Adolescent Mental Health Problems Research Articles

The mutual overlapping impact of stress and infection on mental health problems in adolescents and youths during and after COVID-19 pandemic in China

BackgroundIt is unclear about the mutual impact of COVID-19 related psychological stress and infection on mental health of adolescent and youth students. This study aimed to explore the mutual impact of COVID-19 related psychological stress and infection on mental health problems among students. MethodsThis study was conducted from December 14, 2022 to February 28, 2023 in Sichuan, China. Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Insomnia Severity Index, and Internet Addiction Test were used. Participants were grouped by COVID-19 infection and psychological stress level. The differences among groups were compared, and logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors for depression, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia among groups. ResultsOf 90,118 participants, 82,873 (92.0 %) finished the questionnaires and were included in the study. Of 82,873 participants, 33,314 (40.2 %) reported to be infected with COVID-19. Participants had depression symptoms (38.1 %), anxiety symptoms (31.8 %), PTSD (33.9 %), insomnia (34.0 %), and internet addiction (60.3 %). Compared with participants uninfected with low psychological stress level, the risk for symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia increased by 9.6 %, 12.3 %, 6.6 %, and 12.0 % in participants infected with low psychological stress level (p < 0.001), 106.8 %, 125.9 %, 125.2 %, and 95.7 % in participants uninfected with high psychological stress level (p < 0.001), and 147.3 %, 161.1 %, 158.7 %, and 141.0 % in participants infected with high psychological stress level (p < 0.001). LimitationThis study is a cross-sectional design, and no causal associations should be inferred. Infection status was based on self-report of participants with infectious symptoms. ConclusionCOVID-19 related psychological stress and infection per se have mutually overlapping impacts on mental health problems among students. Further health policies and psychosocial interventions should be developed to reduce mutually overlapping impact and improve the long-term mental health among students.

A Comparison of Changes in Health Behavior, Obesity, and Mental Health of Korean Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Online Cross-Sectional Study.

The health behavior and mental health problems of adolescents have shown a variety of changes due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study compared health behavior, obesity, and mental health among Korean adolescents before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Population-based and cross-sectional data from the 2019 and 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Surveys were used. Data of 57,048 and 54,948 adolescents from the 2019 and 2020 surveys, respectively, were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to compare health behavior, obesity, and mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of overweight, obesity, and body image perceived subjectively as fat, were higher in the 2020 sample compared to the 2019 sample. The aOR of the frequency (more than 3 times a week) of fast-food consumption was higher in 2020 than in 2019. However, the aOR of physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking experience were lower in 2020 than in 2019. In addition, during COVID-19, adolescents were less likely to have perceived severe stress, depressive moods, and suicidal ideation. Current evidence suggests the co-occurrence of positive and negative changes in health behavior, obesity, and mental health among Korean adolescents during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The results contribute insights for monitoring adolescents' health behavior and promoting their mental health during school shutdowns.

Pressing the right button—labour market odds for youth with mental illness

ABSTRACT Mental disorders threaten the chances of finishing secondary school and can hinder the school-to-work transitions of afflicted youths. Earlier onset depression predicts the chronicity, recurrence, and severity of episodes throughout life. Using rich, objective mental health data and a battery of variables covering personal and family characteristics, we investigate the impact of Norway’s vocational rehabilitation programmes on youths aged 18–23 who are registered as unemployed. Our results indicate that the impact vary with mental health in adolescence, a variable often unavailable in such analyses. Separate analyses for age group 19–21 and 20–23 show that the younger ones with previous diagnosed mental disorders were likely to pursue further education after participating in programmes providing work practice; those with no earlier diagnosed mental disorders were prone to pursue ordinary education after completing a training programme. For the older age cohorts, aged 20–23, vocational rehabilitation programmes seem counterproductive, irrespective of programme type and of whether they were diagnosed with mental health problems in adolescence or not.

SOCIAL SUPPORT IN ACCESSING ADOLESCENTS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Introduction: The survey reported that adolescents experienced severe depression (15.6%) and extreme stress (6.3%) in Warungboto, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In fact, with this condition, they are reluctant to access mental health services. Adolescents' skills still lacking in problem-solving and inadequate social support are thought to be the triggering factors for low access to health services. Aims: to determine the social support for adolescents in accessing mental health services. Methods: This type of research is quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach. The unit of analysis is adolescents (15-24 years) who are identified as having stress and depression based on the results of early detection of mental health. The sample size is 36 teenagers, with a total sampling technique. The variables are family support, peer support, mental health status, problem-solving, and self-control measured in the questionnaire. Meanwhile, mental health status was assessed using DASS-21 and PSS-10. Results: There was a significant relationship between social support from family (p-value 0.001, 95% CI 1.581-76.551) and peers (p-value 0.018, 95% CI 1.108 – 2.608) with adolescent mental health status. Adolescents with depression and stress are very few who get good social support from their families in accessing mental health services. This study proves that family social support is a significant factor in accessing mental health services. Conclusion: Family involvement in overcoming adolescent mental health problems is crucial. However, health providers can also provide community-based mental health services with a peer approach.

The relationship between cognitive and affective control and adolescent mental health.

Cognitive control problems have been implicated in the etiology and maintenance of mental health problems, including depression, in adults. Studies in adolescents have been more equivocal, with some showing changes in cognitive control in adolescents with mental health problems, whereas others fail to show an association. This study examines whether adolescent mental health is associated with affective control, the application of cognitive control in affective contexts, which shows more protracted development than cognitive control. The present study investigated the association of cognitive and affective control with depressive symptomatology and self-reported diagnostic history of mental health problems in adolescents. The study included 1929 participants (M age=13.89) from the Future Proofing Study (N=6,388, 11-16years), who completed affective (incl., affective stimuli) and/or cognitive (incl., neutral stimuli) versions of a working memory (backward digit-span) and/or shifting (card-sorting) task at least once within 3weeks of assessing mental health. Poorer working memory was associated with greater depressive symptomatology in adolescents (β=-0.06, p=.004), similarly across cognitive and affective control conditions (β=-0.02, p=.269). Adolescents with self-reported diagnostic history of mental health problems had significantly poorer shifting ability in affective compared to cognitive control conditions (b=0.05, p=.010), whereas for adolescents with no self-reported diagnoses, shifting ability did not differ between conditions (b=-0.00, p=.649). The present analyses suggest that working memory difficulties, in particular, may be associated with the experience of current depressed mood in adolescents. Problems with affective shifting may be implicated in a range of mental health problems in adolescents. Given the ubiquitous need for efficient cognitive functioning in daily life, enhancing cognitive and affective control in adolescents may be a promising means of improving functioning across a range of domains, including affective functioning, and by extension, adolescent mental health.

Independent and joint associations of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise with mental health in adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis before and during COVID-19 using the 2015–2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

PurposeCOVID-19 led to social isolation that may have compromised adolescent mental health. This study examined the independent and joint associations of aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) with mental health problems in adolescents. MethodsParticipants were US adolescents who completed the 2015–2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 61,298; 45.7% female). Data were collected between 2015 and 2021 and analyzed in 2023. Outcomes were binary response items asking about feeling sad/hopeless, having difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, and having a suicidal ideation. Preventive exposure variables were items asking about frequencies of aerobic PA and MSE with responses dichotomized to align with recommendations. Independent and joint associations were examined using robust Poisson regression with covariates selected using double selection lasso. Structural equation models examined the associations treating PA and MSE as continuous predictors and poor mental health as a latent dependent variable. ResultsMeeting either recommendation alone associated with a 4–10% lower prevalence of mental health problems (APR = 0.90–0.96, p < 0.05), and meeting both recommendations associated with a 15%–20% lower prevalence of mental health problems (APR = 0.80–0.85, p < 0.001). Although categorical joint associations were stronger in males (p < 0.05), multiplicative interactions were observed in females using continuous variables for PA and MSE (β = −0.09, p < 0.001). ConclusionMeeting aerobic PA and MSE recommendations associated with lower prevalence of mental health problems. Participation in MSE below recommended levels may be beneficial for females when combined with aerobic PA. Future research should examine these associations by acquiring contextual information and device-based assessments.

Time trends in associations between neighbourhood and school characteristics and mental health problems among Dutch adolescents

We investigated trends in associations between physical and social neighbourhood and school characteristics and adolescent mental health problems between 2005 and 2017. Nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional data collected in the Netherlands among primary (N = 5,871) and secondary school students (N = 20,778) were analysed through cross-classified multilevel models. Hardly any evidence was found for over-time changes in associations between neighbourhood and school characteristics and adolescent mental health problems. Findings showed that for both groups of students, only social characteristics within the two contexts were associated with adolescent mental health problems. For secondary school students, school effects were larger than neighbourhood effects, while the opposite was true for primary school students. Specifically, primary school students residing in more socially fragmented or lower socioeconomic status (SES) neighbourhoods, and lower SES schools, reported more conduct problems and peer relationship problems. For secondary school students, only the SES of the neighbourhood and the school was associated with all four aspects of mental health problems. Remarkably, the direction of the associations between neighbourhood/ school SES and adolescent mental health problems varied across the different mental health outcomes. More research is warranted to replicate our findings.

Usage patterns of short videos and social media among adolescents and psychological health: A latent profile analysis

This study explored the usage patterns of short videos and social media (SVSM) among adolescents and their correlation with psychological health. We conceptualized SVSM using a multidimensional construct, including usage duration, number of friends, and emotional and life involvement, as a precursor to mental health. Using a sample of 1263 junior and senior high school students in China, unconditional latent profile analysis (LPA) and conditional LPA with the simultaneous inclusion of demographic covariates and distal outcomes were conducted. Four SVSM usage profiles were identified: low usage (35.6%), general usage (46.2%), high duration (8.4%), and many friends (9.7%). Significant grade and gender differences were found when comparing the profiles. Depression, fear of missing out, core self-evaluation, and life satisfaction differed across the four profiles. Higher depression, fear of missing out and lower core self-evaluation were found in both high duration and many friends, additionally, lower life satisfaction was found in many friends, suggesting a high risk for mental health. These findings highlight the need for parents, educators, clinicians, and researchers to understand the importance of appropriate use of SVSM. Early identification of SVSM use patterns could be an important component of effective strategies to prevent mental health problems in adolescents.

The social gradient in adolescent mental health problems and the role of physical activity

Abstract Background In Sweden, the share of 13 and 15-year-old students reporting ≥ 2 psychosomatic symptoms (PSS) more than once a week doubled between 1985/1986 and 2017/2018, during which there were increases in both income inequalities and adolescents with insufficient physical activity (PA). PA during non-school time has been shown to be negatively associated with stress and PSS among adolescents. We aimed to explore whether there is a socioeconomic status (SES)-related gradient in adolescent mental health problems, and if so, whether non-school sedentary time (SED) and PA mediate this social gradient. Methods We used data from STARS, a prospective and observational cohort study of 2283 7th grade students in Västra Götaland, Sweden. A total of 1235 participants (mean age 13.6±0.394 years, 59% females) returned with valid accelerometer data (≥ 10 hours per day for ≥ 4 days), answered questionnaires regarding stress and PSS, and had parents’ earned income registry data. Ordinary least square for linear regressions and bootstrapping for mediation analysis were used with 95% CI, repeated for males and females separately. Results We found that higher income was associated (α = 5%) with less stress (-0.1108, p ≤ 0.001 and PSS (-0.1315, p ≤ 0.001). For stress, we found that non-school PA partly mediated this association. This was true for light PA (LPA) (-0.0040, [-0.0093-0.0003]), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) (-0.0077, [-0.0152-0.0023]) and vigorous PA (VPA) (-0.0090, [-0.0166, -0.0031]). When separated by sex, mediation via PA was found only in females. For PSS, mediation effect was found for MVPA (-0.0071, [-0.0137, -0.0018]) and VPA (-0.0103, [-0.0182, -0.0039]), but not when separated by sex. Conclusions There is a social gradient in both stress and psychosomatic symptoms among adolescents, mediated by physical activity although to a relatively small part. This shows the relevance to inform policy on the need to enable extracurricular sports activities for adolescents. Key messages • Physical activity partly explains the social gradient in adolescent mental health. • Supporting extracurricular sports activities may help to reduce the social gradient in adolescent mental health.

Trends in adolescent mental health problems and the role of lifestyle factors

Abstract Background Adolescent mental health problems are on the rise globally, including in Sweden. One indicator is an increase in psychosomatic symptoms (PSS) over time. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity (PA), diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption may influence the trends in PSS. However, we found limited research on such associations. Methods This study is based on data collected every four years from nationally representative samples of 15-year-old boys and girls in Sweden (N = 9,196, 50.5% girls), as part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. PSS was measured using a scale developed from the HBSC symptom checklist. We analyzed the trends in PSS from 2002 to 2018 and fitted models to investigate the associations between the trends and lifestyle factors. We included interaction terms between time and each lifestyle factor and fitted separate models for the high and low socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Results In general, the mean scores for PSS increased from 2.26 in 2002 to 2.49 in 2018 (p&amp;lt;.001). Compared to the average mean scores during preceding years, the changes in PSS mean scores at each survey year were also significant in all years except 2010. More frequent breakfast intake, daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, and higher PA were associated with lower PSS mean scores while smoking and alcohol consumption had the opposite association. The only significant interaction (B = .050; CI: .015, ¬ .085; p&amp;lt;.01) was observed in the high SES group, indicating that the increasing trend in PSS was stronger among those who had been drunk once or more in a lifetime, compared to those who had never been drunk. Conclusions The results indicate increasing trends in mental health problems among young people in Sweden. Furthermore, the study revealed that alcohol drunkenness was associated with a more substantial rise in PSS over time among those in the high SES group. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these findings. Key messages • Psychosomatic complaints have increased among Swedish adolescents in recent decades. • Although alcohol drunkenness has significantly declined among Swedish adolescents, it was not sufficient to influence trends in psychosomatic symptoms among those in the high socioeconomic group.

Investigating the mood effects of nature sounds and soothing images in adolescents: A proof-of-concept randomised control pilot study

Background: High prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents indicates a need for more accessible evidence-based interventions. Connection with nature and soothing imagery based on compassion focused therapy (CFT) have both been shown to offer mood benefits, with a recent study showing that both nature related sounds and soothing images were effective in reducing negative affect and depressive mood in adults. This pilot study aimed to extend this line of research by examining whether nature related sounds and soothing images could, independently and/or collectively, improve adolescents’ mood. Methods: Our online study included 88 adolescents, aged 13-17, randomly allocated into one of three experimental conditions (viewing soothing images, listening to nature related to sounds, or combined). They also completed pre- and post-assessments of positive affect, negative affect, serenity affect, state anxiety and state depression. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were indexed at baseline using standardised self-reported measures. Results: Adolescents, regardless of group, reported an increase in serenity affect and a reduction in negative mood states across time. Additionally, these mood changes appeared to be more pronounced in those with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms at baseline. Conclusions: Our findings provide preliminary evidence that, upon further research development and replication, nature related sounds and soothing images could be incorporated into therapies such as CFT to support mental health in young people. Registration: ISRCTN16916695.

The contributing role of family, religious activities and school in protecting the mental well-being of school going adolescents in a rural district of Sri Lanka

Introduction: Mental health problems in adolescence are common.Objectives: To assess the mental health of grade 10 students in Ampara District and their associated factorsMethods: This descriptive study was conducted from May to November 2018. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess the students’ mental health status under five domains. They were total abnormal scores (TAS), emotional problems (EP), conduct problems (CP), hyperactive/inattention problems (HIP) and peer problems (PP). The prevalence of mental health problems was summarized as percentages. The significance of associated factors was assessed at p&lt;0.05 and presented in adjusted odds ratio (aOR).Results: Of the 1340 students, 11.9% had reported TAS. The prevalence of EP, CP, PP and HIP were 15.1%, 12.9%, 12.1% and 11.7%, respectively. Eight factors associated with abnormal scores were identified. Difficulties in schoolwork were associated with all five domains (aOR=5.9; 95% CI: 2.5, 13.6 for TAS; aOR=4.0; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.7 for EP, aOR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.6, 5.4 for CP, aOR =2.6; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.6 for PP and aOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.5 for HIP). Not involving in religious activities regularly at home was associated with all domains except emotional problems (aOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3 for TAS, aOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.9 for PP, aOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6 for HIP and aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.5 for CP). Not having a close family member to discuss their problems was associated with TAS (aOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.2), EP (aOR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.9, 5.8) and HIP (aOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.7). The presence of stressful life events was associated with TAS (aOR= 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.4), EP (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.5) and CP (aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3). Tobacco smoking habit of father was associated with TAS (aOR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.6) and CP (aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.6). The alcohol-drinking habit of father was associated with EP (aOR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.3, 7.0). Not attending to additional tuition classes was associated with EP (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.4) and PP (aOR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.6). The low educational level of the mother was associated with the TAS (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.4).Conclusions &amp; Recommendations: Mental health problems are common among school-going adolescents. All mental health problems were significantly associated with difficulties in schoolwork and most of the others were modifiable family-related factors. School mental health screening programmes are recommended with special attention on students with difficulties in schoolwork. School Mental health awareness and promotional programmes should target the students as well as teachers and parents to create a supportive school and family environment.

Digital Technology Use and Adolescent Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Roles of Internet Addiction and Digital Competence.

This study examined whether Internet addiction (IA) and digital competence (DC) mediated the association between digital technology use and mental health problems in adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital device use increased dramatically. Repeated cross-sectional data from a 3-year cross-cohort study adopting stratified random sampling were analyzed. In 2019, 569 adolescents (female = 312) from 14 secondary schools completed a DC assessment and an online survey on their digital technology use, IA, and mental health. In 2021, 775 adolescents (female = 397) from 11 of those 14 schools completed both instruments. Results showed that adolescents in 2021 spent more time using digital devices, were more digitally competent, and reported more mental health problems than adolescents in 2019. The prevalence of IA was 8 percent in 2019 and 12.4 percent in 2021. In both years, more frequent digital technology use predicted a higher risk of IA, which was associated with more mental health problems (indirect β = 0.08, p < 0.001 for 2019 and β = 0.05, p < 0.001 for 2021). In addition, in 2021, DC was positively associated with digital technology use and negatively with IA, which indirectly related to fewer mental health problems (indirect β = -0.01, p = 0.03). In conclusion, DC is a protective factor alleviating the positive associations of digital technology use and IA with mental health problems in adolescents when the ecological context requires high levels of digital device use.

Adolescent mental health in Japan and Russia: The role of body image, bullying victimisation and school environment.

This study examined associations between self-reported mental health problems, body image, bullying victimisation and school safety in large adolescent samples in Japan and Russia, considering the effects of gender, culture and their interactions. In both Japan and Russia, girls reported a greater number of mental health problems, less bullying victimisation and much higher body dissatisfaction than boys did. Japanese adolescents rated themselves higher on total difficulties, reported less body dissatisfaction and bullying victimisation, and rated their school safety lower than that of Russian youths. Cross-cultural differences in total difficulties and body image were qualified by gender. Body dissatisfaction, bullying victimisation and school safety all independently contributed to adolescent mental health problems. The protective effect of school safety on total difficulties was larger for girls than for boys; the strength of the association between bullying victimisation and adolescent mental health problems differed across genders and cultures. The findings indicate a need for a cross-cultural approach and provide a strong basis for targeted interventions that seek to improve adolescent mental health.

Exploring the Gender Differences in Various Mental Health Problems of Adolescents

Since society has growing demands on young people, the mental health of adolescents is very important in the current society. This article reviews the causes, gender differences, and effects of four psychological issues among adolescents including anxiety disorders, depression, social communication disorders, and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study reveals that among adolescents, girls are more likely than boys to experience the three mental health issues of social disorders, depression, and anxiety, while boys are more likely to experience ADHD. Moreover, this paper analyzes three areas: family, school, and government to discuss the solution for improving these issues and the current situation. Therefore, after reviewing previous literature and summarizing their findings, this paper contributes to emphasizing that girls have more probabilities to suffer from mental health problems than boys, thereby calling for society to pay more attention and offer more help to girls. Future research can work on how to reduce these conditions and propose some applicable solutions.

Do Municipal Contexts Matter for Adolescent Mental Health? A Within-Municipality Analysis of Nationwide Norwegian Survey Data Across Six Years.

Despite growing concerns about substantial socio-economic differences between districts in many developed nations, limited attention has been paid to how adolescent mental health may be shaped by district characteristics. A few studies have shown that adolescent mental health is related to contextual factors such as district socio-economic status, neighborhood disorder, and quality of infrastructure. However, prior estimates may be an artifact of unmeasured differences between districts. To address these concerns, we used data from the nationwide Norwegian Ungdata surveys (N = 278,764), conducted across the years 2014 to 2019. We applied three-level hierarchical linear models to examine within-municipality associations between municipal factors and adolescent mental health in the domains of internalizing problems (i.e., depressive symptoms), externalizing problems (i.e., behavioral problems), and well-being (i.e., self-esteem), thereby accounting for all time-invariant municipality-level confounders. Our results showed that municipal-level safety, infrastructure, and youth culture are associated with adolescent mental health problems. Further, cross-level interaction models indicated gender-specific associations, with stronger associations of municipality infrastructure and community belongingness with increased self-esteem and reduced delinquent behaviors among girls than boys. Our findings highlight that municipality-level interventions may be a feasible strategy for adolescent mental health, even in a society characterized by low inequality and high redistribution.

Mental Health Problems Among Adolescents With Mild Intellectual Disability and Relation to Sleep Quality and Perceived Social Support: A Comparative Study.

The current cross-sectional study sought to determine the mental health problems of adolescents with mild intellectual disability (ID) and influencing factors. This study, which used a comparison group, was performed with 188 adolescents (91 with mild ID and 97 without ID) between January 2019 and June 2019 in Turkey. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Perceived Social Support Scale. Adolescents with mild ID were at higher risk for mental health problems compared to those without ID. According to linear regression analysis, sex, age, birth order, maternal age, parents' educational level, sleep quality, and perceived social support were statistically significant predictive factors of mental health problems in adolescents with mild ID. Results of this study indicate that adolescents with mild ID are at greater risk for mental health problems and that effective prevention/intervention strategies are needed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(3), 39-50.].

Socioeconomic Status, Protective Factors, and Mental Health Problems in Transition from Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood: Results of the Longitudinal BELLA Study.

Lower familial socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with more mental health problems in adolescence. The aim of this study was to identify factors that may protect adolescents from families with lower SES from developing mental health problems in emerging adulthood. Data of the population-based longitudinal BELLA study included n = 426 participants aged 13 to 17 years at t0 (2009-2012) and 18 to 24 years at t1 (2014-2017). Hierarchical multiple linear regressions with interaction terms were conducted, examining three selected protective factors (self-efficacy, family climate, and social support). Self-efficacy had a small protective effect for adolescents from families with lower SES for mental health problems in emerging adulthood. However, social support had a small protective effect for adolescents from families with higher SES. No moderating effect was found for family climate. Instead, better family climate in adolescents predicted fewer mental health problems in emerging adulthood with a small effect regardless the SES in adolescence. Results indicate the need for prevention measures for adolescents from families with lower SES for becoming mentally healthy emerging adults.

Sleep duration is associated with depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents

BackgroundDepressive symptoms have become one of the most common mental health problems in adolescents. Identifying potential factors associated with adolescent depressive symptoms could be practical and essential for early intervention programs. The association between sleep duration and depressive symptoms in adolescents is inconsistent and needs further exploration. MethodsA total of 7330 participants aged 10–19 years were included in this study. Sleep duration was categorized into <7 h, 7–8 h, 8–9 h, and ≥ 9 h per day. The Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression was used to assess depressive symptoms. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and the risk of depressive symptoms. Restrictive cubic spline analyses were conducted to evaluate the dose–response relationship between sleep duration and depressive symptoms. ResultsThirty-four percent of the participants suffered from depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents with sleep durations of <7 h, 7–8 h, 8–9 h, and ≥9 h per day was 52.66 %, 37.80 %, 27.55 %, and 20.49 %, respectively. After adjusting for potential covariates, long sleep duration was significantly associated with a decreased risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents. A nonlinear relationship between sleep duration and depressive symptoms was identified. ConclusionsLong sleep duration is independently associated with a decreased risk of depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents.

Relationship between family risk factors and adolescent mental health.

Family risk factors are crucial to adolescent mental health. Few studies have investigated the complex relationship between family risk factors and adolescent mental health. This study aims to investigate the complex relationship between family cumulative risk (FCR) and adolescent mental health, and to clarify the factors contributing to adolescent mental health problems. This study recruited 903 junior high school students and 991 senior high school students in Changsha, Hunan and was conducted through an offline computer-based questionnaire survey using the Middle School Student Mental Health Scale (MSSMHS) and the Family Cumulative Risk Questionnaire (FCRQ) to assess the mental health status and FCR factors, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to clarify the demographic factors influencing MSSMHS total and factor scores, and to analyze the relationship between FCRQ and MSSMHS total and factor scores. Females exhibited more mental health problems than males in various MSSMHS factors (all P<0.05); adolescents were prone to different mental health problems at different stages (junior high school first-grade vs. senior high school first-grade); senior high school first-grade students were more likely to experience academic pressure and maladjustment than junior high school first-grade students (P<0.01), and junior high school first-grade students were more likely to exhibit obsessive, paranoia, and hostility symptoms than senior high school first-grade students (all P<0.01); adolescents with low family intimacy and high family conflict reported more symptoms in every dimension of MSSMHS (all P<0.05); adolecents with poor parent-child separation reported higher obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, academic pressure, maladjustment, emotional instability, and unbalanced mind than those with good parent-child separation (all P<0.05). Female, low family intimacy, high family conflict, and poor parent-child separation are risk factors of adolescent mental health problems. Higher-grade middle school students are prone to exhibit academic pressure and maladjustment, while lower-grade middle school students are prone to exhibit obsessive, paranoia, and hostility symptoms.