Well-being Of Youth Research Articles

Youth Transition, Culture and Identity in Timor-Leste

Over the years, young people in Timor-Leste have faced difficulties accessing employment, and youth violence continues to rise. This study examines how historical events and social changes have shaped youth behaviour in Timor-Leste. It also explores the cultural representation and identity of youth who lived through periods of social turmoil and political tension. Additionally, the study addresses social issues that impact the transition of today's youth. Practical measures to improve the well-being of today's youth are crucial, including encouraging job accessibility, developing relevant youth policies, and enhancing youth-related activities.

Oncology Camp Participation and Psychosocial Health in Children Who Have Lived with Cancer—A Pilot Study

Children with lived cancer experience encounter adversity, therefore experiences promoting psychosocial health are necessary. This pilot study determined the impact of recreational oncology camps (ROC) on resilience, hope, social support, and mental well-being in youth who have lived with cancer. Youth (6–18 years) with cancer experience enrolled in an 11-day session of ROC (Muskoka, Ontario, Canada) were invited to participate. Participants completed a survey [Children’s Hope Scale (CHS), Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-R), Social Provisions Scale (SPS-5), and Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS)] on the first (T1) and last day (T2) of camp, and 3 months post-camp (T3). Repeated-measures ANOVAs evaluated differences in survey scores among time points. Ten participants (14.1 ± 2.5 years) were included in the analysis. CHS scores at T3 were lower than T1 and T2 (F = 9.388, p = 0.008). CYRM-R, SPS-5, and SWEMWBS scores were high but did not differ between time points. Hope decreased 3 months post-camp, suggesting a need for continued psychosocial support. Overall, the ROC environment is associated with positive psychosocial health.

Religious Doubts and Emotions Toward God in Adolescents: Relation to Self-Esteem and Meaning in Life

Religious doubt (RD) and emotions toward God (EtGs) are areas of religiosity and spirituality that can play a role in the development and well-being of youth. The aim of this study is to investigate whether RD and EtGs are related to self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents and what factors may be associated with them in a secular setting. A sample of Czech adolescents (n = 984, mean age 16.61, SD 1.21; 28% male) participated in the online survey. We measured RD, EtGs, meaning in life (ML) divided into presence (ML-P) and seeking (ML-S), adolescents’ self-esteem (ASE), faith in the adolescent environment, the perception of religion and church, and religious education (RE). RD and negative EtGs were associated with reduced ML-P. Negative EtGs were associated with a reduction in ASE. However, positive EtGs were associated with an increase in ML-P. Respondents experiencing faith in their environment, having a positive view of church and religion, and enriching RE were more likely to report a decrease in RD and an increase in positive EtGs and vice versa. Our findings suggest that RD and EtGs are related to adolescents’ well-being and point to factors to be adequately addressed to minimize the negative impact of RD and promote positive EtGs.

Digital media in early childhood: risk factors for online harm and psychosocial correlates

IntroductionEarly and middle childhood are times of rapid development, and critical periods for laying the foundations of life-long trajectories of socioemotional well-being. High levels of screen media use are of growing concern to parents, health professionals, and researchers, given the increasing body of research demonstrating detrimental impacts of excessive screen use in young children. One particular consequence is the risk that children encounter online content or experiences that are upsetting or distressing, including exposure to inappropriate or adult content, cyberbullying, and interactions with strangers that they don't know.MethodsThis research examined experiences of online harm reported in a sample of 8-year-old children, with a focus on identifying risk factors and psychosocial correlates of online harm. Data for this study were collected from children and their mothers as part of the prospective longitudinal Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) study (n = 4,920 children with data at age 8). Children were assessed at 4.5-years-old and 8-years-old.ResultsThe findings of this research indicate that approximately a quarter of New Zealand children have experienced online harm (that is, have encountered online content that worried, upset, or bothered them) by the age of 8. Our analysis indicates that children with behavioral difficulties are at greater risk of online harm, as are children with more personal devices. Experiences of online harm were found to be negatively associated with child self-worth and positively associated with depressive symptoms.DiscussionFindings highlighting the critical importance of considering online harm as a contributing factor to child and youth well-being and mental health in our media-saturated world. Our results also point to practical solutions for parents, such as limiting the number of personal media devices that children have in early and middle childhood.

Child and youth welfare and the climate crisis – conceptual enlargements from eco-social work and socio-spatial approaches

ABSTRACT This article starts with a short analysis of current eco-social crisis and its main impacts on the life conditions of children and adolescents. It then reflects this challenging structural and developmental situation within the scope and frameworks of social work, social pedagogy, and child and youth welfare and introduces newer concepts of eco-social work. After this, spatial approaches of social work are introduced and reflected in regard to their potentials and limits to address eco-social problems. The last chapter then provides first sketches on how eco-social and spatial approaches could be implemented in child and youth welfare to address the current challenges and needs.

Youth Well-Being and Economic Vitality: Fostering Sustainable Development Through Green Leisure Sports

This study delves into the transformative potential of low-carbon leisure education (LCLE) in promoting sustainable development within rural lake regions, focusing particularly on its impact on youth well-being and regional economic vitality. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 650 participants and conducted interviews with experts, visitors, and locals to gauge the effectiveness of LCLE initiatives. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between LCLE engagements and improvements in the leisure environment, economic development, and ecological conservation. However, the study reveals a youth welfare divide, whereby younger individuals are unable to fully benefit from LCLE programs due to gaps in environmental consciousness and accessibility. The paper proposes a holistic approach to LCLE that includes enhancing environmental awareness among youth, making participation in low-carbon leisure activities more accessible and affordable, and fostering a culture of sustainable enjoyment. The expected outcomes suggest strengthened rural economies, enriched leisure and ecological environments, and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for the younger population. This research underscores the importance of integrating educational initiatives into rural development strategies, thereby contributing to the knowledge economy through innovative approaches to sustainability and youth engagement in rural settings.

Cost-of-living: the impact on emotional support for young Londoners

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which the cost-of-living crisis affected emotional support access and availability among multiply-marginalised UK-based youth. Design/methodology/approach This study reports findings from early stages of a multiphase youth participatory action research (YPAR) project. In all, 12 young residents of Tower Hamlets London (ages 16–22 years) employed as peer researchers conducted 14 focus groups with 44 residents of Tower Hamlets over a six-month period. Data were analysed using principles of reflective thematic analysis. Findings Analyses produced salient themes that identified barriers to obtaining emotional support from parents and carers, described the utility of diverse support networks and elucidated the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on emotional support and youth well-being. Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations pertaining primarily to study design, sample size and sample composition that limit generalizability of findings. The findings indicate that the cost-of-living crisis markedly constrained the participants’ access to and availability of formal and informal support from others. Practical implications The findings from this research will influence the design and delivery of policy and services to better meet the needs and experiences of UK-based young people and their families. Social implications This project has the potential to increase understanding of how families can provide effective emotional support to young people and so improve the lives of Londoners now and in the future. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ study, this study is the first to use a YPAR approach to exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on UK-based youth.

Teen Talk: The Good, the Bad, and the Neutral of Adolescent Social Media Use

The debate on whether social media has a net positive or negative effect on youth is ongoing. Therefore, we conducted a thematic analysis on 2,061 posts made by 1,038 adolescents aged 15-17 on an online peer-support platform to investigate the ways in which these teens discussed popular social media platforms in their posts and to identify differences in their experiences across platforms. Our findings revealed four main emergent themes for the ways in which social media was discussed: 1) Sharing negative experiences or outcomes of social media use (58%, n = 1,095), 2) Attempts to connect with others (45%, n = 922), 3) Highlighting the positive side of social media use (20%, n = 409), and 4) Seeking information (20%, n = 491). Overall, while sharing about negative experiences was more prominent, teens also discussed balanced perspectives of connection-seeking, positive experiences, and information support on social media that should not be discounted. Moreover, we found statistical significance for how these experiences differed across social media platforms. For instance, teens were most likely to seek romantic relationships on Snapchat and self-promote on YouTube. Meanwhile, Instagram was mentioned most frequently for body shaming, and Facebook was the most commonly discussed platform for privacy violations (mostly from parents). The key takeaway from our study is that the benefits and drawbacks of teens' social media usage can co-exist and net effects (positive or negative) can vary across different teens across various contexts. As such, we advocate for mitigating the negative experiences and outcomes of social media use as voiced by teens, to improve, rather than limit or restrict, their overall social media experience. We do this by taking an affordance perspective that aims to promote the digital well-being and online safety of youth "by design."

Fairness, Trust, and Well-Being Among Young Adults: Evidence from 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS).

Background. As China has undergone tremendous socioeconomic and demographic changes during and after the pandemic, it is crucial to enhance youth well-being and facilitate their transition into the workforce. This study aims to explore the multi-dimensional features of well-being and examine their relationships with fairness and trust. Methods. Using the nationally representative data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study analyzes the well-being of 1726 young adults aged 18 to 34 years old living in 19 provinces in China. Results. The research findings generate five latent factors of well-being and reveal the multi-faceted nature of subjective well-being, including physical and mental health challenges, positive outlook, sense of purpose, personal growth, and self-fulfillment. Physical and mental health is the cornerstone for well-being and happiness. Young people with poor physical and mental health conditions are less likely to perceive that society is fair or that people are trustworthy. Additionally, a positive outlook and future orientation are strongly associated with high fairness and/or trust. Discussion and Conclusions. By investigating the differential domains of well-being, this study contributes to the literature with the new conceptualization of well-being sub-measures and their application to youth. Furthermore, this study identifies that well-being is not only an individual-level characteristic but also a group-level attribute that can contribute to fairness and trust at the societal level. As China continues to expand its infrastructure on education, health, and technology, it is expected that sustainable economic growth and development should boost young people's career development and promote their upward mobility.

Agreement for posttraumatic stress symptoms among unaccompanied young refugees and professional caregivers

ABSTRACT Background: Prevalence rates for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in unaccompanied young refugees (UYRs) are high. Research with biological parents indicates low agreement rates between self and caregiver reports for PTSS, although caregivers play an important role as gatekeepers to ensure appropriate treatment. Objective: This study examines youth and caregiver agreement on the endorsement of different trauma types, the PTSS severity score and symptom clusters, as well as the potential association between youth factors (age, comorbidity, and duration in facility) and disagreement. Method: The sample consisted of N = 610 UYRs, aged M = 16.75 (SD = 1.33, range: 12–20) years. Of these, 91.0% were male, and 43.4% were from Afghanistan, currently residing in German children and youth welfare facilities. Results: Agreement rates across trauma types were poor (accidental trauma: Cohen’s k = .13; community violence: Cohen’s k = .07; domestic violence: Cohen’s k = .19; sexual abuse: Cohen’s k = .38). Agreement rates for the PTSS severity score (ICC = .22) and symptom clusters were poor (re-experiencing: ICC = .27; avoidance: ICC = .02; negative alterations in cognitions and mood ICC = .12; hyperarousal: ICC = .25), with youth reporting significantly higher scores. Regression models showed that having comorbid symptoms and a shorter duration in the facility were associated with higher disagreement at the PTSS severity score (Adjusted ­R 2 = .21) and across symptom clusters (re-experiencing: Adjusted ­R 2 = .13; avoidance: Adjusted ­R 2 = .07; negative alterations in cognitions and mood: Adjusted ­R 2 = .16; hyperarousal: Adjusted­ R 2 = .16). Age was not significantly associated with disagreement rates. Conclusion: It is important to enhance the awareness and comprehension of caregivers regarding recognition of mental illnesses and their symptoms as well as assessing mental health among UYRs.

The effect of drug abuse among adolescents in Nigeria: A case study of Gwagwalada, Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

With a focus on drug addiction in teenagers, this study explores the prevalence, causes, and effects of drug addiction in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. It provides a thorough understanding of the factors that influence drug misuse among adolescents in the area. The project intends to determine the precise chemicals being misused and investigate the social and environmental factors that contribute to drug use by looking over previous studies, consulting with experts, and gathering information from local stakeholders. Peer pressure, broken families, easy access to drugs, and a lack of opportunities are major contributing factors. The study also looks at how interpersonal violence, criminality, and economic instability are made worse in communities by teen drug use. An extensive literature review, qualitative interviews, and statistical tools like trend analysis and frequency distribution were all combined in a mixed-methods approach to determine the degree of substance abuse. The results show that drug addiction severely compromises the physical, psychological, and social well-being of youth; the main initiators of this damage are peer pressure, familial problems, and financial difficulty. The report recommends quick, comprehensive efforts to reduce drug availability, such as drug education, public awareness campaigns, and increased law enforcement. It also places a strong emphasis on improving preventative measures, addressing underlying socioeconomic issues, and giving young people the tools they need to resist peer pressure and make better decisions in life. The report urges the development of a comprehensive plan to lower drug usage among teenagers and ensure that Nigerian kids have a better future.

Co-designing a Children’s Cabinet: a school district–university partnership for youth well-being post-pandemic

PurposeThis paper presents a case study of a school district–university partnership to co-design a Children’s Cabinet, a cross-sector initiative bringing together institutional and community leaders to address youth well-being in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a vibrant, immigrant-serving community in the Northeast United States, the partnership was initiated by district leaders in Spring 2021 after pandemic disruptions led to a youth mental health crisis.Design/methodology/approachOur descriptive, qualitative case study focuses on the structure and emerging design principles of the research–practice partnership, which established a Children’s Cabinet comprised of educational, government and community leaders along with researchers. From Spring 2021 through Spring 2024, we collected and analyzed member and youth interviews, ethnographic observations and artifacts from all meetings and process interviews with key partners.FindingsWe describe the structure of the partnership, including how researchers and district leaders collaborated on meeting facilitation and how researchers conducted and shared applied research. We then discuss three design principles that guided the work, including centering relationships, sustaining focus on key goals and embedding applied research.Originality/valueAs embedded research partners, our team is uniquely situated to narrate the nature and structure of the partnership and reflect on the design of our cross-sector initiative. Increasingly, universities are partnering directly with districts on school improvement initiatives. Our work shows how engaging in RPPs to bring together school, community and research partners can facilitate local leadership and collaboration to address complex, cross-sector goals such as increasing youth well-being.

Exploring the policy context of Whole School in eight EU countries: the Schools4Health project

Abstract Background Moving from the recognition of WHO principles of health promoting school (HPS) to concrete practices is challenging. The Schools4Health project is an EU initiative with the aim to introduce, strengthen, and sustain the adoption of a participatory whole-school approach to health and wellbeing. The aim of this work is to present an update about the policy environment around HPS approaches in eight EU countries. Methods Between September-November 2023, Schools4Health partners from Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, the Netherlands, Romania and Slovenia carried out a preliminary scoping exercise to investigate the policy conditions which can influence the national uptake of HPS approaches. A three-step methodology was developed: a. identification of core stakeholders b. Rapid Situation Analysis survey and c. national roundtable meetings, to assess stakeholders’ awareness of and engagement in health promotion programs in schools. Results In total, n = 192 responses from stakeholders from health, education, social and agricultural sectors were selected. Most experts were aware or partly aware of the HPS concept. While there is consensus that health promotion at school is essential, there is a lack of, or weak implementation of legislation and voluntary initiatives due to barriers such as limited time and financial resources, teachers burnout and insufficient interaction between education and health governmental bodies. Conclusions Effective advocacy can highlight the potential of HPS in addressing the urgent challenges related to wellbeing in youth, and the associated decline in educational performance across Europe. Policymakers, public authorities and the broader community should also be engaged. Key messages • Creating HPSs should not solely fall on schools and teaching staff. • Policymakers, public authorities and the broader community around schools have responsibility to ensure that policy measures and instruments embed the key considerations for HPS approach.

Pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual agency and sexual wellbeing in youth: A scoping review

Abstract Background A recent review study showed that pleasure-inclusive sex education can contribute to reducing sexual health risks such as unwanted pregnancy and STIs (Zaneva et al., 2022). Pleasure-inclusive sex education could also contribute to other measures of sexual wellbeing. In this study, we review the literature on associations between pleasure-incorporating sex education and sexual agency (including related concepts such as autonomy) and sexual wellbeing (part 1), and between sexual agency and sexual wellbeing (part 2). Methods We searched in 5 scientific databases using a wide scope of variables related to pleasure inclusive sex education, sexual agency, and various outcomes of sexual wellbeing, focusing on the last 2 decades. Forty-six articles were selected. Results In part 1 of the review we found that all studies reported associations between pleasure-based sex education and sexual agency or sexual wellbeing, but the literature is characterized by limitations and did not permit conclusions about the role of an added benefit of the pleasure component. In part 2 of the review study, we found positive associations between sexual agency (and related variables) and sexual wellbeing (including decreased levels of (re-)victimization). Conclusions Sexual agency may be related to increased sexual wellbeing, but it is still largely unclear whether pleasure-inclusive sex education can significantly contribute to this. There is a great need for high quality research, using innovative evaluation designs, taking into account the role of other important sources of sex education and other contextual factors. Key messages • A lot of work has been done, but the evidence that pleasure in sex ed ‘works’ for sexual wellbeing, is limited and indirect. • Great need for high quality research using novel and more realistic evaluation approaches.

Mental health problems identified in early school age and later mental health problems and disorders

Abstract Background Poor mental health in childhood and adolescence youth is an important public health challenge. We aimed to examine the prospective association between mental health problems among primary school children and later diagnosed mental disorders and mental health problems in youth. Methods A prospective cohort study of children participating in school health nurse examination during first years of primary school (approx. 6 years) in 17 municipalities in the capital region of Copenhagen, Denmark, with follow-up until their 16th birthday. Baseline data included information from national population registers and school health nurse records. Outcome variables: mental disorders diagnosed at hospital from approx. age 6 until 16 years (N = 6,930) and school health nurse records of mental health problems at approx. age 16 (N = 11,250). Results Problematic relations to peers in early primary school was associated with later neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability, autism-spectrum disorder and disorders of hyperactivity and inattention (AOR=4.14, 95% CI 2.15-7.97), and poor home related well-being in youth (AOR=1.67, 95% CI 1.02-2.74). Poor school well-being in early primary school was associated with poor school well-being ten years later (AOR=1.67, 95% CI 1.19-2.34) as well as problematic relations to peers (AOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.08-3.10). Further poor general well-being in early primary school was associated with problematic relations to peers in youth (AOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.17-4.18). Conclusions School health nurses identify a group of children in the early years of primary school with mental health problems and an increased risk of later mental health problems and disorders, and therefore they play an important role in the early identification of children at risk. Key messages • Children with problematic relations to peers have up to a fourfold increased risk of later mental disorders. • The school health nurses play an important role in the early identification of children at risk of later mental health problems.

Confronting the Global Crisis of Youth and Firearms in the Wake of Serbia’s First School Shooting

Abstract Issue School shootings reflect crucial systemic flaws, notably the ease of firearm access and training for children, despite rigorous firearm regulations. Description In May 2023, Serbia was rocked by its first school shooting in Belgrade, where a 13-year-old boy, armed with guns and Molotov cocktails, killed 9 and injured 6.His actions were amplified by his proficiency with firearms, a skill honed under his father’s guidance at shooting ranges. This tragic event ignited a nationwide debate on gun control. Our study seeks to attain an in-depth analysis on regulations on minimum age for firearm training in context of school shootings in Serbia and USA as countries with highest rates of civilian gun ownership globally. Results Serbian regulations lack a definitive minimum age for firearm training at shooting ranges, mirroring a situation in the USA, where 17 states do not have child access prevention laws, and 43 states lack mandated safe storage requirements. A worrying trend is the escalation in mass shootings by individuals aged 21 or younger, deviating from the earlier trend of middle-aged perpetrators. This younger demographic often seeks fame, inspired by previous mass shooters, contributing to the rise in both deliberate and accidental shootings by young people. Lessons We need to consider the implementation of regulations on minimum age for children firearm training at shooting ranges, as well as stricter control of the ranges. This problem extends beyond national boundaries, reflecting a global issue. The accessibility of firearms to youth, coupled with their developmental susceptibility to impulsive and aggressive behavior, raises significant concerns. Key messages • To increase global awareness and stricter regulations on youth firearm access, emphasizing the stricter regulations on shooting ranges and the integration of firearm safety education into curricula. • Firearm control and children safety is a collective international duty, crucial for addressing a concern that impacts public safety and youth welfare.

Evaluation of ANKOMMEN as a group intervention based on life story work for adolescents in residential care in Germany: a single-arm pilot study

BackgroundAdolescents face many challenges when coping with out-of-home placement, and life story work can be helpful in this context. Typically conducted in individual settings, life story work’s high resource requirements pose a challenge for implementation in the standard care of youth welfare institutions. To address this issue, the ANKOMMEN intervention was developed as a manualized group program for adolescents in residential care focusing on processing and coping with experiences associated with their out-of-home placement.MethodThe intervention was evaluated in a single-arm pilot study with questionnaires administered at three time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up). The primary outcome was self-efficacy, while secondary outcomes included self-esteem, depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and behavioral problems. A total of 31 intervention groups with 115 adolescents (M = 14.91 years; SD = 1.45; 52.2% male) were conducted between October 2020 and September 2022 in Germany. Data were analysed using mixed effect models.ResultsPre-post comparisons revealed increased self-efficacy (d = −0.80) and self-esteem (d = −0.68) among participants with below-average scores prior to the intervention. Additionally, there was a decrease in self-reported depressive symptoms (d = 0.76), self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (d = 0.58), self-reported internalizing behavior problems (d = 0.74), caregiver-reported internalizing behavior problems (d = 0.76), and self-reported externalizing behavior problems (d = 0.52) for participants with clinically relevant scores prior to the intervention. These improvements were stable in the 3-month follow-up assessment. Furthermore, the intervention proved its feasibility in standard care within the context of the evaluation study.ConclusionsThe results of the pilot study provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and potential effectiveness of ANKOMMEN but further research is needed to obtain valid evidence for the efficacy of the intervention.

Religiosity as a factor of emotional well-being of the Russian youth (on the example of Orthodox and Muslims)

Currently, the studies on religiosity are becoming more and more popular and relevant, and the terminology “spirituality” is acquiring its original etymological meaning. There is a tendency of interest in spiritual development on the part of young people who choose the concept of spirituality as the basis of their personal development. The article presents the results of an analysis of the relationship between coping strategies, stress levels and religious orientation among young people living in Russia. 104 respondents took part in the study: 52 men and 52 women between the ages from 18 to 35 years. To determine coping strategies, the author uses the Russian-language adaptation of the COPE questionnaire developed by K. Carver, M. Scheyer and J. Weintraub and adapted by T.O. Gordeeva, E.N. Osin and E.A. Rasskazova. To measure religious orientation, the G. Allport and D. Ross Scale of Religious Orientation was used, the type of religious coping was assessed using the B-RCOPE short questionnaire of religious coping. The analysis of the study results confirmed our hypothesis that coping strategies are closely related to stress levels: Active coping strategies help reduce stress levels, while avoidant coping behavior correlates with high stress levels. In addition, the study showed that religious orientation and the type of religious coping influence the choice of coping strategies. Participants with an internal religious orientation and positive religious coping were more likely to have active coping strategies, while external religiosity and negative coping were associated with avoidance and passive behavior. This indicates that religiosity can play an important role in choosing ways to cope with stress among young people living in Russia. It has been revealed that it is religious coping that they use most often.Hypothesis: The present study serves to confirm the assumption that religiosity is one of the significant factors of the emotional well-being of the Russian youth.

Substance use among Latinx youth: The roles of sociocultural influences, family factors, and childhood adversity.

Substance use among youth is associated with adverse consequences and may increase vulnerability to addiction and psychiatric disorders later in life. Sociocultural factors such as discrimination have been associated with substance use, while positive cultural resources, such as enculturation and familism, have demonstrated protective outcomes. However, few studies have highlighted how family factors influence substance use among Latinx youth during their transition from adolescence to young adulthood. This study used longitudinal data to explore the associations between sociocultural factors, family factors, childhood adversity, and substance use among Latinx youth. The data were from a longitudinal study of acculturation and substance use among Latinx youth in Southern California (n = 1257, 52.1% female, mixed socioeconomic status). The average age was 14.5 (SD = 0.39). Data collection began in 2005 and ended in 2016. Hierarchical regression models showed that discrimination was associated with higher problematic alcohol susceptibility. Childhood adversity was associated with higher odds of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Parental communication was associated with lower odds of problematic alcohol and marijuana use. To promote youth well-being, preventive efforts should prioritize reducing childhood adversity and discrimination, while fostering positive family relationships. Overall, our findings suggest the need for interventions targeting various systemic levels to effectively address substance use among Latinx youth.

Fostering Self-Determination: A Review and Research Agenda Advancing Self-Determination Theory as a Unifying Framework for Youth Well-Being in Foster Care Research

Fostering Self-Determination: A Review and Research Agenda Advancing Self-Determination Theory as a Unifying Framework for Youth Well-Being in Foster Care Research