Adolescent Well-being Research Articles

Illustrations of Coping and Mental Well-Being of Adolescents Living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa During COVID: A Photovoice Study

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are the fastest-growing population living with HIV globally. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems, thereby negatively affecting the quality and availability of HIV care and support services. This study describes the challenges and treatment experiences of ALHIV on ART at a public primary healthcare facility in a low-socioeconomic community in Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative photovoice study was conducted with 21 adolescents (aged 14–19 years; 13 females and 8 males). Participants shared pictures illustrating their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in groups. Group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed in full and subjected to content analysis. Seven themes emerged describing ALHIV’s personal, social, and economic challenges, their means of coping, and feelings of vulnerability. Challenges included the loss of significant others, lack of social support and opportunities, experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the household, loneliness, and isolation. In spite of difficulties, some ALHIV displayed resilience by continuing their medication routines during lockdown periods. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for the restoration of the health system and services, including psychosocial support to re-engage ALHIV in care and treatment.

A Path to Resilience: The Impact of School-Based Yoga on Adolescent Mental Well-Being

A Path to Resilience: The Impact of School-Based Yoga on Adolescent Mental Well-Being

Psychosocial, emotional and behavioral problems, quality of life, and mental health care seeking behaviors among children and adolescents in Jordan: a national school-based survey

ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral problems and their symptoms among children and adolescents in Jordan, assess their quality of life, and examine mental health help-seeking behavior.MethodsA large-scale school-based national survey was conducted in Jordan among children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years (grades 3 to 12) from the host and refugee populations, utilizing a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select a nationally representative sample. Two versions of structured questionnaires were used: proxy parent version for students in grades 3 to 6 (8–11 years) and self-report version for students in grades 7 to 12 (12–18 years). The study questionnaires employed internationally recognized and validated tools in English, which were translated into Arabic.ResultsA total of 8,000 (3,433 (42.9%) boys, 4,567 (57.1%) girls) and (3,593 (44.9%) children, 4,407 (55.1%) adolescents) were included. About 24.5% of children had anxiety symptoms (18.0% of Jordanians, 34.5% of Syrian camp refugees, 33.7% of Syrian urban refugees, and 24.7% of Palestinian camp refugees) and 16.6% of children had major depressive disorder symptoms (11.0% of Jordanians, 25.4% of Syrian camp refugees, 25.0% of Syrian urban refugees, and 14.0% of Palestinian camp refugees). Almost 13.9% of children and 19.7% of adolescents had abnormal levels of total emotional and behavioral difficulties. Nearly 16.5% of children and 35.0% of adolescents had poor overall health-related quality of life. When experiencing a personal or emotional problem, only 28.1% of children’s parents would seek help for their children and 19.7% of adolescents would seek help for themselves.ConclusionThe study revealed a high prevalence of various mental health issues’ symptoms, particularly among refugees and female adolescents. Intention to seek help is relatively low, suggesting that children and adolescents’ mental health needs are not being widely met. It is crucial to implement integrated and coordinated plans and programs that effectively target multiple factors that impact children and adolescents’ mental health, while also respecting the prevailing cultural context. A key aspect of promoting the mental well-being of children and adolescents in Jordan is the inclusive involvement of refugees and individuals from other nationalities.

How do social and gender norms influence the sexual and reproductive health of younger adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping review protocol

Introduction Younger adolescents (aged 10–14 years) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have disproportionate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes due to structural, behavioural, socioeconomic and other factors. Social and gender norms have important consequences for the SRH and wellbeing of younger adolescents both now and over their life course. SRH programming often focuses on older adolescents (aged 15–19 years), overlooking younger ones. This scoping review sets out to explore how gender and social norms influence younger adolescents’ SRH in SSA, to inform tailored interventions. Methods The Arksey and O'Malley strategy will be used to review the available literature. Online databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and African Index Medicus) will be searched for original studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 September 2024. Further, a manual search to include relevant grey literature will be performed. The steps in the review are: 1) defining the research question, 2) identifying relevant studies, 3) selecting studies, 4) charting the data, and 5) collating, summarising, and reporting the results. Results Findings will be reported in accordance with the guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. Discussion The review will generate the most up-to-date evidence and identify gaps in literature in addition to informing future research on how gender and social norms influence younger adolescents’ SRH in SSA. Findings will inform and influence future interventions and evaluations in this area.

“How environmental capabilities enhance adolescent well-being: a case study of urban spaces in Tabriz”

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationship between various environmental capabilities (physical, social, leisure, and emotional) and adolescent well-being across multiple dimensions (physical, emotional, and social well-being). Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 737 adolescents aged 12 to 19 in Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. The study focused on selected sites displaying specific adolescent behaviours in urban spaces, including natural, commercial, sports, urban pathways and intersections, and cultural settings. The questionnaires were used to evaluate environmental capabilities as independent variables and adolescent well-being as the dependent variable.Multivariate regression Analyses were employed to examine the impact of environmental capabilities on adolescent well-being within the defined typologies of urban spaces. The regression analysis unveiled that the commercial sites significantly influenced adolescent well-being, particularly physical well-being (regression coefficient = 0.437). It was found that environmental capabilities, categorized as physical, social, leisure, and emotional, assume a pivotal role in adolescents’ well-being across physical, emotional, and social dimensions.

Effects of School-led Greenspace Interventions on Mental, Physical and Social Wellbeing in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

AbstractPromoting children’s and adolescents’ mental, physical, and social wellbeing is highly important to help them learn, create social connections, and stay healthy. Nature has the potential to restore cognition, reduce stress and mental fatigue, and improve wellbeing, all factors that are conducive to learning. There is growing interest in understanding the effects of nature on the wellbeing of children and adolescents, particularly in the school context. This paper presents a PRISMA-guided systematic review of the literature examining the effects of school-led nature interventions on the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of school children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years. Examples of school-led nature interventions include outdoor learning, walks in nature and green schoolyards. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies employing quantitative measures were selected, yielding 19 studies from 17 papers. Included studies were rated as being of high (n = 6) and moderate quality (n = 13). The results provide some evidence that nature exposure in the school context can improve the wellbeing of children and adolescents, particularly their positive affect, physical activity, and social relationships/interactions. The wellbeing effects of school-led nature interventions were also examined according to age and gender, with results indicating a gender effect, but inconclusive findings for age. Findings from this review support the integration of nature in schools to enhance the mental, physical and social wellbeing of children and adolescents.

Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Child Population Samples

ImportanceExposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) before the age of 18 years is a major contributor to the global burden of disease and disability.ObjectiveTo meta-analyze data from samples with children 18 years or younger to estimate the average prevalence of ACEs, identify characteristics and contexts associated with higher or lower ACE exposure, and explore methodological factors that might influence these prevalence estimates.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsStudies that were published between January 1, 1998 and February 19, 2024, were sourced from MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, and Embase. Inclusion criteria required studies to report the prevalence of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more ACEs using an 8- or 10-item ACEs questionnaire (plus or minus 2 items), include population samples of children 18 years or younger, and be published in English. Data from 65 studies, representing 490 423 children from 18 countries, were extracted and synthesized using a multicategory prevalence meta-analysis. These data were analyzed from February 20, 2024, through May 17, 2024.Main Outcomes and MeasuresACEs.ResultsThe mean age of children across studies was 11.9 (SD, 4.3) years, the age range across samples was 0 to 18 years, and 50.5% were female. The estimated mean prevalences were 42.3% for 0 ACEs (95% CI, 25.3%-52.7%), 22.0% for 1 ACE (95% CI, 9.9%-32.7%), 12.7% for 2 ACEs (95% CI, 3.8%-22.3%), 8.1% for 3 ACEs (95% CI, 1.4%-16.8%), and 14.8% for 4 or more ACEs (95% CI, 5.1%-24.8%). The prevalence of 4 or more ACEs was higher among adolescents vs children (prevalence ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.30), children in residential care (1.26; 95% CI, 1.10-1.43), with a history of juvenile offending (95% CI, 1.29; 1.24-1.34), and in Indigenous peoples (1.63; 95% CI, 1.28-2.08), as well as in studies where file review was the primary assessment method (1.29; 95% CI, 1.23-1.34). The prevalence of 0 ACEs was lower in questionnaire-based studies where children vs parents were informants (0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-0.90).ConclusionsIn this study, ACEs were prevalent among children with notable disparities across participant demographic characteristics and contexts. As principal antecedent threats to child and adolescent well-being that can affect later life prospects, ACEs represent a pressing global social issue. Effective early identification and prevention strategies, including targeted codesigned community interventions, can reduce the prevalence of ACEs and mitigate their severe effects, thereby minimizing the harmful health consequences of childhood adversity in future generations.

Traditional Value Identity and Mental Health Correlation Among Chinese Adolescents

This study explores the identity of traditional values among Chinese adolescents and its correlation with their mental health. A questionnaire survey, utilizing the Confucian Traditional Values Scale and the Secondary School Students’ Mental Health Scale, was conducted with 500 students from Grade 7 through the final year of college. Our results showed the following: (1) adolescents generally agree with traditional values; (2) there were no significant differences in overall agreement with traditional values among adolescents based on their gender, place of birth, class cadre status, only-child status, or academic major, though differences were observed in specific dimensions based on these variables; (3) traditional values identity varied across grade levels, with senior high school students showing notably higher identification than junior high school and college students, peaking in the second year of senior high school; and (4) there is a significant negative correlation between adolescents’ traditional values identity scores and their mental health scores, indicating that higher traditional values identity scores are associated with better mental health levels. These findings highlight the positive influence of traditional values on the development and well-being of Chinese adolescents, underscoring the importance of integrating these values into educational and developmental frameworks in China and other East Asian regions with similar cultural backgrounds.

The Impact of Parental Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms on Adolescents’ Mental Health and Quality of Life: The Moderating Role of Parental Rejection

Background/Objectives: Parental internalizing issues, particularly maternal mental health, can significantly influence adolescents’ mental health by altering parenting behaviors and roles. This study explores the role of parental rejection in moderating the relationship between parental depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms and adolescents’ mental health and quality of life. Methods: One hundred thirty eight mothers (mean age: 47.96, SD = 5.06 years) and 68 fathers (mean age: 51.07, SD = 5.53 years) of adolescents aged 12–18 completed measures on mental health, parental rejection, and adolescent well-being. Results: Maternal rejection was found to moderate the relationship between maternal anxiety symptoms and adolescents’ quality of life, as well as between maternal anxiety symptoms and adolescents’ mental health problems. Paternal rejection moderated the relationship between paternal stress symptoms and adolescents’ mental health. However, parental rejection did not moderate the relationship between parental depression and adolescents’ quality of life or mental health. Conclusions: These findings highlight the distinct roles of maternal and paternal rejection in adolescent development and suggest that parental mental health, particularly anxiety and stress, has a significant impact on adolescent well-being. Future studies should consider the influence of both parents and focus on longitudinal effects. These results emphasize the need for interventions addressing parental rejection to improve adolescent outcomes.

О государственном регулировании развития инклюзивного образования и создания специальных условий для обучения детей с ограниченными возможностями здоровья в Российской Федерации

<p>The article summarizes the results of the implementation of measures to ensure the educational rights of students with disabilities and special educational needs. We present the results of the implementation of interdepartmental comprehensive plans (for 2015, 2016-2017, 2018-2020) approved by the Government of the Russian Federation . It was revealed that over 10 years, more than 8 thousand kindergartens and more than 10 thousand schools participated in the special events to create accessibility in educational organizations. It was a part of the state program “Accessible Environment.” In accordance with the federal statistical observation form OO-1, in the 2023/24 academic year, psychological and pedagogical support for students with disabilities in general educational organizations was provided by 32466 educational psychologists, 21703 speech therapists, 9530 special education teachers, and 8888 tutors. show that there were 3123 educational psychologist vacancies, 2378 speech therapist vacancies, 1740 special education teacher vacancies, and 1389 tutor vacancies in 2023 in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The article highlights th importance of the Complex of measures for the modernization of defectological education in the Russian Federation through 2030 (dated February 7, 2024, No. SK-1/07vn), and the all-Russian competition <em>The Best Inclusive School in Russia</em>. This article reflects the results of scientific research conducted by the Institute of Correctional Pedagogics, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Russian State Pedagogical University named after A.I. Herzen. Based on the provisions of the Plan of the Main Events held within the framework of the Decade of Childhood for the period up to 2027, the main tool is a study of the subjective well-being of adolescents, including those with disabilities and special needs. We emphasize the high importance of the Interdepartmental Comprehensive Action Plan for the Development of Inclusive General and Additional Education, Children's Recreation, and the Creation of Special Conditions for Students with Disabilities and Limited Health Opportunities up to 2030. In this article we define the directions of the Russian methodology of inclusive education as the main basis for ensuring the rights and opportunities of any child.</p>

A Systematic Review of The Literature Review on Factors Affecting Digital Well-Being in Adolescents Who Use Social Media in Southeast Asia

Adolescents are very easily influenced by the social environment without considering the impact that will be caused, the use of social media can have a positive and negative impact. The positive impact caused by the use of social media is such as the ease of finding information, establishing communication, and finding entertainment. In addition, it also has a negative impact on adolescents who use social media which can significantly affect the welfare of adolescents, this phenomenon is referred to as digitigal well-being. This study uses the systematic literature review method by searching for articles and with the help of Publish or Perish software, as well as using Sciespace and Elicit in collecting articles with keywords related to the research. From the results of the literature review, it can be grouped into three factors that affect digital well-being in adolescents. The first factor is the use of technology which consists of the duration of use, digital literacy and connectivity factors on social media, the second factor is the individual consisting of self-control, gender and fomo, and the last factor is the social support factor, especially from the elderly. The implication of this research is to see how factors affect digital wellbeing in adolescents who are active users of social media.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Its Association with Risk of Obesity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Well-Being in Adolescents

Background/Objectives: The literature on consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) using the NOVA classification is still limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to compare the UPF consumption, sedentary behaviors, and well-being perception between boys and girls; and (ii) to investigate the association between the UPF consumption and risk of overweight, sedentary behaviors, and well-being in adolescents. Methods: The present cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 245 adolescents (131 boys) aged 12–17 years-old (M = 14.20; SD = 1.09). Height and weight were assessed, and subsequently, the BMI was computed; furthermore, total body fat percentage was measured with bioelectrical impedance. Daily consumption of UPF was assessed by the NOVA screener and time spent sedentary was assessed by the Midlands Behavior Health 2024 questionnaire. The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) was used to measure adolescents’ psychosocial well-being. Pearson’s correlations and logistic regression analysis were used, controlling for biological, behavioral, and socio-economic confounders. Results: No sex differences were observed for the different UPF NOVA subscales. Boys reported higher computer use levels than girls on the weekend (p = 0.025), and they spent more time playing electronic games during the week (p = 0.005) and on the weekend than their female counterparts (p < 0.001). Moreover, boys reported higher scores in all well-being dimensions (p < 0.001) than girls. Conclusions: The findings revealed, after controlling for sex, sedentary time, and active behaviors, adolescents who consumed UPF on the previous day tended to be associated with a higher risk of being overweight, but also marginally without statistical significance (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.01, p = 0.06). Of relevance, the present study revealed that both boys and girls of mothers with high educational levels were less likely to be classified as overweight or obese youth.

Evaluating the impact of rock climbing on mental health and emotional well-being in adolescents

BackgroundRock climbing (RC) has gained attention as a therapeutic tool in psychiatric settings that merges physical exertion with mental engagement. It has potential to enhance mental health, through improved self-efficacy and social interaction, making it a novel intervention for addressing anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RC as a physical activity on anxiety, depression, and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents.MethodsThe current study included 57 athletes aged 14.5 ± 1.7 years and 91 adolescents aged 13.6 ± 1.2 years, matched for age and gender, who were not professionally involved in sport. In addition to the socio-demographic form, a detailed psychiatric assessment was carried out by the child psychiatrist; using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) to detect psychiatric conditions. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version (RCADS-CV) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were also administered to the adolescents in the study.ResultsIn the comparative analysis of the RCADS-CV outcomes between the athlete and control groups, the athletes demonstrated notably lower scores for both Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), yielding p-values of < 0.001 and 0.031, respectively. Although the mean scores for social phobia, OCD, panic disorder, and MDD were lower in the athlete group, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the correlation analysis, a moderately significant correlation was found between the duration of doing sport and the scale scores for SAD (p:0.010), OCD (p:0.014), and panic disorder (p:0.016). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of SDQ scores.ConclusionThese results suggest that RC, through its unique combination of physical exertion and mental focus, may offer protective benefits against certain anxiety disorders among adolescents. Further studies should be conducted to explore the potential use of RC as a preventive program for both healthy adolescents, as well as those with psychiatric disorder.

Supplemental Material for Adolescent Well-Being and School Engagement as a Function of Teacher and Peer Relatedness: The More (Relatedness) Is Not Always the Merrier

Supplemental Material for Adolescent Well-Being and School Engagement as a Function of Teacher and Peer Relatedness: The More (Relatedness) Is Not Always the Merrier

Covid, financial stress and mental wellbeing of Finnish adolescents

This article investigates the link between perceptions of financial stress and the mental well-being of Finnish adolescents during the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Did adolescents perceive an increase in financial stress and a deterioration of their mental wellbeing during the beginning of the pandemic? Moreover, to what extent can perceptions of increased financial strain explain experiences of mental wellbeing, and what protecting factors mitigate this association? We use unique national survey data collected among Finnish 12–17-year-olds in 2021 (N=1102) for answering our research questions. We found only a moderate increase in financial stress but a considerable deterioration in perceived mental wellbeing. Moreover, financial stress and mental wellbeing were negatively correlated, even if this correlation was moderated by social, psychological as well as school-related factors.

Negative changes in emotional well-being and motivation in Russian adolescents between 1999 and 2020 / Cambios negativos en el bienestar emocional y la motivación en adolescentes rusos entre 1999 y 2020

Studies in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia show cohort increases in ill-being among adolescents in recent decades, and this is especially true for girls. The present study compared two Russian adolescent samples on both positive and negative emotions, via data collected in 1999 and in January 2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic). The results show that joy was much lower and anger and anxiety were much higher in the 2020 cohort. Corresponding declines in autonomous motivation, perceived academic control and positive relationships partly explained the decreases in adolescent emotional well-being. Girls were most negatively impacted across the two decades. Discussion speculates on possible educational explanations for the motivational and thus emotional declines.

Trauma, Resilience, and Substance Use in Adolescents: A Review Article

Background: Adolescence is a sensitive phase of human life featuring changes in physical, emotional, and social characteristics. Many teens experience stressful events and trauma, which can affect their mental health and increase their risk of initiating and continuing substance use. Genetic vulnerabilities impact this relationship. In the face of trauma, while some adolescents are vulnerable, others navigate similar experiences differently, show resilience, and generally fare better without developing substance use problems. Understanding the multiple contributory factors that impact this relationship is critical in informing clinical approaches and program development. Objective: To describe the intricate dynamics between trauma, resilience, and substance abuse among adolescents. This review attempts to offer a synopsis that clarifies existing perspectives on trauma and substance use in adolescents while indicating areas for future research, clinical, and intervention programs in this critical area of adolescent well-being. Methods: A literature review was conducted to reveal available studies related to trauma, adolescent substance use, and resilience. Synthesis of findings from empirical studies, a detailed discussion on trauma and developmental factors while also addressing resilience elements alongside patterns of substance use is presented. Conclusion: Trauma, resilience, and substance use are linked in a tri-directional relationship, which is complex and dynamic. Adolescents with trauma are at higher risk of initiating and continuing substance. Resilience impacts treatment-seeking and engagement and may reduce relapse risk. Future research recommendations include improving the cultural sensitivity of interventions, studying the effects of marginalized identities, and ensuring rigorous evaluation of and progressive development of intervention programs. Results: The review highlights the bidirectional connections between trauma and substance use in adolescents. We include the consideration of resilience in adolescent responses to trauma. Resilience may reduce the risk of substance use, improve treatment-seeking and engagement in the treatment of SUD in adolescents, and reduce the risk of relapse, thereby suggesting it is a third dimension in the relationship between trauma and substance use. This review also provides evidence-based interventions and policies that are tailored to the specific needs of a diverse population of adolescents. We uncover the gaps in research, especially regarding cultural specifics and intersectionality among marginalized identities.

Commentary: The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on adolescent development: Embracing a more ecological perspective.

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's functioning, relationships, and well-being, four systematic reviews were put together to shed light on school experiences, family and peer relationships, and civic engagement during the pandemic. The reviews presented research findings on the protective role of several personal and contextual resources including intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, family, school, peer, and community support, as well as the harming effect of risk factors, such as poor mental health, COVID-19-related stressors, and technological challenges, thus highlighting the significant role of both personal and contextual factors in adolescent development and well-being. Equally important, the research findings collectively suggested an ecological perspective of the determining factors, although the focus was largely on factors in immediate contexts (family, school, peers, and local community). Adopting a more holistic approach that also considers factors in other ecological contexts (e.g., partnership between immediate contexts, the influence of cultural values and norms along with educational and developmental transitions) can be crucial in addressing the specific needs of young people across diverse contexts and cultures during a pandemic and in general. In addressing their needs, the ever-growing digital space of young people can be utilized to connect them to services and supportive networks in their contexts including distal ones.

Parent and Peer Racial-Ethnic Socialization Facilitates Psychological Well-Being Via Proactive Coping: A Daily Diary Study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the promotive and protective effects of parental and peer racial-ethnic socialization (RES) on adolescents’ psychological well-being in the context of racial-ethnic discrimination. We hypothesized that RES would buffer the pernicious effects of discrimination on well-being by promoting more proactive coping (problem-solving, seeking social support) and less avoidant coping responses. MethodParticipants were a nationally representative sample of 371 ethnoracially minoritized adolescents who were recruited through a research survey panel (51.75% assigned female sex at birth; 46.90% Black, 24.80% Latine, 20.22% Asian/Asian American; Mage= 14.47 years, SDage= 1.46, age-range= 10-19 years). Participants completed daily surveys of exposure to racial-ethnic discrimination, RES, coping, and psychological well-being across 30 days. ResultsResults indicated parental cultural socialization promoted more positive next-day well-being via increased problem-solving coping (B=0.01, SE=0.01, p<.05). The same pattern of findings emerged when examining cultural socialization messages from peers (B=0.02, SE=0.01, p<.01) and preparation for bias messages from parents (B=0.02, SE=0.01, p<.01). RES significantly moderated the effects of racial-ethnic discrimination on avoidance coping. ConclusionFindings suggest that RES from parents and peers may promote more positive psychological well-being in adolescents by facilitating proactive coping processes on days when they experience racial-ethnic discrimination. Overall, the study points to the need for continued efforts to develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based approaches to strengthening RES competency, as doing so may be a critical avenue for cultivating resilience among ethnoracially minoritized youth.

Population Attributable Fractions of Adolescent Health and Well-being Outcomes Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Provincially Representative Sample in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundIt is well known that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor health and well-being outcomes among adult samples. However, there are notable gaps in examining these relationships among youth. ObjectiveThe objectives were to examine: a) the prevalence of an expanded list of ACEs among adolescents, b) ACEs sex differences, c) associations between ACEs and several adolescent health and at-risk behavioural outcomes, and d) the population attributable fractions (PAFs) for three ACE groupings (i.e., child maltreatment, household challenges, and peer victimization). Study DesignCross-sectional. Participants and SettingData were from the provincially-representative, cross-sectional 2014 Ontario Child Health Study (N = 6,537 dwellings, response rate = 50.8%). One randomly selected child aged 14 to 17 years old (n = 2,910) from each household was included. MethodsThe majority of measures (nine ACEs and six health and well-being outcomes) were self-reported (three household challenges ACEs and physical health were collected from parents/caregivers). Descriptive statistics estimated the prevalence of ACEs for the sample and by sex. Logistic regressions tested associations between individual ACEs and seven outcomes. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were computed for three ACE groupings with each outcome. FindingsACEs prevalence ranged from 1.8% to 47.4% with several noted sex differences. Each ACE was associated with four or more studied outcomes. PAFs ranged from 3.5% to 47.8%, varying for each ACEs grouping. ConclusionThe significant associations and estimated proportions of poor adolescent outcomes attributed to ACEs indicate that identifying approaches aimed at preventing these experiences could have a substantial impact on youth health and well-being.