Although peer victimization is an established risk factor for behavioral problems in adolescents, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study examined whether peer victimization may be indirectly associated with behavioral problems through executive function and whether these associations may be moderated by resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in adolescents. A total of 298 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.88 years, SDage = 0.69 years, 53% female) participated in this study. Participants completed questionnaires on peer victimization, executive function, and internalizing and externalizing problems. They also participated in a 3-min resting electrocardiogram recording, during which their resting RSA was measured. The results showed that exposure to peer victimization was associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents through its relation to executive function. Additionally, resting RSA moderated these relations, with the indirect associations between peer victimization and behavioral problems through executive function being stronger in adolescents with low rather than high resting RSA. Our findings highlight that poor executive function serves as a potential mechanism linking peer victimization to adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems, with this process varying by individual cardiac vagal tone.

Early adolescence is a critical developmental period, and effective evidence-based parenting interventions during this time are crucial. Traditional parenting interventions are rife with barriers including cost, access, and availability of providers. The use of digital parenting interventions, such as the Family Check-Up (FCU) Online, can provide parents with needed supports and reduce barriers to access. The FCU Online is a flexible parenting intervention involving the development of parent training skills via an app and supplemental family coaching sessions. The intervention was adapted to respond to family-related stressors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The current study investigated patterns of parent engagement in the FCU Online and their links to family contextual factors and outcomes, with the following questions: (1) What are the rates of parent intervention engagement in the FCU Online coaching and the app? (2) Did parent intervention engagement differ based on individual or contextual factors (e.g., depression, SES)? and (3) Does engagement level in the FCU Online predict differential outcomes for parents and their families six months after intervention enrollment? Two groups for coaching and two groups for the app were created based on n = 74 parents' engagement (Typical or High Engagement). One-Way ANOVA's and MANCOVA's were used to address the second and third research questions, respectively. All parents engaged in the FCU Online intervention. Parents with higher depression and stress, lower parenting confidence, and who had adolescents with more problem behaviors were in the High Engagement group for coaching. No differences in app engagement were found based on contextual factors. Higher coaching engagement predicted improvements in quality time, and higher app engagement predicted reduced parent anxiety. The FCU Online may be successful in maintaining parent engagement, particularly among parents needing more support with depression, stress, parenting confidence, and adolescent problem behaviors. Higher intervention engagement was beneficial for quality time and parent anxiety. This study (R01MH122213-01S1) was registered September 15th, 2020.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to behavioral issues in adolescents, yet the protective role of family dynamics remains unclear. This study aims to examine the relationship betwen ACEs and adolescent behavioral problems while exploring the moderating role of family functioning. The case-control study analyzed secondary data from the Indonesia National Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS) on 198 male adolescents (10-17 years). Conditional logistic regression and moderation analysis were used to assess the impact of ACEs on behavioral problems and the moderating role of family function. Compared with adolescents with no ACE exposure, adolescents with 1-2 ACEs had a higher risk of behavioral problems (OR=5.96, 95 % CI [2.29, 15.15], p<0.001), increasing further with≥3 ACEs (OR=8.65, 95 % CI [3.21, 23.3], p<0.001). Positive family function reduced these risks (adjusted OR=4.94 for 1-2 ACEs; OR=6.95 for≥3 ACEs). Family communication had the strongest protective effect (OR=0.33-0.41, p<0.05), but mediation analysis showed family function was not a strong mediator (OR=2.73, p>0.05). Family function is a predictive factor in adolescent behavioral outcomes, serving as a protective buffer against the negative effects of ACEs. However, it does not fully mediate this relationship. Future research should explore additional mediators, such as peer support and coping strategies, to develop more targeted interventions.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted adolescent development, increasing behavioral problems and emotional distress. This study aimed to examine the impact of sensation seeking, empathy, and COVID-19-related stressors on deviant behavior in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 638 Italian adolescents and young adults (M = 18.8 years, SD = 3.51) recruited from schools, universities, and the general population in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Participants completed validated measures assessing sensation seeking, empathy, COVID-19-related stress, and deviant behaviors. Multiple regression analyses examined predictors of deviant behavior, while mediation analyses tested whether empathy mediated the relationship between sensation seeking and deviant behavior. Results: Correlation analyses show a positive association between sensation seeking and deviant behavior and a weaker positive association with COVID-19 isolation. Conversely, affective empathy demonstrated negative correlations with both deviant behavior and sensation seeking. COVID-19 stress demonstrated differentiated effects: social isolation increased deviance, whereas fear of contagion was protective. Mediation analysis revealed that affective empathy partially mediated the relationship between sensation seeking and deviance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that sensation seeking is a primary risk factor for deviant behavior in adolescents and young adults, while affective empathy acts as a protective mechanism that partially mediates this relationship. Furthermore, COVID-19-related stressors have shown complex effects, with social isolation amplifying the risk of deviance, while fear of contagion promotes more inhibited behavior. These findings underscore the importance of considering both stable personality traits and situational stressors when seeking to understand the pathways leading to adolescent behavioral problems during periods of social crisis.

A network approach to the relationship between adolescents' problem behaviors, psychological abuse and neglect, and school connectedness.

Identifying biomarkers that can distinguish trauma-exposed youth at risk for developing posttraumatic pathology from resilient individuals is essential for targeted interventions. As trauma can alter the microbiome with lasting effects on the host, our longitudinal, multimeasure, cross-species study aimed to identify the microbial signature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We followed children exposed to war-related trauma and matched controls from early childhood (Mage = 2.76 years, N = 232) to adolescence (Mage = 16.13 years, N = 84), repeatedly assessing posttraumatic symptomatology and maternal caregiving. In late adolescence, we collected fecal samples from mothers and youth and assessed microbiome composition, diversity, and mother-child microbial synchrony. We then transplanted adolescents' fecal samples into germ-free mice to determine if behavioral changes are observed. Youth with PTSD exhibited a distinct gut microbiome profile and lower diversity compared to resilient individuals, and microbiome diversity mediated the continuity of posttraumatic symptomatology throughout development. Low microbiome diversity correlated with more posttraumatic symptoms in early childhood, more emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence, and poor maternal caregiving. Youth with PTSD demonstrated less mother-child microbial synchrony, suggesting that low microbial concordance between mother and child may indicate susceptibility to posttraumatic illness. Germ-free mice transplanted with microbiomes from individuals with PTSD displayed increased anxious behavior. Our findings provide evidence that the trauma-associated microbiome profile is at least partially responsible for the anxiety component of the PTSD phenotype and highlight microbial underpinnings of resilience. Further, our results suggest that the microbiome may serve as additional biological memory of early life stress and underscore the potential for microbiome-related diagnosis and treatment following trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Abstract Background We examined the interaction effects of exposure to maternal and paternal violent discipline on behavioral and emotional problems at age 13. Methods Data from the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI (n = 4,610) was analysed. Participants reported parental disciplinary tactics at ages 7 and 13 using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (psychological aggression, corporal punishment, severe physical assault), depressive symptoms, involvement in fights and substance use at age 13. Interaction models were performed to evaluate the effects of maternal and paternal discipline on adolescent outcomes. Results Psychological aggression by mothers and fathers at age 13 increased the likelihood of adolescents being involved in fights (OR:1.17,95%CI:1.07,1.27; OR:1.12,CI:1.02,1.23, respectively) and developing depressive symptoms (OR:1.48,CI:1.34,1.64; OR:1.14,CI:1.02,1.26, respectively). Maternal psychological aggression at age 13 was associated with increased odds of substance use (OR:1.23,CI:1.15,1.33), while corporal punishment increased the risk of both behavioral and emotional problems. Fathers’ corporal punishment at age 7 was associated with substance use (OR:1.11,CI:1.03,1.19). Severe physical assault by mothers at age 13 increased the odds of fights (OR:1.20,CI:1.00,1.43) and depressive symptoms (OR:1.36,CI:1.11,1.65). A multiplicative interaction was found between the use of corporal punishment by fathers at age 7 and by mothers at age 13 on behavioral and emotional problems. Parental psychological aggression and severe physical assault showed additive interaction effects on adolescent outcomes. Conclusions The combined use of violent discipline by fathers and mothers was associated with a multiplicative increase in the likelihood of adolescent negative behaviours and emotions than would be expected from the additive effects alone, suggesting a synergistic effect with significant implications for early interventions and prevention strategies. Key messages • Violent disciplinary practices are associated with behavior and emotional problems in adolescence. • The use of corporal punishment by mothers and fathers has a multiplicative effect on adolescent outcomes.

Parental educational anxiety and adolescent problem behaviors: Serial mediation of psychological control and parent-child relationship with gender differences.

Introduction: Adolescence is a transformative phase marked by significant emotional, social, and cognitive changes, often giving rise to problem behaviours such as anxiety, aggression, and rulebreaking. These behaviours disrupt functioning and relationships in adolescence. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps teaching positive coping skills. Physical activity can enhance emotional regulation by the release of neurotransmitters. The integration of psychological interventions and physical activity represents a current thrust area of research aimed at effectively addressing Behavioural issues in adolescents. Aim: To determine the effect of CBT along with structured exercises in reducing problem behaviour and improving life satisfaction in adolescents. Materials and Methods: Thirty early adolescents between the ages of 11 to 14 years, documented with problem behaviour constituted the study's participant pool. This study was approved by Ethical committee of Punjabi university, Patiala. Participants were randomised into two groups: A and B. Group A received a combination of a total 9 CBT sessions and a pre-designed exercise programme of 3 days a week for 5 weeks and group B received only the exercise programme. Assessment was done on Day 0, Day 17 and Day 35, using Child Behaviour Checklist, Pediatric Symptom Checklist and Multidimensional Student Life Satisfactory Scale. Data were analysed using SPSS 20. Results: The results showed significant improvements in Group A across the Child Behaviour Checklist, Pediatric Symptom Checklist, and Multidimensional Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale, with p-value &lt;0.05 for all variables. Conclusion: The study concluded that combined effect of CBT and structured exercise programme is an effective treatment option for improvement in Problem Behaviour and life satisfaction as compared to structured exercise programme alone.

Does parental academic socialization mitigate or exacerbate family background disadvantages? Predicting problem behaviors in migrant and local adolescents

Changes in Rest-Activity Rhythms in Adolescents as They Age: Associations With Brain and Behavioral Changes in the ABCD Study.

Parents and adolescents often hold concordant and discordant views on parenting behaviors. Scant research has explored short-term within-family dynamics of parent-adolescent congruency and discrepancy on parental positive reinforcement on a micro timescale. Adopting a month-long daily diary design, we examined the convergence and divergence among 86 dyads of adolescents (Mage = 14.5 years, 55% female, 45% non-White) and one of their parents (Mage = 43.7 years, 72% female, 38% non-White) on their perceived daily parental positive reinforcement behaviors and the links to adolescents' daily emotional, hyperactivity, and conduct problems. Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling revealed both convergence and divergence at the within-family level. At the between-family level, however, there was minimal evidence for parent-adolescent convergence. Within-families, parent divergence was positively and reciprocally linked with adolescent emotional problems prospectively. Parent divergence was also associated with fewer adolescent hyperactivity problems the next day. More adolescent hyperactivity problems were negatively linked to parent-adolescent convergence the next day. The findings unveiled distinct structure of, and associations with parent-adolescent convergence and divergence on parental positive reinforcement behaviors, which highlights the importance of disentangling short-term within-family fluctuations from stable between-family differences at different levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

IntroductionConduct problems (CP) in adolescents are associated not only with long-term personality and social development challenges, but also impose significant burdens on families, schools, and communities.ObjectivesWhile numerous risk factors for CP have been identified in prior research, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying deficit mechanisms remains incomplete.MethodsUtilizing data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (N = 11,875), the largest longitudinal investigation of brain development and child health in the United States, we conducted a systematic analysis of the neural, cognitive, and environmental features linked to CP. The findings were further tested for generalizability across diverse cross-cultural datasets.ResultsOur results propose a novel framework that accounts for cognitive deficits associated with CP, while also highlighting the interactions between biological and environmental factors in the development and potential remission of CP in adolescents.ConclusionsThese insights provide valuable directions for future research and intervention strategies targeting adolescent conduct problems.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive family and community-based treatment targeting antisocial behaviours in adolescents. Treatment fidelity has proved crucial for successful implementation of the MST intervention, with prior research demonstrating a strong association with positive and enduring treatment outcomes. The Therapist Adherence Measure (TAM) is a standardised measure reported by caregivers and comprised of 28 items based on the nine treatment principles of MST. Several randomised control trials have confirmed that therapist adherence to the MST model is a valid predictor for a reduction of antisocial behaviours in adolescents. However, there is limited understanding of mechanisms by which therapist model adherence is related to positive changes in family relations and association with decreased adolescent behavioural problems. In this retrospective study, we evaluated effects of therapist adherence on changes in parental factors (e.g., parental mental well-being, monitoring and discipline approach) which in turn were associated with decreased behavioural problems in adolescents. We extracted data collected from 186 families engaged with the MST research program operating within the Western Australian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) during 2018–2024. Data for TAMs were collected monthly during treatment, and family outcome measures were collected at pre-treatment and post-treatment. The finding highlights the importance of therapists maintaining treatment fidelity and addressing treatment barriers throughout MST intervention to ensure the desired therapeutic outcomes.

IntroductionGrounded in the attachment hierarchy model and attachment control system model, this study explored the link between general attachment and adolescent behavioral problems, focusing on the sequential mediation of parent–child attachment and self-regulation within the dual-system framework.MethodsA survey of 568 adolescents (M = 16.58 years) assessed general and parent–child attachment, self-control, and behavioral problems.ResultsResults showed that general attachment predicted behavioral problems via parent–child attachment, which was negatively associated with general attachment. Moreover, attachment avoidance predicted behavioral problems through the control system, while attachment anxiety did so via the impulsive system.DiscussionThese findings highlight distinct pathways linking attachment dimensions to adolescent behavior, supporting both theoretical models.

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, growth modeling analysis (GMA) has become crucial in studying developmental changes in adolescent aggressive behavior. GMA uniquely captures both individual change and group differences over time, making it well-suited to track how adolescent aggression emerges, stabilizes, or declines during a key developmental period. Nonetheless, systematic reviews of GMA studies on aggression development have been limited to narrative reviews and summaries, with no meta-analysis focusing on change parameters, i.e. slope coefficients. This substantial oversight leaves the benefits of meta-analysis untapped for understanding typical and atypical development found in GMA studies. One reason for the lack of meta-analyses might be insufficient reporting conventions in GMA research. To examine this, the current study investigates current reporting practices in GMA research by reviewing 41 studies that model change in adolescent aggressive behavior problems. Results reveal a notable deficiency in reporting GMA information useful for meta-analysis. In response to these findings, we offer recommendations to improve reporting practices and suggest strategies to enable meta-analytic synthesis despite current limitations. Developing meta-analytic methods tailored to GMA growth parameters is urgently needed.

The present study investigated whether the interaction of resting HF-HRV (high-frequency heart rate variability) and HF-HRV reactivity was associated with mobile phone addiction in adolescents. Physiological and psychological data were collected from 165 Chinese adolescents (80 boys; Mage = 12.68, Sage = 0.69). The results revealed that (1) resting HF-HRV and HF-HRV reactivity were both significantly negatively correlated with adolescents' mobile phone addiction; and (2) resting HF-HRV and HF-HRV reactivity interactively predicted adolescents' mobile phone addiction. Specifically, resting HF-HRV was significantly and negatively related to mobile phone addiction only when HF-HRV reactivity was high. In contrast, resting HF-HRV was not significantly associated with mobile phone addiction when HF-HRV reactivity was low or medium. The findings suggest the importance of considering the combined indices of HF-HRV in predicting adolescent problem behaviors.

This study aimed to investigate the association among various adolescent problem behaviors in South Korea, focusing on gender differences. This secondary analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted in 2023 which included 52,880 middle and high school students in South Korea. They completed an anonymous self-administered survey regarding problem behaviors (drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs use, and sexual experiences). Data were analyzed using complex-samples chi-square and multiple logistic regression models. Among the 52,880 adolescents, the prevalence rates of alcohol use, smoking, drug use, and sexual experiences were 32.6%, 8.6%, 1.7%, and 6.5%, respectively. Gender differences were observed in alcohol use complex-samples multiple logistic regression models. However, no significant gender difference was found in drug use (p=.250). Four problem behaviors were significantly associated with one other when analyzed as independent variables (odds ratio [OR], 1.33-10.85). The strongest associations were found between alcohol use and smoking (OR, 10.49-10.85), and between smoking and sexual experiences (OR, 4.91-4.96). This study found significant gender differences in adolescent problem behaviors, with male adolescents exhibiting higher rates of alcohol use, smoking, and sexual experience. Strong associations were observed between alcohol use and smoking, as well as between smoking and sexual experience. These findings suggest the need for integrated intervention strategies that target multiple co-occurring problem behaviors.

The majority of adolescents use smartphones, and their overdependence on smartphones has emerged as a serious social issue. Although studies have explored the effect of smartphone overdependence on adolescent problem behaviors, research on its influence on sexual behavior is scarce. This study aimed to examine the association between smartphone overdependence and sexual behavior among adolescents. This study used data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey conducted in 2023. Smartphone overdependence was the independent variable, and sexual behaviors (sexual intercourse and contraceptive use) were the dependent variables. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to control for confounding variables. The study participants included 52,880 adolescents aged 13-18 years. Among them, 28.0% (n=14,672) were classified as smartphone overdependent, 6.5% (n=3,349) had sexual experience, and 65% (n=2,182) of those with sexual experience reported using contraception. Smartphone overdependence was not significantly associated with sexual experience but was significantly associated with contraceptive use. Adolescents in the non-overdependent group were 1.27 times more likely to use contraception than those in the smartphone overdependent group (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.52; p<.007). The findings highlight a significant association between smartphone overdependence and contraceptive use among adolescents. Policy interventions and educational strategies that consider adolescents' smartphone usage patterns and trait factors are necessary.

In the recent years, global and regional adversities (e.g., strict COVID-19 restrictions, prolonged social isolation, rising academic stress, and increasing digital dependence) have placed youth at heightened risk for ongoing interpersonal, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Examining the relevant trends during this period could yield insight into the persistence of these difficulties and inform targeted intervention strategies. Guided by the theoretical models including developmental system theories and developmental cascade model, the present study focused on three forms of attachment (i.e., child-father attachment, child-mother attachment, and peer attachment) and four types of maladaptive behaviors (i.e., depression, social anxiety, problematic internet use, and academic procrastination) among Chinese adolescents. It aims to uncover their trajectories spanning 2021 to 2023 and the correlations between the trajectories. The research draws on data collected at three-time points (i.e., November 2021, May 2022, and May 2023), with a sample of 701 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.0 years, SD = 1.44, Range = 13-17 years; 52% girls). A latent growth modeling approach was employed. Specifically, latent growth curve modeling was conducted to estimate the trajectories of the seven key constructs, with Wald tests assessing differences in growth factors across constructs. Slope correlations between attachment and maladaptive behaviors were examined, and Fisher's z-transformation was applied to compare the strength of these slope-level associations. (1) All three types of attachment showed declining trajectories, with their slopes positively correlated. (2) Child-father and child-mother attachment declined more steeply than peer attachment. (3) All four maladaptive behaviors demonstrated increasing trends, with their slopes positively correlated. (4) Problematic internet use increased more rapidly than depression and academic procrastination, and social anxiety rose faster than academic procrastination. (5) The slopes of all three types of attachment were negatively correlated with the slopes of all four types of maladaptive behaviors. Notably, child-father and child-mother attachment demonstrated stronger associations with maladjustment trajectories than peer attachment. In addition to providing longitudinal evidence that adolescents' interpersonal relationships and maladjustment have been worsening during a time of instability, the study highlights the pivotal role of parent-child relationships and the dynamic interplay between the trajectories of adolescents' social relationships and behavioral problems. Interventions may need to leverage these trajectory-related characteristics to better enhance adolescents' psychosocial functioning.