Late Adolescence Research Articles

후기청소년의 진로장벽과 진로준비행동의 관계: 진로성숙도의 매개효과와 사회이동성 인식의 조절효과

후기청소년의 진로장벽과 진로준비행동의 관계: 진로성숙도의 매개효과와 사회이동성 인식의 조절효과

Development of Comorbid Alcohol Use and Depressive Symptoms During Late Adolescence: Examining the Roles of Emotion Regulation and Gender Differences.

Depression and alcohol use are highly comorbid, and often emerge during adolescence. Depressive symptoms may precede alcohol use, via the self-medication pathway, or alcohol use may precede depressive symptoms, via the alcohol induced disruption pathway. Yet little is known about other risks for developing comorbidity via either path. The present study hypothesized that poor cognitive and physiological emotion regulation (ER) are risk factors implicated in the development of comorbid depression and alcohol use during late adolescence. Participants were 229 (113 girls) Mexican-origin youth who reported on depressive symptoms and alcohol use at ages 17 (Time 1) and 19years (Time 2). At age 17, cognitive reappraisal (CR), an adaptive ER strategy, and baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a physiological index of ER capacity, were assessed. CR, RSA and gender were examined as predictors and moderators of the developing comorbidity of alcohol use and depression in cross-lagged panel models. Lower use of CR was concurrently associated with more depressive symptoms at age 17 and predicted greater depression at age 19. Age 17 alcohol use predicted age 19 depressive symptoms for boys. Lower RSA at age 17 also predicted more depressive symptoms at age 19 for boys. Neither CR nor RSA moderated the predicted relations between depression and alcohol use. Findings supported the alcohol induced disruption model of comorbidity for boys, and showed that poor cognitive and physiological ER increased risk for exacerbating depressive symptoms in late adolescence.

Clinical structure and features of the course of pain and non-specific somatoform disorders in adolescent children

Annotation. The research is devoted to the study of clinical signs of painful and nonspecific somatoform disorders in children of early and late adolescence, depending on sex, place of residence, and study. The study examined 56 adolescent children with pain and non-specific syndromes who were treated in the MNP “Khmelnytskyi Regional Children's Hospital” of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Council and in the MP “Khmelnytskyi City Children’s Hospital” of the Khmelnytsky City Council. The average age of the children was 14,0±4,53 years. Among them, children of early adolescence (10-14 years) accounted for 57.2%, and late adolescence (15 years 11 months 28 days) – 42.8%. The clinical signs of pain and nonspecific somatoform disorders in the children we examined were as follows: headache, thermoregulation disorder, fibromyalgia and arthralgia syndrome, nonspecific back pain, asthenic syndrome with decreased work capacity, increased meteorological sensitivity, and impaired concentration. Nonspecific persistent pain syndrome occurred in 56 children, in particular, cephalic pain – in 77.4 %, polyarthralgia – in 8.9%, fibromyalgia syndrome – in 8.5%, nonspecific back pain – in 13.4% of children; thermoregulatory disorders were identified in 42.7%, asthenic syndrome – in 35.3% of children. It shows that among pain somatoform disorders, headache, in particular, tension headache and migraine, occupies the first rank in children. Stress, tension, and sleep disturbances were predominant among the triggering factors. Therefore, among adolescent children with painful and non-specific somatoform disorders, cephalalgia, with a predominance of tension headaches, and long daytime low fevers are most often diagnosed, as a manifestation of autonomic somatoform dysfunctions with impaired thermoregulation. At the same time, migraine, episodic symptoms associated with migraine, as well as trigeminal variants of headache and long-term pain of other localization were found in isolated cases. The age dependence of primary headache has been revealed: tension headaches occur more often in children of early adolescence, and migraines in children of older adolescence, which is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of headaches, since the treatment and prevention of attacks of these forms of headache are completely different.

Developmental Trajectories of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Goals From Early to Late Adolescence and the Association with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems.

Although numerous studies have explored the causes and consequences of intrinsic and extrinsic life goals, the developmental trend of life goals during adolescence has not been well understood. To address this research gap, this study explored the developmental changes of the pursuit of intrinsic and extrinsic goals during early, middle, and late adolescence, and examined the relation between life goals and internalizing/externalizing problems from a developmental perspective. A total of 4703 Chinese adolescents from primary (N = 1819, 47.8% girls, Mage T1 = 9.34, SDage T1 = 0.58), middle (N = 1525, 47.5% girls, Mage T1 = 12.47, SDage T1 = 0.59), and high school (N = 1646, 51.9% girls, Mage T1 = 15.45, SDage T1 = 0.65) participated in this two-year, three-wave longitudinal study. The results revealed that the pursuit of intrinsic goals increased among primary school students, but decreased among middle and high school students. Conversely, the pursuit of extrinsic goals exhibited a consistent increase among adolescents in primary, middle, and high school. Girls have higher initial levels of intrinsic goals than boys in primary school, and boys' intrinsic goals declined faster than girls' in middle school. Additionally, the initial level and developmental rate of intrinsic goals among three developmental stages were significantly associated with internalizing/externalizing problems, with lower initial level, slower growth rate, and faster decline rate being associated with more internalizing and externalizing problems. The significant association between the initial level and developmental rate of extrinsic goals and internalizing/externalizing problems were mainly observed among late adolescents, with higher initial level and growth rate being associated with more internalizing and externalizing problems. These findings delineate the differences in developmental trends between intrinsic and extrinsic goals, underscore the robust relation between intrinsic goals and internalizing/externalizing problems, and figure out the development-stage differences in the relation between extrinsic goals and internalizing/externalizing problems.

“That’s how the trust began”: Forming trusting friendships from adolescence to adulthood

Adolescence represents a sensitive period for embarking on trust-based friendships, which lay the foundation for successful close relationships later in life. The recent trust sequence model assumes that the trust process is universal regardless of the developmental stage. However, how the trust process may vary has been under-researched, especially during the critical period of adolescence and in the context of friendships. Therefore, this study qualitatively explored how people experience the process of forming trust in friends from early adolescence to adulthood. We conducted eight focus groups ( N = 39 participants) with early (11-12 years), middle (14-15 years), and late (18-19 years) Czech adolescents and a comparative sample of adults. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, employing an inductive, semantic, and experiential approach. We identified four overarching themes: (1) Experiential Trust Building, (2) Absence of Reasons to Not Trust, (3) Relying on Intuitive Connection, and (4) Trusting the Right/Wrong Person (the third and fourth themes being exclusive to adolescents). Participants thus described multiple variations of the trust process, with much of the variation residing in the perceived importance of diminishing the leap of faith, i.e., the risks and uncertainties inherent in trusting. Immediate affect and stronger moral essentialism were relevant to trust formation among adolescents but not adults. These findings provide unique insights into experiences with forming trusting friendships from early adolescence to adulthood and extend the trust sequence model. Further research should explore the trust process in low- and high trust societies.

Bacterial Contamination as an Important Prognostic Factor in Tooth Avulsion and Replantation - Case Series

Tooth Avulsion is a significant traumatic injury in children, replantation and follow up care is the treatment of choice. Maxillary incisors are most affected and sometimes over treated or left untreated. Aim: To understand the role of bacterial contamination for the survival of permanent maxillary incisors in cases of avulsion in children Case Report: This paper presents 3 case reports outlining the treatment stages for the survival of avulsed permanent incisors. Pulp & periodontal damage and its tissue responses are discussed through various clinical factors responsible for good prognosis. Result & Observations: Preserving alveolar bone width, retaining aesthetics and function even for an interim period is a favorable outcome. It helps in the replacement of tooth at a convenient period of late adolescence or young adult stage. Conclusion: Immediate replantation is always recommended for good prognosis of tooth avulsion in children.

An exploratory pilot study on social rhythm regularity, and its associations with sleep, circadian, affective, and alcohol use outcomes in late adolescents.

The current exploratory pilot study examined whether social rhythm regularity, as measured by a social rhythm metric, was associated with: (1) the regularity of circadian rhythms and/or sleep regularity metrics; and (2) sleep quality, affective function and alcohol use. Late adolescents (18-22 years old) who drink alcohol (n = 36; 61.1% female, Mage = 21.26 years) completed a 14-day ecological momentary assessment protocol, wore a wrist actigraph for 14 days, and completed two overnight visits (Thursday and Sunday) to assess dim light melatonin onset. Sleep regularity metrics included standard deviation, composite phase deviation, social jet lag and inter-daily stability. We used dim light melatonin onset data to calculate the stability of the circadian phase (Sunday minus Thursday). Participants completed surveys and ecological momentary assessments that assessed global and daily sleep quality, affective function, and alcohol use. Correlational analysis and robust regression modelling were used. More regular social rhythms were associated with higher regularities of mid-sleep timing based on standard deviations, but were not associated with other sleep regularity metrics or stability of the circadian phase. More regular social rhythms were associated with better sleep quality, but were not associated with affective function or alcohol use. Social rhythm regularity is a unique construct compared with existing sleep quality metrics. In contrast with the social zeitgeber hypothesis, social rhythm regularity was not associated with circadian rhythm regularity measured by dim light melatonin onset. However, social rhythm regularity may be an under-recognized contributor to better sleep quality.

The intergenerational metabolic-cardiovascular life course: maternal body mass index (BMI), offspring BMI, and blood pressure of adolescents born extremely preterm.

The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between pre-pregnancy maternal obesity and adolescent blood pressures (BPs) among children born extremely preterm. This longitudinal observational cohort study included participants in the multicenter Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn (ELGAN) study, born before 28weeks of gestation, recruited at birth between 2002 and 2004, and followed prospectively through late adolescence. Between 2015 and 2022, three oscillometric BPs were obtained from participants (mean age 17.8years). We used linear regression modeling to evaluate the association between maternal self-reported pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and offspring adolescent systolic BP (SBP). In secondary analyses, we evaluated the association between maternal pre-pregnancy and offspring preadolescent (10-year-old) BMI and between offspring preadolescent BMI and adolescent SBP. The 100 (24%) participants born to a mother with a history of pre-pregnancy obesity (BMI ≥ 30) had a greater mean SBP of 120.5 (± 14.3) mmHg compared to the 324 (76%) of adolescents born to mothers without pre-pregnancy obesity (SBP 115.6 (± 12.0) mmHg). Pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with higher offspring BMI (aβ 10.8, 95% CI 2.3, 19.2), and higher offspring BMI was associated with higher adolescent SBP (aβ 0.12, 95% CI 0.09,0.16). For ELGANs, higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with higher adolescent SBP. Findings from secondary analyses suggest potential mediation through preadolescent BMI. Future research directions include multi-level interventions to reduce maternal pre-pregnancy obesity, followed by offspring obesity prevention interventions as a way of reducing intergenerational cardiovascular disease in high-risk infants born extremely preterm.

McArdle's Disease: A Differential Diagnosis of Metabolic Myopathies.

McArdle's disease, also known as glycogen storage disease type V or McArdle syndrome, is a pure muscle myopathy with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. It is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes muscle phosphorylase. Symptoms typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, presenting as exercise intolerance. This review focuses on the diagnosis of McArdle's disease, initially manifesting as a clinical picture of rhabdomyolysis in an 18-year-old male patient with a history of minor thalassemia who had been followed in pediatric consultation since age three for failure to thrive. After excluding common causes such as alcohol consumption, drug use, traumatic muscle compression, and other conditions, the diagnosis of McArdle's disease was considered. The diagnosis was supported by laboratory tests showing myoglobinuria and elevated creatine kinase levels, as well as the absence of increased serum lactate following ischemic exercise. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of mutations in the PYGM gene, corroborating the diagnosis. Treatment includes administering a diet rich in slow-absorbing carbohydrates, regular low-intensity physical exercise, and, in some cases, supplementation with vitamin B6 and creatine. The prognosis is generally favorable with proper disease management, although vigorous exercise should be avoided to prevent complications such as severe muscle injury and rhabdomyolysis. Although McArdle's disease is a rare condition, it is likely underdiagnosed. Ideally, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis in all patients with symptoms of exercise intolerance and/or recurrent myoglobinuria.

Influence of Smartphone Usage on development of Sexuality among Late Adolescent Boys in Health Sciences Colleges of South India

Background Better affordability of data plans and an increase in “budget” smartphones have resulted in an exponential rise in internet and smartphone users. The ease of access to sexually explicit material (SEM) coupled with adolescents’ impulsivity makes them prone to excessive SEM exposure and may affect the development of sexuality via the perceived realism of such content. This study was done to study the influence between problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and sexuality development among late adolescent boys. Methods One hundred and thirty-four adolescents aged 18-19 years, studying in a medical university, participated in this cross-sectional study. Smartphone Addiction Scale – short version (SAS-SV) to evaluate PSU and a content validated semi-structured proforma to evaluate gender identity, sexual orientation, sources of information on pubertal changes, and exposure to pornographic content was used. We expressed results as proportion and summary measures (Mean±SD), Chi-square test to find influence between PSU and adolescent sexuality development. Results We found a 45.5% prevalence of PSU. Among study participants, 88% were attracted to the opposite sex, 6% were attracted to the same-sex, and 6% were attracted to both sexes. Three per cent of participants liked wearing clothes of the opposite sex, 7.5% wanted to be members of the opposite sex, whereas 10.4% were not comfortable with their genitalia. They obtained information regarding pubertal changes from friends (85) and media (78). Many had exposure to pornographic content (90%), with the youngest being nine years old. Conclusion Nearly half of the late adolescents have PSU. Pornographic contents are accessed through Smartphones.

Empowering adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV: tailored CD4+ count assessment for optimized care, the EDCTP READY-study.

The elevated rate of AIDS-related mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is influenced by various factors, notably immunosuppression, within a framework of limited therapeutic alternatives. We aimed to enhance the management of pediatric HIV by assessing the immune response and associated factors in perinatally-infected ALHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Cameroon. A cohort study was conducted from 2018-2020 among 271 ART-experienced ALHIV in Cameroon. Sociodemographic data, immunological (CD4), and virological (plasma viral load, PVL) responses were measured at enrolment (T0), 6-months (T1), and 12-months (T2) using PIMA CD4 (Abbott/Pantech (Pty) Ltd) and Abbott Applied Biosystem platform (Real-Time PCR m2000RT) respectively. Immunological failure (IF) was defined as absolute CD4 < 250 cells/mm3, and Virological failure (VF) as PVL ≥ 1,000 copies/ml. A linear mixed-effects model with R version 4.4.1 was used to estimate both fixed and random effects, with significance set at p < 0.05. Of the 271 perinatally-infected ALHIV enrolled over three phases, females were predominant (55.7, 55.1, and 56.0%); median age was 14 (IQR: 12-17); majority of the participants were followed-up in urban areas (77.5, 74.5, and 78.6%); and the age distribution favored older adolescents (48.7, 61.2, and 58.5%). Most participants achieved clinical success (93.1, 89.7, 88.9%), predominantly on first-line ART (80.8, 66.2, and 53.0%), with good adherence (64.2, 58.9, and 64.5%). Most participants had secondary education (67.2, 70.1, and 67.5%). Median CD4+ counts fluctuated overtime, with values of 563 (IQR: 249.0-845.0), 502 (IQR: 319.0-783.5), and 628 (IQR: 427.5-817.5), respectively. Of note, being male was linked to a reduction in CD4+ count compared to females, [-200.63 (-379.32 to -21.95), p = 0.028]. Similarly, late adolescence was associated with lower CD4+ counts compared to early adolescence, [-181.08 (-301.08 to -61.09), p = 0.003]. Moreover, participants experiencing VF showed significantly lower CD4+ counts compared to those with undetectable viral loads, [-353.08 (-465.81 to -240.36), p < 0.001]. Additionally, there was a marginally significant interaction between male gender and secondary educational level, [209.78 (-6.94-426.51), p = 0.058]. Among perinatally-infected ALHIV, age, gender, educational level, and virological status are key factors influencing their immune health and treatment outcomes. Prioritizing targeted interventions and close monitoring within these subgroups is crucial for optimal management, employing holistic care strategies that consider not only medical interventions but also psychosocial support and education.

Evidence of a developmental shift in the nature attachment representations: a longitudinal taxometric investigation of secure base script knowledge from middle childhood into adolescence

ABSTRACT Prior research suggests that secure base script knowledge is categorically distributed in middle childhood but becomes dimensionally distributed from late adolescence onward, potentially indicating a developmental shift in the nature of secure base script knowledge. Secure base script knowledge may initially be sparse, giving rise to categorical individual differences, while increased relational experiences later in development might contribute to more elaborated secure base script knowledge and dimensional individual differences. However, the cross-sectional nature of prior research limits inferences about developmental changes. To address this, we conducted a three-year, three-wave longitudinal study with a Western European sample transitioning from middle childhood to adolescence. At Wave 1 (n = 599, M age = 10.30), secure base script knowledge was categorically distributed. By Wave 2 (n = 435, M age = 11.30), distribution was ambiguous, and by Wave 3 (n = 370, M age = 12.09), individual differences were dimensional. These results suggest a developmental shift in secure base script knowledge during the transition into adolescence.

The role of focused attention in learning from early childhood to late adolescence: Implications of neonatal brainstem compromise following preterm birth.

This comprehensive longitudinal study explored for the first time the interrelations between neonatal brainstem abnormalities, focused attention (FA), and learning-following a preterm cohort (N = 175; 46.3% female; predominantly White) from birth (2003-2006) to 17 years. The findings indicated that FA during early childhood was associated with language outcomes in toddlerhood (n = 131) and academic and attention self-report indices in late adolescence (n = 44). Pilot assessments indicated that FA at 17 years (n = 25) was also associated with concurrent academic and attention functioning. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that neonatal brainstem functioning, manifested in auditory brainstem response patterns, was associated with early-life FA competence, which affected learning development. Implications underscore the essential role of early brainstem function and FA in shaping childhood learning trajectories.

Longitudinal Associations Between Scripted Attachment Representations in Late Adolescence and Depression in Adulthood in a Normative and a Higher-Risk Cohort

Attachment representations are increasingly operationalized as secure base script knowledge—one’s level of awareness of the temporal-causal schema that summarizes basic features of seeking and receiving effective support from caregivers when in distress. A method was recently developed to assess secure base script knowledge during the Adult Attachment Interview (AAIsbs), though its predictive validity for mental health outcomes is largely unknown. A series of pre-registered analyses, leveraging two large, longitudinal cohorts to assess the associations between AAIsbs and depression in emerging adults revealed that higher AAIsbs at age 18 years in the normative-risk sample, but not in a higher-risk cohort, predicted fewer depressive symptoms at age 30 years. In general, these associations were robust to concurrent depressive symptoms, sociodemographic and cognitive functioning covariates, and other traditional attachment representation measures. Findings support the importance of considering schematic attachment representations in developing interventions to improve young adults’ well-being.

Eating disorder risk among Australian youth starting a diet in the community

Dieting is a potent risk factor for eating disorder (ED) symptoms and development, which typically occur in late adolescence. However, as diets are often motivated by body image concerns (another core ED risk factor), dieters may already carry heightened ED risk. Thus, the current study aimed to document ED risk among young people starting a diet in the community. Young people (16–25 years) starting or intending to start a self-initiated diet (N = 727) provided data via a screener questionnaire, assessing containing sociodemographic factors, past and current ED symptoms and behaviours. Over a third (36.9%) screened using a validated instrument were found to be at-risk of a current ED, with 10% above the clinical cut-off. Consistent with this finding, over 10% of the sample self-reported experiencing a lifetime ED, while nearly a quarter reported symptoms consistent with an ED diagnosis with no reported formal diagnosis. Findings suggest a high level of ED risk among young people starting a diet in the community and point to the need for more proactive measures targeted at this cohort (e.g., screening, monitoring). Further education on the risks of dieting and encouragement for help-seeking in young people is indicated.

Cultural Values Influence the Developmental Trajectory of Resistance to Social Influence Over the Course of Adolescence

ABSTRACTThe opinions of peers are among the most potent factors influencing human decision‐making. Research conducted in Western societies suggests that individuals become more resistant to peer influence from late adolescence to adulthood. It is unknown whether this developmental trajectory is universal across cultures. Through two cross‐national studies, we present consistent self‐report and behavioral evidence for culturally distinct developmental trajectories of resistance to peer influence (RPI). Our findings from the US samples replicated prior findings that reported increasing RPI. Yet, data from the Chinese participants were better fitted using a nonlinear model, displaying a U‐shaped trajectory with lowest RPI levels at around 20 years old. In contrast to the long‐held belief that increasing RPI from adolescence to early adulthood is a universal developmental trait, we propose that this developmental trajectory may depend on cultural context.

Poor stress resilience in adolescence predicts higher risk of severe COVID-19 and other respiratory infections: A prospective cohort study of 1.4 million Swedish men

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations between stress resilience in late adolescence and later risk of severe COVID-19 and other lower respiratory infections. A secondary aim was to examine potential confounding between low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and stress resilience in relation to respiratory infection. MethodsWe conducted a registry-based cohort study of 1.4 million Swedish men, undergoing military conscription between 1968 and 2005. All were assessed by a psychologist for stress resilience, receiving a score between 1 and 9. The outcomes were hospitalization or death due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to September 2021 and hospitalization due to bacterial or viral pneumonia from conscription until January 2020. A secondary aim was to examine potential confounding between low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and stress resilience in relation to respiratory infection. ResultsPoor stress resilience in late adolescence is associated with later risk of severe lower respiratory infections. Using a high resilience score as the reference, the hazard ratio (95 % CI) for death due to COVID-19 for the lowest scores was 1.49 (1.01–2.18) adjusted for CRF and other confounders. The corresponding adjusted hazard ratios for hospitalization due to bacterial pneumonia were 2.28 (2.03–2.57) and for viral pneumonia 1.92 (1.33–2.79). No significant interaction was seen between stress resilience and CRF in the analysis. ConclusionsPoor stress resilience is a prospective factor for severe COVID-19 as well as for bacterial and viral respiratory pneumonia endpoints, independent of CRF. These findings imply an effect of late adolescent stress resilience on the immune system later in life.

Self-esteem and Depression Symptoms among late Adolescents: A Parallel Mediation Model

Self-esteem and Depression Symptoms among late Adolescents: A Parallel Mediation Model

Effects of chronic social defeat stress on social behavior and cognitive flexibility for early and late adolescent

This study investigated the risk to social behavior and cognitive flexibility induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) during early and late adolescence (EA and LA). Utilizing the “resident-intruder” stress paradigm, adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CSDS during either EA (postnatal days 29–38) or LA (postnatal days 39–48) to explore how social defeat at different stages of adolescence affects behavioral and cognitive symptoms commonly associated with psychiatric disorders. After stress exposure, the rats were assessed for anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, social interaction, and cognitive flexibility through set-shifting and reversal-learning tasks under immediate and delayed reward conditions. The results showed that CSDS during EA, but not LA, led to impaired cognitive flexibility in adulthood, as evidenced by increased perseverative and regressive errors in the set-shifting and reversal-learning tasks, particularly under the delayed reward condition. This suggests that the timing of stress exposure during development has a significant impact on the long-term consequences for behavioral and cognitive function. The findings highlight the vulnerability of the prefrontal cortex, which undergoes critical maturation during early adolescence, to the effects of social stress. Overall, this study demonstrates that the timing of social stressors during adolescence can differentially shape the developmental trajectory of cognitive flexibility, with important implications for understanding the link between childhood/adolescent adversity and the emergence of psychiatric disorders.

A Machine Learning Approach to Well-Being in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence: The Children’s Worlds Data Case

Explaining what leads to higher or lower levels of subjective well-being (SWB) in childhood and adolescence is one of the cornerstones within this field of studies, since it can lead to the development of more focused preventive and promotion actions. Although many indicators of SWB have been identified, selecting one over the other to obtain a reasonably short list poses a challenge, given that models are particularly sensitive to the indicators considered.Two Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, one based on Extreme Gradient Boosting and Random Forest and the other on Lineal Regression, were applied to 77 indicators included in the 3rd wave of the Children’s Worlds project and then compared. ExtremeGradient Boosting outperforms the other two, while Lineal Regression outperforms Random Forest. Moreover, the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm was used to compare models for each of the 35 participating countries with that of the pooled sample on the basis of responses from 93,349 children and adolescents collected through a representative sampling and belonging to the 10 and 12-year-olds age groups. Large differences were detected by country with regard to the importance of these 77 indicators in explaining the scores for the five-item-version of the CWSWBS5 (Children’s Worlds Subjective Well-Being Scale). The process followed highlights the greater capacity of some ML techniques in providing models with higher explanatory power and less error, and in more clearly differentiating between the contributions of the different indicators to explain children’s and adolescents’ SWB. This finding is useful when it comes to designing shorter but more reliable questionnaires (a selection of 29 indicators were used in this case).