Late Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Non-suicidal self-injury prospectively predicts interpersonal stressful life events and depressive symptoms among adolescent girls

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the deliberate self-harm of one's tissue, engaged in without lethal intent, and occurs frequently among late adolescents. Although research has indicated that NSSI predicts depression, the potential psychosocial mechanisms through which engagement in NSSI makes one susceptible to future depressive symptoms remain unclear. The present study examined whether NSSI increases the risk of experiencing stressful life events, which, in turn, heightens the risk for subsequent depressive symptoms. Drawn from a sample specifically selected for adolescents at high and low risk for developing bipolar spectrum disorders, a total of 110 late-adolescents (mean age=18.74, SD=.69; 73% female) were administered measures of lifetime and past year engagement in NSSI and current depressive symptomatology. Approximately 6 months later, they completed a measure of depressive symptoms and a questionnaire and interview assessing life events that occurred over the 6-month interval. Results suggest that the frequency of lifetime and past year NSSI predicted the occurrence of interpersonal stressful life events beyond the effects of initial depressive symptoms, but only for late adolescent girls. Results further suggest that higher levels of interpersonal stressful life events mediated the relationship between NSSI frequency and prospective increases in depressive symptoms among girls.

An investigation of gender and age differences in academic motivation and classroom behaviour in adolescents

This study investigated gender- and age-related differences in academic motivation and classroom behaviour in adolescents. Eight hundred and fifty-five students (415 girls and 440 boys) aged 11–16 (M age = 13.96, SD = 1.47) filled in a questionnaire that examined student academic motivation and teachers completed a questionnaire reporting student classroom behaviour. Interestingly, early adolescent boys’ (11–12 years) self-reported academic motivation was significantly more closely associated with reports of student classroom behaviour completed by teachers. However, a surprising result was the significant drop in girls’ adaptive motivation from early to mid-adolescence (13–14 years) and a significant increase in mid-adolescence (13–14 years). Furthermore, teachers reported a significant increase in negative classroom behaviour in mid-adolescent and late adolescent girls (15–16 years). The need to further understand the association between academic motivation and classroom behaviour at different stages in adolescence, and to design interventions to improve classroom behaviour, is deliberated.

The effect of breakfast type and frequency of consumption on glycemic response in overweight/obese late adolescent girls.

The primary aim was to examine the daily glycemic response to normal-protein (NP) vs higher-protein (HP) breakfasts in overweight adolescents who habitually skip breakfast (H-BS). The secondary aim examined whether the glycemic response to these meals differed in H-BS vs habitual breakfast consumers (H-BC). Thirty-five girls (age: 19 ± 1 year; body mass index: 28.4 ± 0.7 kg/m(2)) participated in the semi-randomized crossover-design study. The participants were grouped according to habitual breakfast frequency. H-BS (n = 20) continued to skip breakfast (BS) or consumed a NP (12 g protein) or HP (32 g protein) breakfast for 3 days, whereas the H-BC (n = 15) completed the NP and HP breakfast conditions for 3 days. On day 4 of each pattern, an 8 h testing day was completed. The respective breakfast and a standard lunch meal were provided, and plasma was collected to assess morning, afternoon, and total glucose and insulin area under the curves (AUC). In H-BS, the addition of a HP breakfast increased total glucose AUC vs BS (P < 0.05), whereas NP breakfast increased total insulin AUC vs BS (P < 0.05). In H-BC, the HP breakfast reduced morning, afternoon and total glucose AUCs vs NP (all, P < 0.05). No differences in insulin were detected. When comparing the HP-NP differential glycemic responses between groups, H-BS experienced greater afternoon and total glucose AUCs following HP vs NP breakfasts (both, P<0.05). No differences in insulin responses were observed between groups. Novel differences in the glucose response to HP vs NP breakfasts were observed and were influenced by the frequency of habitual breakfast consumption in overweight adolescents.

A randomized crossover, pilot study examining the effects of a normal protein vs. high protein breakfast on food cravings and reward signals in overweight/obese “breakfast skipping”, late-adolescent girls

BackgroundThis pilot study examined whether the addition of a normal protein (NP) vs. high protein (HP) breakfast leads to alterations in food cravings and plasma homovanillic acid (HVA), which is an index of central dopamine production, in overweight/obese ‘breakfast skipping’ late-adolescent young women.MethodsA randomized crossover design was incorporated in which 20 girls (age 19 ± 1 y; BMI 28.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2) consumed 350 kcal NP (13 g protein) breakfast meals, 350 kcal HP (35 g protein) breakfast meals, or continued breakfast skipping (BS) for 6 consecutive days/pattern. On day 7 of each pattern, a 4 h testing day was completed including the consumption of breakfast (or no breakfast) followed by food craving questionnaires and blood sampling for HVA concentrations throughout the morning.ResultsBoth breakfast meals reduced post-meal cravings for sweet and savory foods and increased HVA concentrations vs. BS (all, p < 0.05). Between breakfast meals, the HP breakfast tended to elicit greater reductions in post-meal savory cravings vs. NP (p = 0.08) and tended to elicit sustained increases in HVA concentrations prior to lunch vs. NP (p = 0.09). Lastly, HVA concentrations were positively correlated with the protein content at breakfast (r: 0.340; p < 0.03).ConclusionsCollectively, these findings suggest that the addition of breakfast reduces post-meal food cravings and increases homovanillic acid concentrations in overweight/obese young people with higher protein versions eliciting greater responses.

Study of Knowledge Attitude and Perceptions of Adolescent Girls of 16–18 Years Towards Reproductive Health in Urban and Rural Schools of South Kerala

Objectives : To assess the reproductive health knowledge, attitude and perception of school going adolescent girls of 16-18 years in urban and rural areas of south Kerala. Method : Cross sectional random survey was conducted among 1059 adolescent girls of 16-18 years, from five urban and five rural schools in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. Statistical analysis was done using mean, percentages and Chi-square test. Results : Mean reproductive health knowledge of urban adolescents was 18.75 with a standard deviation of 5.02 (55.1% of the total) and rural 17.08 with a standard deviation of 4.8 (50.2% of the total). Only 14.7% of urban and 8.9 % of rural adolescents interacted about the reproductive health issues to their teachers. 83% of the adolescent girls agreed for the need to include reproductive health topic in the school curriculum. The results of the study had shown that the basic knowledge and awareness of late adolescent girls towards reproductive health was not satisfactory both in urban and rural areas, but urban girls were far better than rural girls .This study has also identified the fact that students were not discussing about their reproductive health doubts to teachers.

Perception of Late Adolescent Girls about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections in El-Minia University

Abstract: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are responsible for a variety of health problems, and can have especially serious consequences for adolescents and young adults. Adolescence is marked by profound biological and psychological changes. However, adolescent health, especially reproductive health, is a neglected area. Aim of the study was to recognize the perception of adolescent girls regarding the sexually transmitted diseases and infection, and to determine whether adolescent girls differentiate between the terms sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and sexually transmitted infection (STIs). Subjects and methods a descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to conduct the study at eight faculties that are selected randomly in El- Minia University. It included 408 female students by random sampling technique. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire including knowledge and attitude rating scale. The study results revealed that there were unsatisfactory knowledge related to mode of transmission (63%), types (69.1%), and symptoms of STDs/STIs (85.8%). while they had satisfactory knowledge about curability, complication and protection ways of sexually transmitted diseases and Infection. The sources of information were mainly the school/university (20.1%), and then mass media (15.4%). Shyness was the most pronounced barrier (38.2%) for seeking health care, Tradition come the next barrier (21.1%), followed by there is No special girl's center (10.3%). Knowledge was significantly higher among students in urban areas (p < 0.001) than rural areas, and whose mothers able to read and write. Conclusion the study concluded that lack awareness of adolescent girls about sexually transmitted disease and infections and they unable to differentiate between the terms sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and sexually transmitted infection (STIs). Therefore, it is recommended to conduct sessions discussing sexual health and STDs/STIs for mothers at schools and students at universities, with the cooperation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), worship places, National Women Council, and-cultural and behavioral determinants of sexual risk behaviors, which may lead to STDs/STIs.

Multilevel Correlates of Physical Activity for Early, Mid, and Late Adolescent Girls

We examined associations among multilevel variables and girls' physical activity to determine whether they vary at different adolescent ages. All field sites of the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls contributed participants from 6th (n = 1576) and 8th grades (n = 3085). The Maryland site contributed an 11th grade sample (n = 589). Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic and psychosocial information (individual- and social-level variables); height, weight, and triceps skinfold to assess body composition; interviews and surveys for school-level data; and geographical information systems and self-report for neighborhood-level variables. Moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes (MVPA) were assessed from accelerometers. Mixed models (13 individual, 5 social, 15 school, 12 neighborhood variables) were used to determine multilevel associations. Variables at individual, social, school, and neighborhood levels were associated with MVPA, but differed across grades. Lower percent body fat, higher social support from friends, and lower school math scores were associated with higher MVPA at 6th and 8th grade. Higher physical activity self-efficacy was associated with higher MVPA at 11th grade. Only lower physical activity barriers were associated with higher MVPA at all grades. MVPA is a complex behavior with fluid, multilevel correlates that differ among girls across middle and high school.

Beneficial effects of a higher-protein breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation in overweight/obese, “breakfast-skipping,” late-adolescent girls

Background: Breakfast skipping is a common dietary habit practiced among adolescents and is strongly associated with obesity.Objective: The objective was to examine whether a high-protein (HP) compared with a normal-protein (NP) breakfast leads to daily improvements in appetite, satiety, food motivation and reward, and evening snacking in overweight or obese breakfast-skipping girls.Design: A randomized crossover design was incorporated in which 20 girls [mean ± SEM age: 19 ± 1 y; body mass index (in kg/m2): 28.6 ± 0.7] consumed 350-kcal NP (13 g protein) cereal-based breakfasts, consumed 350-kcal HP egg- and beef-rich (35 g protein) breakfasts, or continued breakfast skipping (BS) for 6 d. On day 7, a 10-h testing day was completed that included appetite and satiety questionnaires, blood sampling, predinner food cue–stimulated functional magnetic resonance imaging brain scans, ad libitum dinner, and evening snacking.Results: The consumption of breakfast reduced daily hunger compared with BS with no differences between meals. Breakfast increased daily fullness compared with BS, with the HP breakfast eliciting greater increases than did the NP breakfast. HP, but not NP, reduced daily ghrelin and increased daily peptide YY concentrations compared with BS. Both meals reduced predinner amygdala, hippocampal, and midfrontal corticolimbic activation compared with BS. HP led to additional reductions in hippocampal and parahippocampal activation compared with NP. HP, but not NP, reduced evening snacking of high-fat foods compared with BS.Conclusions: Breakfast led to beneficial alterations in the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals that control food intake regulation. Only the HP breakfast led to further alterations in these signals and reduced evening snacking compared with BS, although no differences in daily energy intake were observed. These data suggest that the addition of breakfast, particularly one rich in protein, might be a useful strategy to improve satiety, reduce food motivation and reward, and improve diet quality in overweight or obese teenage girls. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01192100.

Relationship of age at menarche on anthropometric index and menstrual irregularity in late adolescent girls in Seoul.

PurposeTo examine the relationship between menarcheal age and anthropometric indices and menstrual irregularity in late adolescent girls in Seoul.MethodsWe surveyed 4,218 fertile adolescent girls between the ages of 16 and 18 years to determine their anthropometric indices and menarcheal age. Measurements were taken from June 2008 to October 2009 at seven girl's high schools in Seoul, Korea. Participants were offered self-report questionnaire as a survey tool that included questions on anthropometric indices (height, weight, waist circumference), menarcheal age, menstrual pattern, frequency of menstruation per year.ResultsThe participants were categorized into three groups based on menarcheal age: early menarche group (younger than 2 standard deviations [SD]), mid menarche group (within ±2 SD), late menarche group (older than 2 SD). The mean age of early menarche group was 9.9±0.2 years, mid menarche group 12.5±0.9 years, late menarche group 15.1±0.3 years (P < 0.001). Heights were recorded as 160.4±5.2 cm, 161.8±4.9 cm, 162.3±4.7 cm in early, mid, and late menarche group, respectively (P = 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference significantly were lager in early menarche group than mid and late menarche ones (P < 0.001). The menarcheal age had a positive correlation with height and negative correlations with weight, BMI, waist circumference (P < 0.001). The prevalence of oligomenorrhea was more frequent in late menarche group than early and mid menarche group.ConclusionThe menarcheal age have positive relationship with height and inverse relationship with BMI and waist circumference in late adolescent girls in Seoul. Late menarcheal girls are disposed to have menstrual irregularity compared to early menarcheal girls.

The Relation between Eating- and Weight-Related Disturbances and Depressive Symptoms among Early and Late Adolescents

A substantial proportion of adolescents experience clinical and subclinical depression. It is particularly important to study novel risk factors that may broaden our understanding of depression during adolescence. There is growing literature on the relation between eating- and weight-related disturbances (e.g., body weight regulation strategies, body dissatisfaction) and depression during adolescence; however, age and gender differences in this relation remain unclear. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, the current study examined the relation between eating-and weight-related disturbances and depressive symptoms among early and late adolescentgirls and boys. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relation between eating- and weightrelated disturbances and depressive symptoms after accounting for self-esteem, pubertal status, and body mass index among early and late adolescent girls and boys. Several body weight regulation strategies, including binge eating, purging, and weight control behaviors were associated with depressive symptoms and varied by gender and age. The results are clinically meaningful and have the potential to inform youth mental health services. For example, depression prevention programs could increase their effectiveness by encouraging healthy body weight regulation strategies and nutritional eating, particularly among early adolescents.

Growth and weight status of rural Texas school youth

Evidence indicates higher prevalence of obesity in rural American youth. The present study evaluates the growth status and estimates the prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural school children in Texas. Heights and weights were measured in a sample of 1,084 school youth (545 males, 539 females) 5-19 years of age, in rural north central Texas in 2010. body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Growth status was plotted relative to US reference data. Weight status (underweight/thin, overweight, and obesity) was classified relative to age- and sex-specific Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. Concordance of classifications was evaluated. Mean heights of the rural children approximated reference medians, while median weights exceeded reference medians and approximated 75th percentiles with increasing age. Median BMIs of boys and girls were below the 75th percentiles except among late adolescent girls. Prevalence of underweight/thinness was low (<4%). Overweight approximated 20% among boys 6-11 years and 16% among boys 12-19 years with CDC criteria; the opposite was apparent for obesity, 6-11 years, 16%, and 12-19 years, 20%. Approximately, equal percentages of boys in both age groups were classified overweight (∼21-22%) with IOTF criteria, but almost twice as many older (15%) than younger (8%) boys were classified obese. Overweight was less prevalent (∼5%) but obesity more prevalent (∼5%) with CDC compared to IOTF criteria, but both were less prevalent among younger than older girls. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural Texas school youth was comparable to national estimates for 2007-2008. The results highlight a need for programs aimed at preventing unhealthy weight gain and/or weight reduction given the tendency of obesity to track from childhood into adulthood and potentially negative health consequences of obesity. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diagnosing, Conceptualizing, and Treating Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified: A Comprehensive Practice Model

Health and mental health professionals have been responding increasingly to gender-related counseling needs (Arnstein, 1995; Carter & Parks, 1996; Choate, 2008). Correspondingly, this article presents a comprehensive model for recognizing, diagnosing, conceptualizing, and responding to the most commonly experienced types of eating-related counseling problems--namely, eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)--with the population most likely to experience these types of needs: late adolescent girls and young adult and adult women. The model is based on a series of research studies that I conducted with my colleagues and is described in this article to assist counselors in their everyday work with clients who present with eating-related concerns. Although boys and men also experience eating disorders (Ousley, Cordero, & White, 2008), they are greatly outnumbered by girls and women with eating-related problems (Hoek, 2006; Wittichen & Jacobi, 2005). In fact, internationally, eating disorders are among the 10 most common causes of psychological distress in young adult women (Mathers, Vos, Stevenson, & Begg, 2000). On college campuses, which have large concentrations of female students, the high incidence of eating disorders is especially well documented (Gallagher, Golin, & Kelleher, 1992; Koszewski, Newell, & Higgins, 1990; Miller & Rice, 1993). In addition, although eating disorders historically were associated primarily with European American girls and women, these problems now appear among various ethnic populations (Becker, Franko, Speck, & Herzog, 2003; Cachelin & Striegel-Moore, 2006; Tsai, Hoerr, & Song, 1998). In fact, Rich and Thomas (2008) recently found few differences in disordered eating symptoms among African American, Latina, and European American women in college (Rich & Thomas, 2008). Furthermore, although the major eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, occur with some regularity among girls and women, the most commonly observed eating-related concerns are the heterogeneous group of less severe problems characterized as EDNOS (Ash & Piazza, 1995; Klemchuck, Hutchinson, & Frank, 1990; Schwitzer et al., 2008; Schwitzer, Rodriguez, Thomas, & Salimi, 2001). In a variety of studies with college populations, only 6% of female students reported concerns about anorexia or bulimia, whereas 25% to 40% reported moderate problems falling under the umbrella of EDNOS, including body image worries, problems stemming from weight management, and out-of-control eating (Bishop, Bauer, & Baker, 1998; Schwitzer et al., 2001; Tsai et al., 1998). Beyond collegiate populations, researchers have agreed that, generally, the majority of young adult women with eating-related difficulties experience disorders that fall in the EDNOS category (Fairburn & Bohn, 2005; Schwitzer et al., 2008; Shisslak, Crago, & Estes, 1995; Wilson, Grilo, & Vitousek, 2007; Wonderlich, Joiner, Keel, Williamson, & Crosby, 2007). Counselors working with young adult women should have the knowledge and skills to work effectively with these clients. In response to this professional need, I first discuss the most common diagnostic symptoms, features, and themes comprising the EDNOS syndrome; next offer counseling and treatment suggestions; and then present future directions and conclusions. * EDNOS Diagnostic and Conceptual Model Table 1 describes the typical client presentation of late adolescent and young adult women with EDNOS. The diagnostic and conceptual model shown in Table 1 organizes typical eating disorder client presentations into eating disorder diagnostic features and co-occurring features; common psychological and developmental themes; common psychosocial, environmental, and family stressors; and help-seeking characteristics. Eating Disorder Diagnostic Features Three types of eating disorders are included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. …

Longitudinal association between childhood impulsivity and bulimic symptoms in African American adolescent girls.

Using a longitudinal design, the authors of this study examined the relationship between externalizing problems and impulsivity in early childhood and symptoms of disordered eating in late adolescence. Participants were urban, African American first-grade girls (N = 119) and their parents who were participating in a longitudinal study examining the prevention of disruptive behaviors. Impulsivity, conduct problems, and oppositional defiant behavior were assessed by parent report via structured interview questions. At 9-year follow-up, bulimic symptoms were measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine the longitudinal association among impulsivity, conduct problems, and oppositional defiant behavior and bulimic symptoms. Parental report of impulsivity in first-grade girls, but not conduct problems or oppositional defiant behavior, was associated with self-reported bulimic symptoms in the girls in late adolescence (p < .04). These results extend previous findings of a concurrent relationship between impulsivity and dysfunctional eating behaviors to a minority sample and further indicate that behavioral impulsivity in early childhood may be used to identify children for targeted prevention of disordered eating.

Unravelling the relation between physical activity, self-esteem and depressive symptoms among early and late adolescents: A mediation analysis

PurposeDepression is a serious public health issue among adolescents; however, few studies have examined the role of protective factors, such as engagement in physical activity, on depressive symptoms. Preliminary evidence using community samples of mainly adolescent girls suggests that self-esteem may influence the benefits of physical activity on depressive symptoms. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the inverse relation between physical activity and depressive symptoms would be mediated by self-esteem in both early and late adolescent boys and girls. MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted using self-reported measures of physical activity, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and socio-demographic information completed by a sample of girls (n = 2109) and boys (n = 2095) during early (Mage = 14.7) and late (Mage = 16.2) adolescence selected from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Using the method suggested by Baron and Kenny (1986), mediation was tested separately for boys and girls during early and late adolescence. ResultsDuring early adolescence, self-esteem fully mediated the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms for adolescent boys only. Full mediation was obtained for both boys and girls during late adolescence. ConclusionsIn early and late adolescent boys, and only late adolescent girls, associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms were no longer significant once self-esteem was statistically controlled for. The study has important implications for depression prevention initiatives including the inclusion of physical activity components that are effectively structured to reliably enhance self-esteem, especially among early adolescents.

ACE I/D, ACTN3 R577X, PPARD T294C and PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphisms and physical fitness in Taiwanese late adolescent girls

Physical performance of youth is influenced by various factors, including body composition, biological maturity status, level of habitual physical activity, and muscular strength. Muscular strength has been largely attributed to genetic effects. To exclude possible confounding effects from various acquired factors, this study examined the relationships between polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), α-actinin-3 (ACTN3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PPARGC1A) genes and performance as measured by six fitness tests (handgrip strength of dominant hand, 30- and 60-s sit-ups, standing long jump, 60-m dash, and 800-m run) in 170 sedentary adolescent girls with the adjustment of anthropometric characteristics. We found that subjects with the ACE DD genotype were significantly heavier than those with I allele, while those with the ACTN3 RR genotype had higher fat-free mass percentage (FFM%) than those with the XX genotype. In addition, those with the PPARD TT genotype were significantly taller, heavier, and had a greater FFM than those with the CC genotype. Subjects with the ACE DD, ACTN3 RR and PPARD TC genotype had better performance in handgrip strength, 30- and 60-s sit-up tests, and standing long jump, respectively, when individual gene was analyzed independently after adjusting anthropometric characteristics. In the gene combination analysis, subjects with ACE DD, ACTN3 RR and PPARD TT genotype had significantly greater performance in handgrip strength. Overall, the results indicate that the genes studied have a modest influence on individual performance as assessed by specific fitness and strength tests in female late adolescents.

The prevalence, burden and cognizance of migraine in adolescent girls

Migraine represents a common neurological condition, which frequently affects adolescent girls. This cross sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, impact and fund of migraine knowledge among adolescent girls. Students attending randomly selected high schools were recruited into the study by signing a consent form and completing a validated survey designed for this purpose. The survey assessed the participants fund of knowledge about migraine in five domains: migraine epidemiology, symptoms, triggers, auras and treatment options. The participants were evaluated for headache characteristics according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition criteria, and categorized as having definite migraine or probable migraine. Additionally, the survey evaluated headache disability by implementing the headache impact test-6, and collected information regarding the use of over-the-counter medication. In a cohort of 309 girls, 14-18 years old, 18% fulfilled the criteria for definite migraine and 25% for probable migraine, with mean headache impact test-6 scores of 62.5 and 55.2, respectively ( P< 0.0001). Furthermore, the students fund of knowledge was substantially limited in regards to migraine auras and moderately limited in regards to symptoms, triggers and treatments. A significant portion of the migraineurs self-medicated using over-the-counter medications. The prevalence of migraine in late adolescent girls is very close to that of adult women. The information regarding the cognizance of migraine ought to be used as a guideline for designing educational tools for this population.

Jamaican Adolescent Girls With Older Male Sexual Partners

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationships between adolescent girls and older male sexual partners in urban Kingston, Jamaica, and identify the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual risks that occur within these relationships. The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews conducted with 43 late adolescent girls (18-21 years old). An age-discordant relationship was defined as a sexual relationship between a Jamaican adolescent female and a man who was 2 or more years older. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Age-discordant relationships were common and often began when girls were early adolescents. Both adolescent girls and older men tended to have multiple partners, and transactions of gifts, money, or resources from an older partner were expected and common. Older partners were highly influential in HIV-related risk behaviors. Age-discordant relationships need to be explicitly addressed in HIV prevention programs for adolescent girls in Jamaica. Further, the implications of gift-giving, informal sexual transactions, and intradyadic power must be incorporated into strategies for reducing HIV-related sexual risk with older partners. Future studies should examine the perspectives of Jamaican men. This study found that many Jamaican adolescent girls engage in sexual relationships with older men and that the unique characteristics of these relationships may increase girls' risks for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. HIV risk reduction interventions for adolescent girls should address sexual risks associated with older male partners.

The direction of effects between perceived parental behavioral control and psychological control and adolescents’ self-reported GAD and SAD symptoms

This study examined the direction of effects and age and sex differences between adolescents’ perceptions of parental behavioral and psychological control and adolescents’ self-reports of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and separation anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms. The study focused on 1,313 Dutch adolescents (early-to-middle cohort n = 923, 70.3%; middle-to-late cohort n = 390, 29.7%) from the general population. A multi-group, structural equation model was employed to analyze the direction of the effects between behavioral control, psychological control and GAD and SAD symptoms for the adolescent cohorts. The current study demonstrated that a unidirectional child effect model of the adolescents’ GAD and SAD symptoms predicting parental control best described the data. Additionally, adolescent GAD and SAD symptoms were stronger and more systematically related to psychological control than to behavioral control. With regard to age–sex differences, anxiety symptoms almost systematically predicted parental control over time for the early adolescent boys, whereas no significant differences were found between the late adolescent boys and girls.

Leaving the Parental Nest: Adjustment Problems, Attachment Representations, and Social Support During the Transition from High School to Military Service

Adjustment to the transition from high school to military service in Israel was examined in a longitudinal study with a sample of 120 late-adolescent girls. During their senior year in high school (Time 1) the young women were administered the Adult Attachment Interview. Their coping and adjustment to the new environment were assessed (at two further points in time after the transition) by reports of the young women, their mothers, their fathers, and their friends. Young women with preoccupied attachment representations demonstrated the lowest levels of adjustment at both the second and third time points. Young women with dismissing attachment representations did not differ from those with autonomous attachment representations. Satisfaction with social support from parents mediated the association between attachment representations and adjustment (assessed by the young women's reports).

Other-Sex Friendships in Late Adolescence: Risky Associations for Substance Use and Sexual Debut?

Adolescents’ friendships with other-sex peers serve important developmental functions, but they may also facilitate engagement in problem behavior. This study examines the unique contributions of other-sex friendships and friends’ behavior to alcohol use, smoking, and initiation of sexual intercourse among late adolescent girls and boys. A total of 320 adolescents (53% girls; 33% racial/ethnic minorities) provided sociometric nominations of friendships annually in grades 10–12. Friendship networks were derived using social network analysis in each grade. Adolescents and their friends also reported on their alcohol use, smoking, and sexual debut at each assessment. After controlling for demographics, previous problem behavior, and friends’ behavior, other-sex friendships in 10th grade were associated with initiation of smoking among girls over the following year, and other-sex friendships in 11th grade were linked with lower levels of subsequent alcohol use among boys. Additionally, friends’ smoking and sexual experience in 10th grade predicted the same behaviors for all adolescents over the following year. Other-sex friendships thus appear to serve as a risk context for adolescent girls’ smoking and a protective context for adolescent boys’ drinking. Promoting mixed-gender activities and friendships among older high school students may be helpful in reducing males’ alcohol use, but may need to incorporate additional components to prevent increases in females’ smoking.