern and its comparison with the newly formulated RDA 2024 among the school going Adolescents of the Lucknow City. Methods607 students of age 13–19 years from various government schools of Lucknow city were selected as early and late adolescents. Daily consumption of various macronutrients and micronutrients was obtained and compared with Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) 2024. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 20. ResultsThe revised Dietary Guidelines-ICMR India (2024) talks about Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) rather than Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the caloric intake as compared to Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) was found to be at lower side. Protein consumption was lower than Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Whereas fat consumption was high. The study concluded that consumption of micronutrients in Early and Late adolescents was below Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). ConclusionThis results to conclusion that population had lower amount of nutrients intake as compared to the guidelines. Therefore, robust nutritional intervention approach is needed to address malnutrition prevailing in this area.

Understanding Gender Inequality in Political Self-Efficacy in Early Adolescents: Different Measures, Different Gender Gaps

Research has shown a persistent gender gap in political self-efficacy across most Western countries. Nevertheless, the regularity in these findings masks the diversity in the measures used to capture this construct and little reflection has been undertaken on the extent that changing the measures has on the size and the direction of the gender gap. This article tests on students aged 14 in 38 countries using the IEA International Civic and Citizenship Education Study, the extent that self-efficacy in the domain of politics is a unidimensional measure and if different gender gaps can be found between self-efficacy measures capturing partisan politics compared to broader citizenship self-efficacy measures. The findings show that it is only partisan political self-efficacy measures where there is a significant gender gap and where girls are disadvantaged. This is the case for 37 out of 38 countries and robust when controlling for different levels of political knowledge. When a broader measure of citizenship self-efficacy is used, there are much less gender differences, and when there is a significant difference, girls outperform boys in 14 out of 38 countries. These contrary findings are similar in the same study when comparing the measures on interest in politics and interest in social issues.

Systematic Review of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors in Children Reported from Developmental Criminology.

Evidence indicates that persistent transgressive behaviors often begin early in development and increase around age twelve, and warns that children who exhibit transgressive behaviors in childhood or early adolescence tend to develop criminal behaviors in adulthood which makes childhood a critical unit of analysis for timely intervention. The study examines risk and protective factors in childhood related to illegal behavior, through the perspective of developmental criminology. The observation of risk and protective factors in early stages allows us to design interventions that prevent social adjustment problems in children from becoming more complex by maintaining the transgression of social norms over time. Factors identified by developmental criminology can be organized according to ecological systems theory and discussed in relation to previous criminological studies. Using a systematic review based on the PRISMA method, the study identifies 24 updated developmental criminology articles that study early protective factors between birth and age twelve. Risk factors at the individual level include biological, socioemotional, behavioral, symptomatic aspects and adverse life experiences. Individual protective factors include cognitive, socioemotional, and personality development aspects. Risk factors at an interpersonal and contextual level are related to family, school, peers, socioeconomic situation and governance. This review highlights the importance of recognizing risk and protective factors in child development, contemplating interventions at multiple levels where an articulation between the various institutions involved in child care is possible.

The Impact of Directly Observed Therapy of Weekly Iron Supplementation Program in Female Adolescent Hemoglobin Status

In adolescents, nutrition is an important factor in the growth and development process, especially during the growth spurt period that occurs in early adolescence and is characterized by physical, cognitive, and reproductive organ growth and maturation of reproductive organs. Inadequate nutrition during adolescence will cause various problems, one of which is anemia. Anemia has negative impacts, including impaired growth and development, decreased learning achievement, and impaired immunity, thus increasing the occurrence of infections and reproductive disorders. This research is quasi-experimental with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The research was conducted at Muhammadiyah I Lamongan Vocational School with a total of 44 female students. The sampling technique used in this research was total sampling. Research data analysis was carried out using the paired T-test statistical test. The results of the study showed that carrying out Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) while administering Fe tablets for 12 weeks was able to significantly increase Fe levels in adolescents, with a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05).

Parents perceptions about sex education for early adolescents in primary schools in Hegarmanah village area

Parents perceptions about sex education for early adolescents in primary schools in Hegarmanah village area

Critical menarche age for late-life dementia and the role of education and socioeconomic status

ABSTRACT Estrogen exposure during menstrual years has been associated with late-life neuroprotection. We explored the presence of an age-sensitive menarche window for cognition in old age and the impact of socioeconomic status and education. We compared neuropsychological performance of 1082 older women [MeanAGE = 72.69 (5.48)] with menarche in childhood, early-, mid-, and late-adolescence and dementia prevalence, severity, and type, including the effects of education and socioeconomic status. Adjusting for covariates, menarche at 11–14 years of age was associated with better memory, executive and global cognitive functioning in old age, and stronger positive effects of education and socioeconomic status on cognition than those with menarche at 15–17 years. We found a critical age window for the neuroprotective effects of estrogens during early adolescence, putting women with later menarche at higher risk for cognitive decline. Effects of socioeconomic status and education in adulthood should be a focus of future research.

Pornography consumption in pre-/early adolescents: a study on the links with emotion regulation and internalizing/externalizing symptoms

Pornography consumption in pre-/early adolescents: a study on the links with emotion regulation and internalizing/externalizing symptoms

Critical socio-emotional inquiry: A longitudinal oral history project led by middle school students on socio-emotional well-being

A group of middle school students, working with educators in Washington Heights, NYC, designed a school-wide oral history project as a strategy to enrich the cultural and socio-emotional well-being of our school. As part of New York State’s required SEL intervention, we developed a Longitudinal Oral History Project, led by middle school students at S2, where we gathered peer-to-peer narratives about socio-emotional dynamics from middle schoolers growing up in working-class and immigrant households in times of pandemic and racial uprisings. The oral history protocol, the implementation of the interviews, the analysis, and the presentation of our results were youth-led, and compelling. Narrating rich and complex stories of joy, fear, courage, and care, our project centers the expertise of immigrant students of color, coming out of COVID-19 in the throes of early adolescence. The youth found great relief in discovering that their fears and anxieties were widespread and experienced a sense of power by influencing school policy with the compelling results of their inquiry.

Exploring adolescent suicidal trajectories: The intersection of race/ethnicity, gender, and social connectedness.

Understanding adolescent racial/ethnic and gender disparities in suicidal ideation and attempts longitudinally can help curb future suicidal risk. Survey data (1994-2008) from the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health study, n = 18,887) examined racial/ethnic and gender ideation and attempt disparities over four waves of data from across the United States (51% female; 51% White; Mage = 17.43 years at Wave 1). Repeated-measures latent class analyses described how ideation and attempt patterns present longitudinally and how racial/ethnic minority groups predict different classes based on each wave and age-appropriate social supports (i.e., parents, peers). Those most at-risk disclosed ideation and some attempt risk in early adolescence (Waves 1 and 2) and mostly identified as female. The second most prevalent group first disclosed ideation in their 20s and predominately identified as non-Hispanic White females. Peer connections were not significant for most groups except for non-Hispanic White males in Wave 3, while Black females who reported stronger school connections had decreased ideation and attempt rates in Wave 1 but not 2 (just 1 year later). A negative link between social supports and high-risk ideation and attempt classes was found among Black females, non-Hispanic Whites, and Latinos overall. As the United States becomes more diverse, understanding the unique ideation and attempt disparities are crucial. Tailoring interventions to include risk and protective mechanisms among intersectional communities could eradicate disparities. Longitudinal studies can illuminate how protective and risk factors can change over time and even within and among racial/ethnic and gender groups.

No Evidence for Social Selection and Peer Influence on Grades and Literacy Among Early Adolescents Through Friendship Ties

Friends in early adolescence play a significant role in students’ lives, potentially influencing their academic performance. A multi-group stochastic actor-oriented model was employed to examine the effects of social selection and peer influence through friendship ties on Czech language grades and reading literacy among lower-secondary students, controlling for students' SES, gender, and network structure. The sample comprised 276 sixth-grade students across twelve classrooms, measured at two time points with an interval of seven months. No evidence of selection or influence in terms of grades and literacy was found. However, effects of gender and SES assortativity were observed. The findings are discussed in relation to potential publication bias in the existing literature, and implications for future research are outlined.