Healthy Adolescent Development Research Articles

Medical treatment of pediatric obesity

Background: The increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity over the past few decades has become a serious public health concern. Quarantine measures during the coronavirus disease pandemic have led to an increase in childhood obesity rates. Children with obesity are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and adult obesity. Lifestyle modification therapy is the firstline treatment for pediatric obesity. Pharmacotherapy is the next logical treatment option in patients in whom lifestyle modifications alone are ineffective.Current Concepts: Anti-obesity medications for pediatric obesity include metformin, orlistat, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, phentermine, and phentermine/topiramate combination. Metformin, a medication used for type 2 diabetes has not been approved for treatment of pediatric obesity. Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, prevents fat absorption from the human diet. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, is associated with decreased gastric emptying, increased satiety, and appetite suppression. Phentermine, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for short-term treatment of patients aged >16 years. Phentermine/topiramate is a combination of the conventional anti-obesity medication, phentermine and an antiepileptic agent, topiramate that is commonly associated with weight loss as an adverse effect.Discussion and Conclusion: Anti-obesity treatment may serve as the next logical therapeutic option for pediatric obesity. However, sufficient lifestyle modification therapy should be attempted before considering medication, and anti-obesity medications should preferably be used in combination with lifestyle modifications. Monitoring growth and pubertal development during anti-obesity treatment is essential to ensure healthy development of children and adolescents.

Art Education as a Healing Method Helps Sensitive Teenagers Grow up in Modern Chinese Family Education

With the Chinese society's emphasis on education, adolescent mental health problems have become increasingly prominent. Especially in the high-pressure family education environment, the emotional needs and psychological difficulties of highly sensitive adolescents are more prominent. This study not only focuses on the mental health of adolescents, but also aims to provide a new solution for family education and adolescent mental health through the unique perspective of art therapy. Art therapy integrates art and emotional connection to help promote the spiritual recovery of the individual. By exploring the restorative role of art in modern Chinese family education, we expect to provide new educational ideas for parents and educators, and promote the comprehensive and healthy development of adolescents.

Research on the Impact of Anime on the Mental Health of Adolescents

This paper aims to explore the impact of anime on the mental health of adolescents, analyzing both its positive and negative influences, as well as corresponding management and guidance strategies. Through an overview of the prevalence of anime in the lives of adolescents, the importance of adolescent mental health, and the potential impact mechanisms of anime on their mental health, the paper delves into how anime influences adolescent emotional expression, self-identity, creativity development, and social relationships. At the same time, it also analyzes the negative impacts that anime may bring, such as violence, pornography, social isolation, with factors including the characteristics of anime content, individual characteristics of adolescents, and family environment. Building upon this, the paper puts forward the responsibilities and strategies for parents, educators, government, and adolescents themselves in management and guidance. Finally, by comprehensively evaluating the impact of anime on adolescent mental health, future research directions and policy recommendations are discussed, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for promoting healthy adolescent development.

Changes in Restless Sleep, Self-Control, and Alcohol-Related Problems with Police from Late Adolescence to Adulthood.

Sleep quality is crucial for healthy adolescent brain development, which has downstream effects on self-control and involvement in risky behaviors, such as alcohol use. While previous studies have found that sleep and facets of self-control are associated with patterns of alcohol use, few have assessed whether these constructs are tied to alcohol-related problems with law enforcement during the transitional period from adolescence to adulthood. The current study uses self-report panel data from ages 16 to 27 from a population-based sample of U.S. youth (N = 956; 36.86% female). The goal of the current study is to assess the association between changes in restless sleep, impulsivity, sensation seeking, and problems with police during or shortly after consuming alcohol from adolescence to adulthood to begin to address this gap in the existing literature. Results from a multivariate latent growth curve model reveal that faster increases in restless sleep and slower declines in impulsivity are associated with slower declines in police contact. Correlated changes between restless sleep, impulsivity, and police contact are slightly greater from ages 16-21 than for ages 22-27, with males showing stronger associations. The reported results suggest that identifying developmental mechanisms between changes in poor sleep, impulsivity, and alcohol use behaviors during this life-course phase will be crucial moving forward to help divert youth away from alcohol-related contact with the police.

Adolescent Perspectives on the Impact of Peers and Social Media on Active Travel and Physical Activity: A Mixed Methods Study

Physical activity (PA), including active travel (AT), is related to healthy adolescent development and wellbeing, however, behavior rates are low. Simultaneously, adolescent screen use, and engagement in social media platforms (SMP) is very high. The aim of this mixed methods study was to explore the relationship between peer engagement and SMP and adolescent AT and PA. We employed an exploratory sequential design that included integration of results of qualitative interviews with 25 adolescent-parent dyads and quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey in a representative sample of Hebrew-speaking adolescents in secondary schools across Israel ( n = 2,911). Reflexive thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative study; constructs identified served as the basis for development of a quantitative data collection instrument. Correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate associations between key quantitative analysis variables. The integrated analysis primarily identified convergence between datasets expressed in narrative weaving and joint displays. We found that AT with peers is a social activity; AT and PA are an opportunity for peer-to-peer communication without screens; and SMP are utilized to promote AT and PA. Interventions that emphasize these key constructs as well as use of SMP may increase adolescent AT and PA behaviors.

Adolescents’ experiences of discrimination, disclosure of discrimination, and well-being

Discrimination because of one’s stigmatized identities and personal characteristics can thwart healthy adolescent development. Little is known about the role of disclosure, including whether adolescents talk about their discrimination experiences with close relational partners (i.e., parents, siblings, friends) and whether disclosure mitigates the negative effects of discrimination. Addressing this gap, this study investigated links between adolescents’ perceptions of discrimination in multiple settings (from teachers at school, from peers at school, and online) and indicators of adolescent well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms, positive identity/values, school trouble, and school bonding), and tested whether disclosure of discrimination experiences moderated these associations. Survey data from 395 parent-adolescent dyads (33% African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and White, respectively) were analyzed using mixed model ANOVAs and multiple regression. Perceived discrimination was generally associated with less positive identity/values, more trouble at school and less school bonding; however, disclosure of discrimination mitigated some of these deleterious links. Adolescents’ close relationships that promote disclosure therefore represent an important context that can provide protective benefits and ensure youth garner the resources and support they need for optimal development.

Enhancing academic self-efficacy on decreasing adolescents’ unmonitored internet usage and depressive mood

Unmonitored internet use and depression are difficulties that adolescents experience. Efforts to promote healthy adolescent development tend to focus on reducing these two risk outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how three important school-related factors (teachers, peers, and academics) affect adolescents' levels of unmonitored internet use and depression. For this study, a cross-sectional data analysis was conducted. The sample included 9297 students who participated in two waves of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using LISREL 8.80 to analyze the data. Monte Carlo resampling was then performed using R to confirm the significance of the mediating effects. Teacher criticism and negative peers can increase unmonitored internet use and depression in adolescents, while academic stress can exacerbate depression. In contrast, teacher praise and positive peers can reduce those risk outcomes. Academic self-efficacy serves as a key mediator of the impacts of teachers, peers, and academics on adolescents' levels of unmonitored internet use and depression. We advocate that schools should establish a positive school climate, provide teacher feedback training and design physical activity programs to improve academic self-efficacy, thereby reducing the risk of unmonitored internet use and depression among adolescents, effectively preventing possible subsequent internet addiction and promoting the mental health of adolescents.

The effects of media use on substance abuse among U.S. adolescents

This paper mainly explores the current situation and the effects of substance abuse among U.S. adolescents, with a focus on the effects of media use on substance abuse in the youth, which has drawn material attention in recent years considering the healthy development of adolescents. The United States' high substance consumption rates and increasing overdose deaths among these young individuals in their early life stages highlight the urgency of addressing this question. By synthesizing a list of related reviews published in recent years, this paper clarifies the acute condition of substance use among U.S. adolescents and gives a brief introduction of its impacts as well as the medical treatments or interventions in practice. Furthermore, this paper finds both positive and negative roles of media in the act of abusing in this certain age group by reviewing previous studies. This paper can provide a comprehensive and neutral perspective on this issue to all.

Research on Strategies for the Healthy Development of Teenagers’ Physical Fitness under the Background of Integrating Sports and Education

The issuance and implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” Plan Outline has pointed out the direction and provided guiding ideology for China to gradually become a sports powerhouse. Youth are the fresh troops of the country, the main force and new force for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and shoulder the hope of the country and the nation. The physical health of teenagers is the top priority of school sports work, and the importance of improving the health level of teenagers cannot be ignored. This article uses the methods of literature review and logical analysis to discuss the significance of the healthy development of adolescents, the current situation of foreign youth physical education, and the reform of school physical education models. The aim is to analyze the current difficulties in the development of youth physical education and propose strategies to improve the physical health of adolescents.

Adölesanlarda Beslenme, Egzersiz Davranışları ile İnternet Bağımlılığı Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between adolescents' nutritionexercise behaviors and internet addiction, as well as identify the factors affecting their eating-exercise behaviors and internet addiction. 
 Material and Method: This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was performed in Fethiye. The sample of the study consisted of 421 students attending 11 secondary schools. Data were collected using a descriptive data form, the Internet Addiction Scale and the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale. The data were collected by the researcher after obtaining ethical committee and institutional permissions. 
 Results: The students' psychological/addictive eating behavior subscale mean score was 38.9±8.8, their healthy eating/exercise subscale mean score was 47.6±9.4, the unhealthy eating/exercise behavior subscale mean score was 49.0±7.0, and the meal pattern subscale mean score was 23.4±4.5. The internet addiction scale mean score was 19.6±7.5. The regression analysis showed that variables pertaining to the students’ psychological/ addictive eating behavior, meal patterns, unhealthy nutrition/exercise behavior, their use of the internet for social media and other purposes, their class, and their consciousness of eating during the COVID-19 pandemic explained 35.8% of internet addiction, meaning that the model was statistically significant. An inverse correlation was found between the variables of psychological/addictive eating, meal patterns, unhealthy nutrition/exercise and being conscious of what one was eating during the COVID-19 pandemic, while a positive correlation was found between the variables of using the internet for social media and class. 
 Conclusion: Pediatric nurses play an important role in supporting the healthy development of adolescents by creating programs to instill healthy lifestyle habits

Intelligent teaching innovation of film and television media on mental health of patients with attention deficit under educational psychology

BackgroundAttention deficit is the most common chronic neurodevelopmental disorder in adolescents, mainly characterized by inattention and short attention time, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are not commensurate with age and developmental level. With the rapid development of electronic media, intelligent media teaching is gradually popularized, and the time for teenagers to contact film and television media is becoming longer. This study explores the impact of intelligent media teaching on the mental health of patients with attention deficit.Subjects and MethodsA total of 500 adolescent patients with attention deficit were selected as experimental subjects, and the same number of experimental and control groups were set up. Both the experimental group and the control group were subjected to a questionnaire survey with the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder rating scales (Swanson, Nolan and Pelham-IV Rating Scales (SNAP-IV) before and after the experiment. During the 4-month experiment, the control group received routine intervention. The experimental group received intelligent media education in addition to conventional intervention.ResultsAfter the experiment, compared with before the experiment, the scores of SNAP-IV factors had different degrees of change, and the mental health level of all factors tested in the experimental group had different degrees of reduction. The scores of sensitivity, specificity, hyperactivity and impulsivity were significantly different before and after the experiment (P<0.01).ConclusionsLong-term exposure to intelligent film and television media education will aggravate ADHD symptoms, which is not conducive to the healthy development of adolescents.

Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Visual Analogical Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents

Physical fitness (PF) is considered a highly relevant indicator for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents, crucial stages where lifestyles and behaviors are established. Self-perceived fitness scales are quick and easy to use tools, allowing students to know and monitor fitness. The aim of the study was to show the factor structure and validity of the Visual Analogical Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A), a scale aimed at assessing self-perception of PF in adolescents. Reliability tests were used, as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results show a single-factor structure for the scale with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80-0.90) and good and exceptional goodness-of-fit indices, composed of 4 items, eliminating the item of self-perception of flexibility for not meeting the criteria of factor loading (>0.60) and communality (>0.30). In conclusion, a cheap, simple and fast tool is shown. Applicable to the educational field in relation to Physical Education (PE), for the self-monitoring of PF by students and to encourage self-elaboration of physical activity (PA) plans. Keywords: physical fitness; physical activity; FP VAS A; validation; reliability; adolescents; physical education.  

청소년의 사회적 위축과 친구관계 간 자기회귀교차지연 효과분석

Background/Objectives: This study sought to examine the correlation between peer relationships and social withdrawal, an internalized difficulty, in terms of adolescents' interpersonal relationships for the positive development of adolescents. Methods: To this end, the study analyzed 3-year longitudinal data (N = 2,103) of first-year middle-school students from the 2018 Korean Child and Youth Panel Survey for mutual effects using an autoregressive cross-lagged model. Results: The social withdrawal and peer relationships of adolescents remained notable and stable from the first to third years of middle school. In addition, pre-time social withdrawal exerted a significant negative effect on subsequent peer relationships, whereas pre-time peer relationships exhibited no effect on subsequent social withdrawal. Thus, social withdrawal and peer relationships displayed a self-effect that stabilizes over time in contrast to social withdrawal, which presented a stronger self-effect and was a risk factor from which spontaneous recovery was difficult. Conclusion/Implications: This study is significant in that it reveals the importance of adolescents' psychological relationships by revealing that social withdrawal is a factor with a strong self-effect that is difficult to recover on its own. In addition, by predicting social withdrawal and longitudinal changes in peer relationships, we promoted the healthy development of adolescents and presented basic data necessary for education and counseling.

Association between milk and dairy consumption and executive functioning: A cross-sectional survey based on rural Chinese adolescents

BackgroundMilk and dairy product consumption continue to increase in developing countries, with positive effects on adolescent physical and mental health. However, the effect of milk and dairy product consumption on executive function of adolescents has been less reported. This study aimed to analyze the status of milk and dairy product consumption and its association with executive function among adolescents in rural areas of China. The study aims to contribute to the healthy development of adolescents in rural areas of China. MethodsA three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method was used to investigate the milk and dairy product consumption status and executive function of 1360 adolescents in rural areas of China. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test was used to compare the milk and dairy product consumption of different categories of adolescents. Linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association between milk and dairy product consumption and executive function. ResultsThe proportions of adolescents in rural China with milk and dairy product consumption ≤1 t/w, 2–4 t/w, and ≥5 t/w were 39.26%, 45.07%, and 15.66%, respectively. After adjusting for relevant confounding variables, logistic regression analysis showed that compared to adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≥5 t/w, milk and dairy product consumption 2–4 t/w (OR = 2.115,95% CI: 1.265, 3.533) and ≤1 t/w (OR = 5.929,95% CI: 3.552,9.895) had a higher risk of inhibit control dysfunction (p < 0.05). Compared to adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≥5 t/w, adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≤1 t/w (OR = 2.141,95% CI: 1.110,4.129) had a higher risk of conversion the risk of flexibility dysfunction was also higher in adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≤1 t/w (OR = 2.141,95% CI: 1.110,4.129). ConclusionMilk and dairy product consumption among adolescents in rural areas of China is inadequate and has a positive association with executive function. In the future, we should increase milk and dairy product consumption and improve executive function of adolescents in rural areas of China in order to promote healthy physical and mental development.

Trends in Mean Energy and Nutrient Intakes in Japanese Children and Adolescents: The National Health and Nutrition Survey, 1995-2019.

This study aimed to describe the national trends in mean energy and nutrient intakes in Japanese children and adolescents from 1995 to 2019. We used data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey and included 54,871 participants aged 1-19 years. The dietary intake was estimated using a 1-day, semi-weighed, household-based, dietary record. The trends of mean energy and nutrient intakes were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression Program. A declining trend in the mean energy intake was observed in toddlers aged 1-6 years, school girls aged 7-14 years, and adolescent girls aged 15-19 years, while the mean energy intake from protein, fat, and carbohydrates changed little over time. The mean salt equivalent showed a decreasing trend in all age groups, although the 2019 mean values were above the tentative dietary goal for preventing lifestyle-related diseases, especially in adolescent boys. Declining trends in mean vitamin (vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and vitamin K) and mineral (calcium, iron, and copper) intakes were observed, while trends in the mean vitamin B6 and zinc intakes were unchanged since 2001. Continuous monitoring of dietary intake and further research are required to raise awareness of unhealthy diet habits and to improve the food environment for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents.

How the pandemic shaped teenagers’ views on violence: exploring the complexities of post-confinement attitudes

IntroductionViolent extremism is a complex and urgent issue that affects all sectors of society and necessitates research aimed at preventing and transforming violent behavior.MethodsThis study presents the findings of a questionnaire comprising 34 items administered to 1,169 teenagers from two secondary schools in Almería and Madrid, Spain, immediately following the conclusion of COVID-19 confinement measures. The primary objective of the study is to analyze teenagers’ perspectives on violent extremism and pro-violent attitudes, along with their association with various factors such as digital consumption, interpersonal relationships, and the socio-demographic circumstances of their families. Data collection involved direct interventions with the students at the participating educational institutions.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that variables such as gender, number of siblings, and religious practice influence violent extremism, whereas nationality does not emerge as a significant factor. Additionally, the study identifies several contributing factors to the prevalence of extremist and pro-violent attitudes, and employs a moderation analysis utilizing the mother’s level of education as a moderator variable.DiscussionBased on these results, the study recommends further research to enhance our understanding of the development of violent attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, it suggests implementing family and personal support programs aimed at fostering healthy adolescent development.

Integrating life skills into small-game courses within the context of positive youth development.

This study aims to obtain empirical evidence on the healthy development of adolescents in a small-sided game course by integrating life skills. A Matching-Only Pre-test Post-test Control Group Design utilizing a Quasi-Experimental Design methodology was applied as the research design. The study utilized a representative sample of fourth-semester students enrolled in the short game course. The sample consisted of three groups: Group A was the youth participating in the small-sided game course integrated with life skills (up to 24 individuals); Group B comprised the youth taking part in the small-sided game course without integrated life skills (up to 27 individuals); and a control group from another class (up to 25 individuals). The Life Skills Scale for Sport (LSSS) questionnaire instrument was employed in this research. Statistical analysis revealed that the t-count value of 5.295 is higher than the t-table value of 2.010. It indicates a significant difference between the groups or conditions compared in the analysis. The findings suggest that integrating life skills in the small-sided game course significantly impacts the measured outcomes. Further analysis and interpretation of the statistical results are required to understand the specific nature and magnitude of the observed differences. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of promoting positive adolescent development by integrating life skills in a small-sided game course. The findings highlight the significance of incorporating life skills into sports education programs for fostering holistic growth among adolescents.Keywords: Positive youth development, small game learning, Life skills.

Adults and Family as Supportive of Adolescent Sexual Development in the Age of Smartphones? Exploring Cybersexual Violence Victimization, Pornography Use, and Risky Sexual Behaviors.

Among adolescents, engagement in risky sexual behavior is an important public health concern. Research has begun to explore the impact of adolescents' online experiences with their social and behavioral health as approximately 95% of adolescents have access to a smartphone connected to the internet. However, little research has specifically examined how online experiences impact sexual risk behaviors among adolescence. To fill gaps in the existing research, the current study sought to investigate the association between two potential risk factors and three sexual risk behavior outcomes. We examined how experiencing cybersexual violence victimization (CVV) and using pornography during early adolescence was associated with condom use, birth control use, and use of alcohol and drugs before sex among U.S. high school students (n = 974). Additionally, we explored multiple forms of adult support as potential protective factors of sexual risk behaviors. Our findings suggest that CVV and porn use may be associated with risky sexual behaviors for some adolescents. In addition, parental monitoring and support from adults at school may be two ways to support healthy adolescent sexual development.

Risks of flavored nicotine and nicotine-free substances on adolescents

Nicotinic substances, tobacco, and vape pods have been widely used in electronic cigarettes that have been increasing in global popularity among adolescents. Global rise in electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are mainly being promoted through social media platforms such as Instagram advertisements and TikTok commercials1,2. Particularly, the inhalation (vaping) of electronic cigarettes contains toxic particles such as nicotine combined with various flavors that are delivered to the lungs and brain. Chronic vaping of toxic particles can cause addiction, dyspnea, cough, chest pain, and increased risks of hypoxemia3,4. Recent commercials promote non-nicotine (0 mg) vape pods consisting of harmful particles that target adolescents to smoke electronic cigarettes and to keep up with current societal norms1,4. Ultrafine particles found in vaping products can harm vital organs such as the lungs, and gastrointestinal tract, and cause neurological dependence on flavored nicotinic substances3,4. A recent study by Smith and colleagues includes computed tomography images of the lungs when exposed to 90 days of smoking electronic cigarette particles to cause acute lung injury. The computed tomography images show ground-glass opacities associated with consolidation in the lungs that can clinically manifest as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, alveolar hemorrhage, and/or respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease3. Flavored inhalation of nicotine or nicotine-free substances increases the risks of lung injury and can cause oxidative stress in the body. A similar study by Caporale and colleagues emphasizes the toxicity of non-nicotine electronic cigarettes to impact the endothelial function of a healthy nonsmoker. Specifically, the study highlights when nonsmokers went through magnetic resonance imaging before and after inhaling nicotine-free cigarette aerosol, there was vascular resistance in the arterioles which resulted in lowering venous hemoglobin saturation that may be a result of hypoxemia. Regardless of smoking, nicotine or nicotine-free substances some microparticles can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which can cause adverse reactions such as neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity4. Therefore, limiting electronic cigarettes in the market should be implemented to promote the healthy development of adolescents. Should the government implement school classes to educate adolescents about the dangers of electronic cigarettes? The benefits of public awareness about the toxicity of vaping outweigh the potential government spending that may be required. Educating the youth about the dangers of vaping can limit its usage and can promote normal adolescent development. However, there is a rise in non-nicotine vape pods, which were originally introduced to assist chronic smokers in quitting conventional cigarettes. Now nicotine-free vape pods are being used as a stepping stone for young individuals to start vaping and potentially use products with nicotine. Some suggestions to counter the rise of vaping can be to increase the prices of electronic cigarettes, raise taxes on each purchase, increase the minimum age to buy vaping devices, and monitor social media advertisements. Another way to curb and limit the usage of nicotine vaping devices in the community is to dispense electronic cigarettes with medical prescriptions. Moreover, a common problem that educational institutions may face is the rise in social media trends that use vaping as a way for students to bond with one another. To counter this trend, institutions should ensure healthier social groups by introducing clubs such as sports, gaming, drama, art, and cooking, or promoting any gathering of students’ interest that avoids inhalation or ingestion of toxic microparticles. Therefore, electronic cigarettes should be difficult to purchase for adolescents and further research is necessary on non-nicotine vaping devices and the potential pathologic problems that could cause chronic diseases or halt normal development. Ethical approval None. Sources of funding None. Author contributions T.Z.: conceptualization, literature review, writing—original draft, writing—reviewing and editing of the manuscript. A.A.S.: literature review, writing—original draft. D.R.: literature review, revising, and editing of the manuscript. M.M.: literature review and revising the manuscript. Conflicts of interest disclosure The authors declare that they have no financial conflict of interest with regard to the content of this report. Guarantor Tayyab Zahoor. Consent None.

Peer Bullying and Motivational Interviewing In Adolescents

Peer bullying is an increasingly important public health problem all over the world. Bullying behaviours are exhibited mostly during adolescence and continue to increase throughout this period. Bullying can cause problems such as physical and emotional wear, decrease in social relations, tendency to depression, suicide attempt, decrease in self-esteem, weakening in peer relations and increase in depression level. Adolescents, who are the future of the community, should be protected from negative behaviours such as peer bullying in order to be healthy. New interventions/strategies would be beneficial to prevent peer bullying in adolescents, and to ensure the healthy development of adolescents. Motivational interviewing is generally an appropriate approach to use for individuals who are reluctant to change or have conflicting feelings. Motivational interviewing is seen as a new, practical and effective method in providing behavioural change in adolescents and preventing peer bullying.