Italian Adolescents Research Articles

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Italian Children and Adolescents Living with Bone Dysplasia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Bone dysplasia (BD) refers to a group of rare disorders characterized by skeletal and dental anomalies which may negatively influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of BD on OHRQoL in Italian children and adolescents and to assess whether gender and age influence their OHRQoL. A total of 40 patients with BD and 40 age- and gender-matched controls (aged 8-14 years) were asked to complete the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), and the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (SF-CPQ). Children with BD showed statistically significant lower overall scores of all the questionnaires than the controls (all p < 0.001), with the largest differences being detected in overall symptoms, functional well-being, and social well-being domains. While no statistically significant gender-related differences were observed, adolescents aged 11-14 years experienced worse perception in the emotional and social well-being SSF-CPQ domains (p = 0.042 and p = 0.045, respectively) and in the peer interaction COHIP domain (p = 0.011) compared to the younger age group. Based on these findings, children suffering from BD experience poorer OHRQoL than their healthy peers, suggesting that oral and dental issues may be of special importance for the socio-psychological well-being of these growing individuals.

There is a correlation between nutritional status, Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction? Evidence from 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children cross sectional study in a sample of Italian adolescents living in Tuscany Region.

Overweight has been associated with several social and phycological problems and is perceived as one of the major health care challenges to focus on in the future. The purpose of the study is to investigate the correlations among nutritional status, assessed by the Body Mass Index, the perception of one's own health status and Life Satisfaction, detected in Italian adolescents living in Tuscany Region, and to investigate the influence of gender on them. A statistically representative sample of 2760 Tuscan adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 was involved in the 2018 Health Behaviours at School-aged Children survey. The participants were divided into three nutritional status class: underweight, normal weight and overweight (overweight + obese). The results show that there is a statistically significant difference in all categories between boys and girls aged 13 and 15 years; in girls aged 11 and 13 years, the Life Satisfaction of the overweight group is statistically lower than that of normal and underweight groups; Self-Rated Health is statistically lower in all age groups for overweight individuals compared to normal weight children, except for 11-year-old females. Viewing the psychosocial problems related to overweight, more attention and care must be placed on adolescents to ensure their healthier development.

Are anxiety, depression, and stress distinguishable in Italian adolescents? an examination through the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21.

The adolescents' ability to discriminate between different negative emotional states is still under debate. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) serves as a useful tool to unravel this issue, yet the literature on its structural validity in young people is ambiguous. Therefore, this study aimed to expand knowledge on the emotional experience of youth by investigating the factor structure and psychometric properties of the DASS-21 in Italian adolescents. Six hundred fifty-five students (60.6% girls) aged 14-18 (M = 16.3 ± 1.29) completed an online survey containing the DASS-21 and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). To evaluate the factor structure of the DASS-21, several alternative models were tested, also adopting an Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) procedure. Measurement invariance, reliability, validity, and latent means differences were addressed. The ESEM model with three correlated factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress yielded the best fit to the data, supporting a hierarchical structure of the DASS-21. In addition, this model was invariant across sex and age groups. The Anxiety scale predicted both positive and negative affect, while Depression predicted positive affect only. Finally, girls scored higher than boys on Anxiety and Depression, but no age differences emerged. Overall, our results indicate that anxiety, depression, and stress are distinguishable in Italian adolescents but, simultaneously, share an underlying condition of general distress, which may explain the comorbidity between internalizing problems. Such findings are discussed in terms of clinical and preventive implications for the adolescent population.

Breakfast quality and its sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates among Italian children, adolescents, and adults from the Italian Nutrition & HEalth Survey (INHES) study

BackgroundBreakfast quality, together with regularity of breakfast, has been suggested to be associated with cardiometabolic health advantages. We aimed to evaluate the quality of breakfast and its socioeconomic and psychosocial correlates in a large sample of the Italian population.MethodsCross-sectional analyses on 7,673 adult and 505 children/adolescent regular breakfast eaters from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey (INHES; 2010-2013). Dietary data were collected through a single 24-h dietary recall. Breakfast quality was assessed through the Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) combining intake of ten food groups, energy, and nutrients of public health concern, and potentially ranging from 0 to 10. The association of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors with BQI were analyzed by multivariable-adjusted linear regression models.ResultsThe average BQI was 4.65 (SD ± 1.13) and 4.97 (SD ± 1.00) in adults and children/adolescents, respectively. Amongst adults, older age (β = 0.19; 95%CI 0.06 to 0.31 for > 65 vs. 20–40 years) and having a high educational level (β = 0.13; 0.03 to 0.23; for postsecondary vs. up to elementary) were independent predictors of better breakfast quality, while men reported lower BQI (β = -0.08; -0.14 to -0.02 vs. women). Perceived stress levels at home and work and financial stress were inversely associated with BQI. Children/adolescents living in Central and Southern Italian regions had lower BQI compared to residents in Northern Italy (β = -0.55; -0.91 to -0.19 and β = -0.24; -0.47 to -0.01, respectively).ConclusionsIn adults, breakfast quality was associated with age, sex, and educational level. Perceived stress levels were inversely associated with the quality of breakfast. In children/adolescents, a north-south gradient in breakfast quality was observed.

Potential Predictors of Long COVID in Italian Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Identifying predictive factors of long COVID syndrome (LCS) is essential to preventing and managing this condition. We investigated the prevalence, symptoms, and risk factors of LCS in a cohort of Italian children and adolescents. We carried out a cross-sectional survey on demographic characteristics and clinical data related to COVID-19 phase and LCS in a cohort of children and adolescents, sending a questionnaire by using the PEDIATOTEM platform. The prevalence of LCS was 25% (99/396). The most frequent symptoms of LCS included nasal congestion, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. We found no association between demographic data (gender, age, and ethnicity) and LCS. Additionally, we showed that patients with concurrent allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and rheumatologic disease had a higher risk of LCS than patients without those comorbidities. Patients experiencing fatigue, muscle, and abdominal pain in COVID-19 showed a higher risk of LCS than patients complaining of other symptoms. We found no association between vaccination and LCS. Specific comorbidities or symptoms during acute illness were identified as being risk factors for LCS. Understanding which are the risk factors for LCS could yield a clearer picture of its pathogenesis.

The Future Orientation of Italian Adolescents in Post-Pandemic Times: Associations with Self-Efficacy and Perceived Academic Achievement

Future orientation refers to an individual’s conscious portrayal of upcoming events, encompassing thoughts, motivations, and emotions. Research on future orientation has primarily focused on adolescents due to their perceived necessity to prepare for adulthood. To investigate the hopes and fears of Italian adolescents in post-pandemic times, as well as age and gender differences and the associations between future orientation, self-efficacy, and perceived academic achievement, a survey was conducted with 388 Italian high school students. The Future Orientation and Life Course Prospective Questionnaires, along with the Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy Scale, were administered. Data analysis involved content analysis of hopes and fears, as well as statistical methods (t-tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis) were employed. A greater number of fears than hopes were mentioned. Age differences were marginal. Compared with males, females expressed a greater number of hopes and fears and provided more detailed insights into their fears within the domains of higher education, self, and the general existential category. As expected, positive and modest correlations were observed between future orientation, self-efficacy, and academic achievement. Notably, self-efficacy and work/career future orientation were found to predict academic achievement. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance for school educational programs.

An Industry-Relevant Metal Mixture, Iron Status, and Reported Attention-Related Behaviors in Italian Adolescents.

Exposure to environmental metals has been consistently associated with attention and behavioral deficits in children, and these associations may be modified by coexposure to other metals or iron (Fe) status. However, few studies have investigated Fe status as a modifier of a metal mixture, particularly with respect to attention-related behaviors. We used cross-sectional data from the Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure study, which included 707 adolescents (10-14 years of age) from Brescia, Italy. Manganese, chromium, and copper were quantified in hair samples, and lead was quantified in whole blood, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Concentrations of Fe status markers (ferritin, hemoglobin, transferrin) were measured using immunoassays or luminescence assays. Attention-related behaviors were assessed using the Conners Rating Scales Self-Report Scale-Long Form, Parent Rating Scales Revised-Short Form, and Teacher Rating Scales Revised-Short Form. We employed Bayesian kernel machine regression to examine associations of the metal mixture with these outcomes and evaluate Fe status as a modifier. Higher concentrations of the metals and ferritin were jointly associated with worse self-reported attention-related behaviors: metals and ferritin set to their 90th percentiles were associated with 3.0% [; 95% credible interval (CrI): , 0.06], 4.1% (; 95% CrI: 0.00, 0.08), and 4.1% (; 95% CrI: 0.00, 0.08) higher -scores for self-reported attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) index, inattention, and hyperactivity, respectively, compared with when metals and ferritin were set to their 50th percentiles. These associations were driven by hair manganese, which exhibited nonlinear associations with all self-reported scales. There was no evidence that Fe status modified the neurotoxicity of the metal mixture. The metal mixture was not materially associated with any parent-reported or teacher-reported scale. The overall metal mixture, driven by manganese, was adversely associated with self-reported attention-related behavior. These findings suggest that exposure to multiple environmental metals impacts adolescent neurodevelopment, which has significant public health implications. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12988.

Children's diet assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Index: the finding of new eating habits and their impact on a cohort of Italian children.

Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been inversely associated with many diseases: it reduces total mortality and lowers cardiovascular risk. Despite the known benefits of MD, variations of dietary habits have occurred in recent years especially in young people. The aim of our study is to evaluate MD adherence in a cohort of Italian children and adolescents living in Southern Italy. Adherence to MD was evaluated with the Mediterranean Diet Index (KIDMED). Sex, age, and anthropometric measures were recorded on a population of 132 children; of those 71.2% showed poor adherence to MD, 26.5% average adherence and only 2.3% good adherence. Higher prevalence of poor adherence was recorded in obese children and there was statistically significant inverse correlation between age and adherence score. Our results highlight low adherence to MD in a cohort of Italian children. These findings support the importance of monitoring dietary habits, especially in adolescents.

Apolipoprotein B and Lipid Profile in Italian Children and Adolescents.

The prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease is mandatory from childhood onwards. Among biochemical markers related to the clinical cardiovascular outcome, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) are recognized as main target parameters. Emphasis on ApoB concentrations is growing, as representative of any class of atherogenic lipoprotein. This consideration allows checking of subjects under 18 years of age when the CV risk occurs. The aim of this study is to evaluate ApoB levels in a sample of Italian hyperlipidemic children and adolescents, and their siblings, to test any relationship with their lipid profile. A retrospective study, including 1877 children and adolescents (aged 0-18 years), was performed. Clinical and biochemical data were selected from a database, including the lipid profile, ApoB analysis and anthropometric parameters of any proband. Participants had been checked as potentially hyperlipidemia affected, the suspicion raised by familial CV risk or because the dyslipidemia was already known. Data from the first visit at the University Hospitals in Rome and Turin were collected. Patients affected by secondary hyperlipidemia or obesity were excluded. Blood test analysis was performed in fasting conditions by automated commercial kits. Participants were classified according to gender, age (stratified in subgroups: 0-5, 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18 years old) and anthropometric parameters, referred to as weight in Kg and height in cm, and BMI calculated. Lipid profile results were stratified in relation to acceptable, borderline, or increased levels, as indicated by NCEP, and any potential relation with ApoB established. Statistics were performed by Epi-Info 7 programs to evaluate the variance analysis. Either parent could sign the informed consent. Among the whole sample n.1010 and n.867 participants were females and males, respectively. TC values acceptable (≤170 mg/dL), borderline (171-200 mg/dL) and elevated (≥201 mg/dL) were found in 411 (22%), 585 (31%) and 881 (47%) participants, respectively. The LDL-C cut-off considered was 110 mg/dL (90° percentile). Mean ApoB progressively increased from 65 to 110 mg/dL according to TC levels and resulted in significant correlation when any age subgroup and gender was considered. The highest ApoB values, TC and LDL-C related, were found in the youngest subgroup, regardless of gender. ApoB results increase progressively and in parallel with TC and LDL-C and represent a further parameter to distinguish between normal and hyperlipidemic subjects. Serum levels are close to 70 mg/dL and to 100 mg/dL in the former and latter group, respectively.

The mediating role of trait mindfulness and dissociative experiences in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and problematic internet use in Italian adolescents.

There is clear evidence linking trauma, mindfulness, dissociation and problematic internet use (PIU). Nonetheless, little is known about the role trait mindfulness and dissociative experiences may have in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse (CEA) and PIU, as well as the role that gender may have in such relationships. In the current research, self-report questionnaires on CEA, trait mindfulness, dissociative experiences and PIU were administered to 1074 Italian adolescents (50% females) aged 14-17 years old, to test whether trait mindfulness and dissociative experiences mediated the relationship between CEA and PIU, and whether the proposed mediation was invariant across genders. Furthermore, the main analyses were controlled for background variables. The findings highlighted significant associations between all direct and indirect paths and invariance of the mediation model across boys and girls. The results of this study highlight that emotionally abused boys and girls with high levels of dissociation and inadequate mindful skills may be more exposed to dysfunctional online activities. Hence, developing dissociation-focused and mindfulness-based interventions for emotionally abused adolescents may be clinically effective when building tailored approaches for the prevention and management of PIU. Further implications are discussed.

Which Treatment Modalities Are Being Used by Italian Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes?

Which Treatment Modalities Are Being Used by Italian Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes?

Is Adolescents’ Cyber Dating Violence Perpetration Related to Problematic Pornography Use? The Moderating Role of Hostile Sexism

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence is an important public health problem. Cyber dating violence (CDV) is a form of intimate partner violence perpetrated within a dating relationship via new communication technologies. This study investigated the moderating roles of hostile and benevolent sexism in the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration. The Cyber Pornography Use Inventory, the Cyber Dating Violence Inventory, and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory were completed by 421 Italian adolescents (M = 16.53; females = 63.7%). Results indicated that problematic pornography use was positively related to CDV perpetration. In addition, the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration was found to be moderated by hostile sexism. In participants with low levels of hostile sexism, the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration was not significant. Conversely, in those with high levels of hostile sexism, this relationship was stronger and significant. Benevolent sexism was not found to be a moderator in the relationship between problematic pornography use and CDV perpetration. Thus, hostile sexism could be a risk factor for the relationship between adolescents’ problematic pornography use and their engagement in CDV. Conversely, low levels of hostile sexism could be a protective factor.

The psychosocial functioning in adolescents with severe obesity evaluated throughout the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ): a preliminary report.

Childhood obesity is associated with poor psychological adjustment. Severely impacts the psychological adjustment of young patients. To assess the psychological functioning of children and adolescents, several questionnaires have been proposed so far. Although the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most well-used tools, its application in obesity research is scarce. The study is aimed at assessing the psychological profile of a sample of Italian children and adolescents seeking an in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program for obesity, via SDQ. One hundred and fourteen consecutive Italian children and adolescents with obesity (43 males/71 females, age range: 11-17 years, mean age ± SD: 15.1 ± 1.66, body mass index-BMI ± SD: 37.4 ± 6.13 kg/m2), were recruited at the Division of Auxology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piancavallo (VB). Obese Females reported worse conditions of emotional symptoms (t = 5.48; p < 0.001) and peer problems (t = 2.34; p = 0.021), as well as higher which were associated with greater scores of pro-social behaviors than obese males (t = 3.07; p = 0.003). The total difficulties score (t = 4.00; p < 0.001) and the total impact score (t = 4.53; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in females than males. No statistically significant differences in SDQ variables were found in relation to the degree of obesity (BMI SDS: 2-2.99; BMI SDS: > 3). These findings can contribute to understand the psychological condition of adolescents with obesity in a better way and also to develop effective interventions for the treatment of pediatric obesity which not only take into account the medical and physical aspects but also the emotional and social difficulties expressed by adolescents with obesity.

Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Preliminary Report.

Parent-child agreement regarding emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents with obesity was measured. One hundred Italian adolescents with obesity (36 males, 64 females, mean age ± SD: 15.3 ± 1.61 years, mean body mass index, BMI: 37.9 ± 5.48 kg/m2), hospitalized for a 3-week multidisciplinary body weight reduction program at Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy, and one of their parents (n = 100, 40 fathers, 60 mothers) participated in the study. Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for parents and the Youth Self Report (YSR) for teens were administered. Most of the CBCL and YSR scores were normal, with more borderline and clinical scores being found in CBCL (29% of borderline scores in attention problems, 28% in affective problems, and 26% in ADHD; 32% of clinical scores in affective problems, 23% in withdrawn/depressed, and 22% in anxiety problems and somatic complains subscales) than in YSR (19% of borderline scores in affective behaviors and 17% in somatic complains; 15% of clinical scores in anxiety problems and 17% in withdrawn/depressed subscale). Young females reported greater anxiety problems (p = 0.009), oppositional defiant problems (p = 0.029), anxiety/depressed (p = 0.030), and internalizing problems (p = 0.045) than males. Pearson's coefficients ranged between 0.273 to 0.517. This study provides information on the cross-informant evaluation of psychological profiles with CBCL and YSR in a clinical sample of adolescents with obesity and their parents.

The economic burden of pediatric growth hormone deficiency in Italy: a cost of illness study

PurposeGrowth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare condition with a worldwide prevalence of 1 patient in 4000 to 10,000 live births, placing a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to generate evidence on the economic burden of children and adolescents with GHD treated with rhGH and their parents in Italy.MethodsA cost of illness analysis, adopting the prevalence approach, has been developed, producing evidence on the total annual cost sustained by the Italian National Health System (NHS) and by the society. The study is based on original data collected from a survey conducted among Italian children and adolescents with GHD and their parents.Results143 children/adolescents with GHD and their parents participated to the survey, conducted from May to October 2021. Patients had a mean age of 12.2 years (SD: 3.1) and were mostly males (68.5%).The average direct healthcare cost sustained by the NHS was € 8,497.2 per patient/year; adding the out-of-pocket expenses (co-payments and expenses for private healthcare service), the total expense was € 8,568.6. The indirect costs, assessed with the human capital approach, were € 847.9 per patient/year. The total of direct and indirect cost is € 9,345.1 from the NHS perspective, and € 9,416.5 from a social perspective. The total cost incurred by the Italian NHS for children with GHD (range: 5,708–8,354) was estimated in € 48.5–71.0 million, corresponding to 0.04–0.06% of the total Italian public health expense in the year 2020.ConclusionsThe total annual cost for GHD children is close to € 10,000, and is mainly due to the cost of rhGH treatment. This cost is almost entirely sustained by the NHS, with negligible out-of-pocket expenses.The economic burden on the Italian NHS for the health care of established GHD children is fourfold higher than the prevalence of the disease in the overall Italian population.

The role of late adolescents' emotion regulation in the experience of COVID-19 lockdown: A longitudinal study.

The COVID-19 pandemic may be considered a unique mass-trauma experience. This study examined the relations between Italian late adolescents' emotion regulation strategies, their anxiety states, and their experience of the lockdown (in terms of discomfort related to restrictions, capacities to create new functional daily routines, and to find positive changes in one's own life) during the first wave of this pandemic. We analysed how participants' reports of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression were associated with anxiety states during the 2020 Italian COVID-19 lockdown (large scale physical distancing and movement restrictions) and one month after the lockdown restrictions had been removed. We also examined how cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and anxiety states were linked to late adolescents' experience of lockdown. The participants were 497 Italian adolescents, aged from 17 to 24years (Mage=21.11, SD=1.83). A longitudinal structural equation modelling showed that emotion regulation strategies and anxiety states were not associated across time. Cognitive reappraisal was positively associated with routine reorganization and positive changes. In contrast, participants' expressive suppression was negatively related to their discomfort related to restrictions, ability to functionally reorganise their daily routine, and ability to find positive changes related to the COVID-19 emergency. Anxiety was positively linked to discomfort related to restrictions. The findings are discussed in light of the current literature related to emotion regulation and anxiety. Limitations and implications for practice are presented.

Artistic swimming and school engagement: the mediating role of metacognition and technology

This article presents a cross-sectional study that explores the association between artistic swimming and school engagement in a sample of 500 Italian adolescents. The study aimed to examine whether the practice of artistic swimming would foster strategic metacognitive skills. These skills, in turn, were hypothesized to positively influence school engagement and reduce recreational technology use, which could pose a risk to school engagement. The findings revealed that the relationship between artistic swimming and scholastic engagement, encompassing both cognitive and behavioral aspects, was entirely mediated by metacognitive strategies and reduced recreational technology usage. Moreover, students engaged in artistic swimming exhibited significantly higher levels of metacognitive strategies and scholastic engagement compared to their counterparts involved in other sports. The article also addresses the limitations inherent in the cross-sectional design and suggests potential avenues for future research.

Study protocol for a pre/post study on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding STIs and in particular HPV among Italian adolescents, teachers, and parents in secondary schools.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the most important issues related to sexual and reproductive health, as it is estimated that more than 1 million new infections are acquired every day worldwide and data on the prevalence and incidence of these infections, especially among young people, are increasing. Nevertheless, there are some knowledge and behavioral gaps, and young people need more support from their school and family network to protect themselves and their peers. Therefore, we have designed a multicenter prospective intervention study involving public lower and upper secondary school students, their parents and teachers (ESPRIT). The intervention will take place in the school year 2023-2024, where students will meet with experts and be involved in peer education, while adults (parents and teachers) will participate in distance and face-to-face trainings. All target groups will complete KAP (knowledge, attitudes, practice) questionnaires before and after participating in the intervention to measure its effectiveness. The results of this study will help to assess and improve the level of knowledge of lower and upper secondary school students, parents and teachers about STIs and HPV in particular, raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health issues, including vaccination, among lower and upper secondary school students and their families, and evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in terms of improving knowledge and changing attitudes and behaviors. The study protocol has been approved by the Regional Unique Ethics Committee of Friuli Venezia Giulia (CEUR-2023-Sper-34). The project is being carried out with the technical and financial support of the Italian Ministry of Health-CCM.

Psychosocial risk and protective factors for youth problem behavior are associated with food addiction in the Generation Z.

Food Addiction (FA) and other well-known risk behavior as substance misuse tend to co-occur and may share similar risk and protective factors. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the diagnosis/severity of FA and psychosocial domains typically related to risk behavior syndrome in a large, nationally representative community sample of Generation Z underage Italian students. The sample consisted of 8,755 students (3,623 from middle schools, 5,132 from high schools). A short version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 was administered to evaluate FA. Risk and protective factors related to demographic, personality, behavior, and family variables were examined. Stepwise multivariate logistic and linear regressions were conducted. The prevalence of FA was 30.8%. Female gender, social anxiety and depression symptoms, social withdrawal risk, Internet gaming disorder, social media addiction, current substance use, social challenge engagement and experienced doxing boosted the chance of FA diagnosis, whereas eating fruit and vegetables, playing competitive sports and an average sleep duration of 7-8 h per night reduced these odds. FA severity was significantly and positively associated with trait impulsiveness, social anxiety and depressive symptoms, risk of social withdrawal, recent substance use, social media, and gaming addiction, doxing suffered and risky social challenges participation. Negative associations between the severity of FA and fruit and vegetable diet habits were found. Our findings confirm that FA is widespread among Italian adolescents. The associations between the diagnosis and severity of FA and psychosocial risk factors for health, including, addictive and deviant behaviors related to digital misuse, suggest its belonging to the risk behavior constellation. Health promotion schemes based on a multicomponent strategy of intervention should consider the inclusion of FA and its psychosocial correlates.

Emotions, social support and positive resources during Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative-quantitative survey among italian adolescents

Covid-19 pandemic had a massive impact on adolescents. The present study illustrates an online survey administered to N = 861 Italian adolescents (mean age = 15.81 years; females 58%), asking them about: (i) the most frequent negative emotions during the pandemic; (ii) the main sources of social support; (iii) whether they had also experienced positive emotions; (iv) in which lifedomains they had experienced positive emotions. The results reveal that adolescents experienced boredom, sadness, fear, and agitation as negative emotions. The respondents reported family, friends and themselves as sources of social support. The main life-domains in which adolescents experienced positive emotions were: new discoveries in self-awareness, inner growth, relational skills. This study highlights that the pandemic has elicited positive resources (e.g., resilience, creativity and generativity) in adolescents, laying the foundations for interventions, in developmental and educational psychology, that are not top-down but bottom-up.