Large Sample Of Chinese Adolescents Research Articles

Bidirectional associations between short sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and psychotic-like experiences in adolescents.

This study investigates the prospective associations between short sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. This study utilized a three-timepoint repeated cross-sectional survey with two nested longitudinal subsamples. A total of 17,722 adolescents were assessed at baseline (April 21 to May 12, 2021) and six months later (December 17 to 26, 2021). Out of these, 15,694 adolescents provided complete responses to the questions at baseline and one year later (May 17 - June 6, 2022). A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure sample characteristics (at baseline), sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and PLEs (at each assessment), and negative life events (at two follow-ups). Baseline short sleep duration and insomnia symptoms predicted frequent PLEs at both follow-up assessments. Additionally, baseline frequent PLEs also predicted insomnia symptoms at six months and one year later. However, when controlling for confounders, PLEs at baseline only predicted short sleep duration at six months, and not at one year. This study reveals bidirectional prospective relationships between short sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and PLEs, even after controlling for covariates. Therefore, it is crucial to assess both sleep patterns and PLEs in order to promote optimal sleep and mental health among adolescents.

Investigating psychometric properties of short versions of the depressive experiences questionnaire: Findings from a representative large sample of Chinese adolescents

BackgroundAdolescence involves a period of swift change, including the development of personality vulnerabilities (i.e., dependency and self-criticism) that act as transdiagnostic factors to psychopathology. Over the past several decades, numerous short revisions have condensed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) into more efficient measures of personality vulnerability. Prior research has investigated the psychometric properties of the short DEQs in adult and clinical samples. However, there has been insufficient exploration within adolescents, who are in addition marked by fluctuating personality vulnerabilities. MethodA representative large sample of adolescents and emerging adults in China aged 10 to 25 (N = 23,953) was administered five short DEQs, including the Revised DEQ (RevDEQ), Reconstructed DEQ (RecDEQ), Theoretical DEQ-21/12 (TDEQ-21/12) and adolescent DEQ (DEQ-A). The data was evaluated for internal consistency and criterion-related validity, while factor structure and measurement invariances across gender and age groups were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A subset of the original sample (N = 2874) was retested after six months and analyzed for test-retest reliability and cross-time invariance. ResultCFA of the TDEQ-21/12 and RecDEQ supported the intended two-factor model. Good criterion-related validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability for these three versions were found. Satisfying measurement invariances across gender, time, and age groups were established. LimitationThe study's scope was confined to non-clinical adolescent populations within China, highlighting a gap in cross-cultural and clinical applicability. ConclusionThe present study supports the use of the TDEQ-21/12 and RecDEQ as valid and concise instruments for measuring Chinese adolescent personality vulnerability.

A longitudinal investigation of the cross-dimensional mediating role of negative life events between neuroticism and depressive symptoms in adolescents

BackgroundNeuroticism has been identified as a significant predictor for depression within the adolescent population However, few longitudinal studies have investigated this association and explored the mediation effect of the negative life events. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between neuroticism, negative life events, and depression in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. MethodsData on Five Factor Inventory-Neuroticism Subscale (FFI-N) was collected from 1150 participants aged 14–19 years old at baseline, and data on Adolescent Life Event Questionnaire (ALEQ) and Center of Epidemiological Study-Depression (CES-D) were collected both at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Multilevel modelings were used to analyze the longitudinal associations among neuroticism, negative life events and depression. ResultsThrough a longitudinal study design, results from multilevel regression analyses indicated a direct correlation between increased levels of neuroticism and the aggregation of negative life events with the prediction of more severe depressive symptoms. Further, results of multilevel mediations suggested that the negative life events served to partially mediate the relationship between neuroticism and each dimension of depression. LimitationsThe results cannot be used to make a clinical diagnosis. ConclusionThe current findings suggest the negative life events as a cross-dimensional mediator in the relationship between neuroticism and each dimension of depression. Regulating neuroticism levels and implementing strategies to coping stress derived from daily life events could be integral approaches to reducing the prevalence of depression within the adolescent population.

Developmental interactions between peer victimization and depressive symptoms in adolescents: A latent change score analysis.

Peer victimization and depressive symptoms are highly relevant risks during adolescence. Understanding the dynamic patterns of interactions between peer victimization and depressive symptoms as well as gender differences in these variables can improve intervention strategies for adolescents navigating this critical transition period. In the present study, a large sample of Chinese adolescents reported peer victimization and depressive symptoms in four survey waves at six-month intervals. A total of 2534 adolescents (51.9% boys, M = 12.98 ± 0.60 years) were included in the latent change score (LCS) analysis. The results supported the reciprocal effects model obtained in the full sample. Changes in peer victimization were influenced by prior changes in depressive symptoms over time, and changes in depressive symptoms were influenced by prior levels of peer victimization. There were also gender differences, with boys exhibiting depressive symptom-driven effects on peer victimization, while girls exhibiting peer victimization-induced depressive symptoms. The dynamic relationships between peer victimization and depressive symptoms that promote and constrain each other in adolescents are elucidated in this study. Differentiating effects on boys and girls is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of practical interventions.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Premenstrual Syndrome in Chinese Adolescent Girls.

Epidemiological data on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Chinese adolescents are limited. This study reported the prevalence and associated factors of PMS in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. A total of 5099 adolescent girls who had menarche participated in the baseline survey of Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort study in Shandong, China. A self-administered questionnaire was used to ask about PMS, age at menarche, menstrual cycle interval, menstrual flow length, menstrual regularity, period pain, body weight and height, trait anger, stressful life events, and demographics. The mean age of the sample was 15.19years (SD = 1.32). The overall prevalence of PMS was 24.6%. The prevalence rates of PMS-anxiety, PMS-water retention, PMS-craving, and PMS-depression were 18.9%, 4.0%, 7.9%, and 11.5%, respectively. The most common symptoms were premenstrual irritability (54%) and fatigue (52.5%). Stepwise logistic regression showed that high levels of life stress (OR 2.26), high levels of trait anger (OR 4.65), alcohol consumption (OR 1.28), menstrual cycle interval ≤ 24days (OR 1.45), and mild (OR 1.50), moderate (OR 2.57) or severe period pain (OR 4.84) were all significantly associated with increased likelihood of PMS. In conclusion, approximately 1 in 4 Chinese adolescent girls suffered from PMS. Multiple psychosocial and menstrual factors were associated with PMS. Further research is needed to understand developmental changes of PMS and its long-term impacts on psychosocial wellbeing in Chinese adolescent girls.

Place attachment buffers against the effect of perceived discrimination on psychological distress in Chinese migrant children: A two-wave longitudinal study

Research has shown that Chinese migrant children encounter multiple stressors and adversities in their living environments, making them more vulnerable to psychological distress. The present study aimed to investigate the risky role of perceived discrimination on the development of four psychological distress symptoms (i.e., loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress), and the protective role of place attachment, utilizing a two-wave longitudinal design. A relatively large sample of Chinese adolescents participated in the study, with a total of 698 participants (Mage = 15.34 at Time 1, SDage = 0.53). The sample included both migrant children (N = 233) and non-migrant children (N = 465). Data were collected in December 2020 (Time 1) and September 2021 (Time 2). The findings revealed significant associations between perceived discrimination at Time 1 and subsequent increases in four psychological distress symptoms at Time 2, specifically among migrant children. However, these associations were nonsignificant among non-migrant children. Notably, place dependence (i.e., the functional aspect of place attachment) at Time 1 emerged as a significant protective factor for migrant children. Specifically, the positive and longitudinal associations between perceived discrimination and loneliness, depression, and anxiety became nonsignificant among migrant children who demonstrated higher levels of place dependence. The findings provide a valuable and practical contribution towards enhancing migrant children's mental health by highlighting the significance of person-place bonding, particularly in terms of place dependence, as a protective mechanism against the adverse impacts of social pressures.

Comorbidity of loneliness and social anxiety in adolescents: Bridge symptoms and peer relationships

RationalePrevious research investigating the comorbidity of loneliness and social anxiety symptoms in population samples has relied on latent variable modeling in which averaged scores representing dimensions were derived from observed symptoms. Studies have not examined how loneliness and social anxiety co-occur at the symptom level or their relations with peer relationships. ObjectiveThis study examined the comorbidity of loneliness and social anxiety and the role of peer relationships (i.e., the number of reciprocated friends, friendship quality, and bullying victimization) in adolescents’ co-occurring network using a large sample of Chinese adolescents. MethodsWe performed a network analysis in a sample of Chinese adolescents (N = 2601, 51.6% male, M age = 13.9 years, SD = 0.60). Participants completed self-report measures of loneliness, social anxiety, bullying victimization, and friendship quality as well as peer nomination measures of the number of reciprocated friends. ResultsNetwork analysis revealed that feeling ridiculed, fear of being rejected, having difficulty asking others to do things together, and feeling left out at school were essential bridge symptoms in the co-occurrence of loneliness and social anxiety. Bullying victimization had more positive associations with symptoms of social anxiety, and friendship quality had more negative associations with symptoms of loneliness. ConclusionsThe findings provide preliminary evidence for the comorbidity of loneliness and social anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The results also highlight the potential importance of targeting peer relationships in the prevention and intervention of loneliness and social anxiety symptoms. The combination of longitudinal networks and interventions on bridge symptoms may provide further insight into the development of the links between peer relationships, loneliness, and social anxiety symptoms.

Prevalence and associated factors of bullying victimization among Chinese high school students in Shandong, China

BackgroundBullying is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is insufficient research on the prevalence and factors associated with different forms of bullying in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of bullying victimization among Chinese high school students. MethodsData from the 2020–2021 cross-sectional survey of the DYH program were used. A total of 8203 high school students were randomly selected from all 17 cities in Shandong Province, China. Bullying victimization was measured using two separate questions and identified into three types: school bullying victims, cyberbullying victims, and combined bullying victims. The multinomial logit model was used to explore the factors related to bullying victimization. ResultsThe prevalence of bullying victimization was 11.59 %, with 4.04 % of school bullying, 3.37 % of cyberbullying, and 4.18 % of combined bullying. Smoking was negatively associated with bullying victimizations. Male, physical exercise, peer relationships, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were significantly associated with school bullying victims and combined victims. Watching TV was an influencing factor for school bullying victims and cyberbullying victims. Single-child households, family economic status, drinking alcohol, parent-child relationships, and paranoia were correlated with different types of bullying victimization. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design limited the examination of causal inferences. ConclusionWe should pay more attention to cyberbullying victimization, which has become as common as school bullying victimization among high school students. The associated factors explored in this study may contribute to understanding bullying victimizations and designing bullying intervention strategies among high school students in China.

Longitudinal association of family conflict and suicidal behaviors among Chinese adolescents: The mediation effect of internalizing and externalizing problems

ObjectiveFamily conflict is a risk factor for suicidal behaviors among adolescents. However, few longitudinal studies have investigated this association and explored the mediation effect of behavioral and emotional problems. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between family conflict, internalizing and externalizing problems, and suicidal behaviors in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. MethodThis longitudinal study of 7,072 adolescents was based on the Shandong Adolescent Behavior & Health Cohort (SABHC). Participants completed a self-administrated questionnaire to assess family conflict, internalizing and externalizing problems, suicidal behaviors, and family demographics at baseline. Excluding adolescents with any suicidal behavior at baseline (N = 839), others (N = 6,233) were allowed to report their internalizing and externalizing problems and suicidal behaviors one-year later. Path analyses were conducted to examine the mediation relationship of internalizing and externalizing problems between family conflict and suicidal behaviors. ResultsOf 6,233 participants, mean age was 14.52 at baseline and 51.2% were males. Adolescents with subsequent suicidal behaviors reported higher scores in family conflict, internalizing and externalizing problems (Ps < 0.01). Path analyses showed that internalizing and externalizing problems played a significant mediating role in the associations of family conflict with suicidal behaviors after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionsFamily conflict is associated with suicidal behaviors in adolescents, which is partially mediated by internalizing and externalizing problems. Internalizing problems is the major mediator between family conflict and suicidal thought or suicide plan; however, internalizing and externalizing problems play similar mediating roles in the family conflict-suicide attempt link.

Excessive daytime sleepiness mediates the relationship between insomnia symptoms and suicidal behavior in adolescents.

Insomnia symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and suicidal behavior are prevalent among adolescents. Growing studies have shown that both insomnia symptoms and EDS are associated with suicidal behavior. However, little is known about the pathways between insomnia symptoms, EDS, and suicidal behavior. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal mediating effect of EDS on insomnia-suicidal behavior link in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. Participants were 7072 adolescents (Mean age = 14.58 years, 50.0% males) who were surveyed at baseline and were followed up 1 year later in the Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, sleep duration, social jetlag, suicidal behavior, and adolescent and family demographics. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms and EDS at baseline were 14.3% and 21.1%, respectively. Adolescents with insomnia symptoms or EDS at baseline were more likely to report suicidal behavior at 1-year follow-up compared to adolescents without insomnia symptoms or EDS. Path analyses showed that EDS played a significant mediation role between insomnia symptoms and suicidal behavior (including any suicidal behavior, suicidal thought, suicide plan, and suicide attempt) before and after adjusting for adolescent and family factors, sleep duration, social jetlag, and prior suicidal behavior. Insomnia symptoms and EDS were associated with increased risk of subsequent suicidal behavior. The association between insomnia symptoms and suicidal behavior was mediated by EDS. These findings highlight the importance of assessment and treatment of insomnia and daytime sleepiness for suicide prevention in adolescents.

Anxiety and depression related to childhood maltreatment in teenagers: Comparing multiple individual risk model, cumulative risk model and latent profile analysis

BackgroundFew studies have employed person-centered approaches (i.e. latent profile analysis in this study) to investigate the specific patterns of childhood maltreatment in a large sample of Chinese adolescents, and little is known about the predictive validity of latent profile analysis on internalizing problems, compared with multiple individual risk model and cumulative risk model. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether differential patterns of maltreatment existed by employing latent profile analysis with a sample of 9071 Chinese adolescents, and further examined the predictive validity of latent profile analysis on internalizing problems, relative to the cumulative risk and multiple individual risk model. ParticipantsUsing a stratified sampling approach, 10,515 participants (Mean age = 14.24; SD = 1.73) were chosen from three different types of middle schools in Chongqing city, China. 9071 valid responses (males = 4775; females = 4296) were obtained for final analysis. MethodsParticipants reported their childhood maltreatment experience, anxiety and depression symptoms. Latent profile analysis was used to obtain possible patterns of maltreatment with Mplus version 7. 4. Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars (BCH) method was used to test the association between maltreatment patterns and anxiety and depression symptoms. Relative weight analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the predictive validity of latent profile analysis, multiple individual risk and cumulative risk model. ResultsUsing latent profile analysis, two patterns of childhood maltreatment were uncovered (“No Maltreatment” and “Multiple Maltreatment”). Further analysis showed that multiple individual risk model accounted for the largest variance in anxiety (R2 = 26.7%) and depression (R2 = 33%), followed by the latent profile analysis (R2 = 14.7% for anxiety and 18.6% for depression) and the cumulative risk model (R2 = 12.9% for anxiety and 15.2% for depression). ConclusionsOur findings suggested that the multiple individual risk model is the optimal model for identifying adolescents at the risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms, and the results suggested emotional abuse and emotional neglect are risk factors for higher levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

Nightmare frequency and psychopathological problems in a large sample of Chinese adolescents.

Nightmares are common, especially in pediatric populations and psychiatric patients. Nightmares are associated with daytime distress and negative health outcomes. The data on the prevalence and psychopathological profiles of nightmares in Chinese adolescents are limited. This study examined age and gender differences in nightmare frequency and associated psychopathological problems in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. A total of 11,831 adolescent students (mean age = 14.9, 12-18years) participated in the baseline survey of Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to report their nightmare frequency, trait anger, hopelessness, and multiple domains of behavioral/emotional problems. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine psychopathological problems in relation to nightmare frequency. Of the sample, 45.2% reported having nightmares at least once in the past month and 7.9% at least once/week. Girls reported more frequent nightmares than boys. Nightmare frequency significantly declined with age for both boys and girls. Mean scores on trait anger, hopelessness, attention, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems significantly increased with nightmare frequency. Frequent nightmares (at least once/week) were significantly associated with 2-4-fold increased likelihood of behavioral/emotional problems after adjusting for adolescent and family covariates. Nightmares are prevalent in Chinese adolescents. Frequent nightmares are associated with multiple domains of psychopathological problems. Assessment and intervention of frequent nightmares should be incorporated into routine clinical practice and mental health services in adolescents.

A Longitudinal Study of Insomnia, Daytime Sleepiness, and Academic Performance in Chinese Adolescents

ABSTRACT Background Longitudinal data on the associations between sleep disturbances, daytime sleepiness, and daily functioning are limited in the general adolescent population. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and subject-specific academic performance in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. Method Data were derived from the Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort (n = 7,072) study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess insomnia, EDS, academic performance (overall, Chinese, mathematics, and English), behavioral and emotional problems, and family demographics. The cross-sectional analysis was conducted with baseline data while the longitudinal analysis was conducted with both baseline and 1-year follow-up data. Logistic regression analyses and mediation models were performed to examine the associations between insomnia, EDS, and academic performance. Results Logistic regression analyses revealed that insomnia and EDS had significant cross-sectional associations with overall performance and mathematics performance after controlling for age, gender, ever smoking, ever alcohol drinking, frequent snore, sleep duration, chronic disease, anxious/depressive symptoms, parents’ education, parents’ occupation, and family economic status. Both insomnia (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00–1.45) and EDS (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.45) at baseline were significantly associated with poor mathematics performance 1 year later. The effect of insomnia at baseline on poor academic performance 1 year later was mediated by EDS except for the Chinese subject after controlling for the covariates. Conclusions Insomnia and daytime sleepiness are significantly associated with poor academic performance, particularly in mathematics. EDS mediates the association between insomnia and poor academic performance. Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness on the learning process and performance across academic subjects.

Resilience mediates the association between impulsivity and self-harm in Chinese adolescents

ObjectiveExisting literature is supportive for the positive connection between impulsivity and self-harm (SH), nevertheless, less is known regarding to the role of resilience in this association. This research primarily explored potential mediation of resilience in the association between impulsivity and SH in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. MethodA population-based cross-sectional survey of 4552 adolescents was conducted in southwest China. A self-administered questionnaire was adopted for data collection from all subjects. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), the Modified version of Adolescents Self-Harm Scale (MASHS) and the Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA) were used to measure impulsivity, SH, and resilience, respectively. The associations between impulsivity, resilience, and SH were estimated by using stepwise multivariate Logistic regression models. Mediation of resilience in impulsivity and SH association was evaluated by using path model. ResultsThe prevalence of SH was 39.1% (95% CI: 34.0%-45.0%) for surveyed adolescents. Impulsivity and resilience were significantly associated with the prevalence of SH. Prominent dose-response association between impulsivity and SH prevalence was further confirmed. Resilience was a salient mediator which accounted for 42.90% of the total impulsivity-SH association. Among all the five dimensions of resilience, goal concentration (23.98%) and emotion regulation (21.94%) showed the strongest mediation. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that resilience building intervention strategies, particularly those focusing on improving goal concentration, emotion regulation, and positive perception, could be effective in reducing impulsivity related SH risk among Chinses adolescents.

Psychometric Properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 Item (GAD-7) in a Large Sample of Chinese Adolescents.

Anxiety symptoms are common among adolescents. A well-validated and easy-to-use tool is indispensable to measure and detect anxiety for timely interventions. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7) is a self-report scale used to measure the severity of anxiety and has been validated in adult populations, but psychometric properties of the GAD-7 remained rarely tested in adolescents. The study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the GAD-7 in Chinese adolescents. Sex- and age-specific analyses were conducted in a large sample of adolescents (n = 67,281, aged 10–17 years). Our results showed that the GAD-7 scores were higher in female and older adolescents. The GAD-7 presented good internal consistency and a unidimensional structure across sex- and age-specific groups. The GAD-7 scores were significantly correlated with the scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9, a self-reported scale to measure depression symptoms) in all subgroups, indicating acceptable criterion validity. In conclusion, the GAD-7 is a scale with good psychometrics and can serve as a tool for anxiety screening in Chinese adolescents at the populational level.

Prevalence of and risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of Chinese adolescents in the post-COVID-19 era

BackgroundDepressive and anxiety symptoms are widespread among adolescents today, creating a large social problem. However, few previous studies have addressed depression and anxiety among adolescents in Chinese cohorts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese middle school adolescent students in the post-COVID-19 era.MethodsA total of 22,380 middle school students from Jiangsu Province were surveyed online, and their general demographic data were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used to measure anxiety symptoms.ResultsOf these participants (aged 12–17 years), 25.6% had depressive symptoms, 26.9% had anxiety symptoms, and 20.6% had a combination of depression and anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in female adolescents (27.6%) than in male adolescents (23.7%; χ2 = 45.479, P = 0.000), and the proportion with anxiety symptoms was higher among female adolescents (28.6%) than among male adolescents (25.4%; χ2 = 29.390, P = 0.000). Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender, region, and parental relationship were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents, while age, gender, region, and parental relationship were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that the prevalence of reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in Chinese adolescents are high. Female gender, urban region, and poor parental relationship may be risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, policy makers, schools, and families need to pay more attention to the psychological health of adolescents, develop response plans and take early intervention measures to reduce the prevalence of adolescent depression and anxiety.

Nightmare distress as a mediator between frequent nightmares and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents

BackgroundFrequent nightmares are related to depressive symptoms in adolescents. Little is known about pathways from frequent nightmares to depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the mediation effect of nightmare distress in the association between frequent nightmares and depressive symptoms in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. MethodsA total of 11,831 adolescents who participated in the baseline survey of Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort were included in the analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure nightmare frequency, nightmare distress, depressive symptoms, sleep duration, insomnia, and demographic characteristics. Linear regressions and mediation analyses were performed to examine the associations between frequent nightmares, nightmare distress and depressive symptoms. ResultsOf 11,831 participates, 50.9% were males and the mean age was 14.97 ± 1.45. Adolescents with frequent nightmares scored significantly higher on nightmare distress (t = 29.87, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (t = 20.05, P < 0.001) than those adolescents without frequent nightmares. Frequent nightmares (β = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.48–1.60) and nightmare distress (β = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.28–0.32) were associated with depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses showed that nightmare distress accounted for 63.76% of the total effects in the entire sample, 51.17% in males and 80.00% in females, respectively. LimitationNo causality could be made from the cross-sectional data and possible information bias due to self-report. ConclusionsThe association between frequent nightmares and depressive symptoms appears to be substantially mediated by nightmare distress. Assessing and intervening distress associated with frequent nightmares may have important clinical implications for reducing the risk of depression in adolescents.

Validation of the inflexible eating questionnaire in a large sample of Chinese adolescents: psychometric properties and gender-related differential item functioning.

The aim of this study was to provide preliminary psychometric evidence for the Chinese version of the Inflexible Eating Questionnaire (C-IEQ) among a large sample of Chinese adolescents. For testing the psychometric properties of the C-IEQ, a total of 2241 (Mage = 13.91years; 46.4% boys) adolescents from mainland China responded to the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the C-IEQ. Measurement invariance by gender was examined by both multi-group CFA and differential item functioning (DIF). Convergentvalidity of the C-IEQ was assessed via examining the correlations between the C-IEQ scores and theoretically related constructs (e.g., orthorexia nervosa symptomatology, eating disorder symptomatology, and body image inflexibility). The unidimensional structure with correlated errors of the C-IEQ showed good model fit (χ2 = 1674.05, df = 44, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.13; SRMR = 0.06). The C-IEQ had an adequate internal consistency (α = 0.89) and demonstrated strong measurement invariance across genders. Moreover, the scores of the C-IEQ showed significant correlations with theoretically correlated constructs: orthorexia nervosa symptomatology (girls; r = 0.53 p < 0.001, boys; r = 0.45 p < 0.001), eating disorder symptomatology (girls; r = 0.32 p < 0.001, boys; r = 0.25 p < 0.001) body image inflexibility (girls; r = 0.41 p < 0.001, boys; r = 0.36 p < 0.001), suggesting good convergentvalidity of the C-IEQ. The C-IEQ showed good psychometric properties in a sample of Chinese adolescents and can be used in future studies to assess eating-specific psychological inflexibilityamong Chinese adolescents. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Honesty-Humility and unethical behavior in adolescents: The mediating role of moral disengagement and the moderating role of system justification

IntroductionHonesty-Humility represents the tendency to be fair, genuine, and cooperative in social interactions. Although previous evidence has demonstrated that Honesty-Humility is related to decreased unethical behavior, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship, especially among adolescents. Based on social cognitive theory and system justification theory, the present study aims to examine the mediating role of moral disengagement and the moderating role of system justification in the relationship between Honesty-Humility and unethical behavior among Chinese adolescents. MethodsA large sample of Chinese adolescents (N = 2,576, 47% boys; Mage = 17.00 years, SD = 1.07) was recruited from four senior high schools. The participants completed questionnaires regarding Honesty-Humility, moral disengagement, system justification, and unethical behavior. ResultsThe findings suggested that Honesty-Humility was negatively associated with adolescents’ unethical behavior, and moral disengagement partially mediated this negative association. Furthermore, system justification moderated the mediation model. Specifically, the negative relationships between Honesty-Humility and moral disengagement/unethical behavior were stronger among adolescents who perceive the society as fair. ConclusionThese findings advance the understanding of when and how Honesty-Humility prevents adolescents from unethical behavior. The theoretical and practical implications of the current study as well as future research directions are discussed.

Longitudinal measurement invariance of the flourishing scale in adolescents

The Flourishing scale is a brief instrument to measure psychological and social aspects of well-being. In the current study, longitudinal measurement invariance of the FS was assessed in a large sample of Chinese adolescents (n = 494) who were followed longitudinally. Results found that the FS has strong longitudinal invariance over a 2-month interval and across sex. Moreover, high stability coefficients across time were found for the FS. In conclusion, the study suggests that the psychometric properties for longitudinal measurement invariance of the FS are satisfactory and the FS is a reliable measure of eudaimonic well-being in adolescence.