Mental Health and Gambling in Urban Female Adolescents

Background: Despite recent studies linking pubertal processes to brain development, as well as research demonstrating the importance of both pubertal and neurodevelopmental processes for adolescent mental health, there is limited knowledge of the full pathways and mechanisms behind the emergence of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders in adolescence. The Transitions in Adolescent Girls (TAG) study aims to understand the complex relationships between pubertal development, brain structure and connectivity, the behavioral and neural correlates of social and self-perception processes, and adolescent mental health in female adolescents. Methods: The TAG study includes 174 female adolescents aged 10.0 to 13.0 years, recruited from the local community in Lane County, Oregon, USA. The participants, along with a parent/guardian, will complete three waves of assessment over the course of three years; the third wave is currently underway. Each wave includes collection of four saliva samples (one per week) and one hair sample for the assessment of hormone levels and immune factors; an MRI session including structural, diffusion, resting-state functional and task-based functional scans; the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS), a diagnostic interview on current and lifetime mental health; production of a short self-narrative video; and measurement of height, weight, and waist circumference. The functional MRI tasks include a self-evaluation paradigm and a self-disclosure paradigm. In addition, adolescents and their parents/guardians complete a number of surveys to report on the adolescent’s pubertal development, mental health, social environment and life events; adolescents also report on various indices of self-perception and social-emotional functioning. Discussion: The knowledge gained from this study will include developmental trajectories of pubertal, neurological, and social processes and their roles as mechanisms in predicting emergence of mental illness in female adolescents. This knowledge will help identify modifiable, developmentally specific risk factors as targets for early intervention and prevention efforts.Methods: The TAG study includes 174 girls aged 10.0 to 13.0 years, recruited from the local community in Lane County, Oregon, USA. The girls, along with a parent/guardian, will complete three waves of assessment over the course of three years; the second and third wave are currently underway. Each wave includes collection of four saliva samples (one per week) and one hair sample for the assessment of hormone levels and immune factors; an MRI session including structural, diffusion, resting-state functional and task-based functional scans; the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS), a diagnostic interview on current and lifetime mental health; production of a short self-narrative video; and measurement of height, weight, and waist circumference. The functional MRI tasks include a self-evaluation paradigm and a self-disclosure paradigm. In addition, adolescents and their parents/guardians complete a number of surveys to report on the adolescent’s pubertal development, mental health, social environment and life events; adolescents also report on various indices of self-perception and social-emotional functioning. Discussion: The knowledge gained from this study will include developmental trajectories of pubertal, neurological, and social processes and their roles as mechanisms in predicting emergence of mental illness in adolescent girls. This knowledge will help identify modifiable, developmentally specific risk factors as targets for early intervention and prevention efforts.

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Getting a Grip on My Depression: How Latina Adolescents Experience, Self-Manage, and Seek Treatment for Depressive Symptoms

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/1049732319831043 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (12) ◽

pp. 1725-1738

Author(s):

Allison McCord Stafford ◽

Matthew C. Aalsma ◽

Silvia Bigatti ◽

Ukamaka Oruche ◽

Claire Burke Draucker

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Young Women ◽

Peer Groups ◽

Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Future Research ◽

Community Settings ◽

Latina Adolescents ◽

To Receive

Latina (female) adolescents are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and less likely to receive mental health services than their non-Latina White peers. We aimed to develop a framework that explains how Latina adolescents experience, self-manage, and seek treatment for depressive symptoms. Latina young women ( n = 25, M age = 16.8 years) who experienced depressive symptoms during adolescence were recruited from clinical and community settings and interviewed about experiences with depressive symptoms. The framework was developed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Participants experienced a psychosocial problem that we labeled being overburdened and becoming depressed. They responded to this problem through a five-phase psychosocial process that we labeled Getting a Grip on My Depression. Family members, peer groups, and mainstream authorities were influential in how participants experienced these phases. Future research should further develop this framework in diverse samples of Latino/a youth. Clinicians can use this framework in discussions with Latina adolescents about depressive symptoms.

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The Association of Maternal Accompaniment at Family Dinners and Depressive Symptoms of Korean Adolescents

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17051743 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (5) ◽

pp. 1743

Author(s):

Jae-Young Lee ◽

Seul Lee ◽

Eun-Cheol Park ◽

Juyeong Kim ◽

Sung-In Jang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Nutrition Examination Survey ◽

Health It ◽

Korean Adolescents ◽

Health And Nutrition ◽

Dinner Table

This study aims to investigate the association between family dinners involving the participation of both mother and her adolescent child and depressive symptoms within the adolescents. Data from 2183 mother–child pairs obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV–VI (2010–2013, and 2015) were employed in the analysis. The dependent variable of this study was depressive symptom of adolescents. Maternal accompaniment at family dinners was the variable of interest. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to analyze the association between family dinners including both mother and adolescent and depressive symptoms within the adolescent. According to the results, maternal absence in family dinners was significantly associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms in adolescents (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.01–1.99). In particular, the association was strong among adolescents aged 12–15, female adolescents, those with mothers without depressive symptoms, and city dwellers. This study showed that maternal absence at family dinners was strongly associated with depressive symptoms of adolescents. For the sake of adolescent mental health, it may be necessary to consider the implementation of policies that emphasize the importance of maternal accompaniment at family dinners and encourage the presence of mothers at the dinner table.

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Mental health problems in relation to eating behavior patterns, nutrient intakes and health related quality of life among Iranian female adolescents

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0195669 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. e0195669 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi ◽

Parvin Dehghan ◽

Leila Jahangiry

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Behavior Patterns ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

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Mental health states and influencing factors of risky and problem drinking in South Korean female adolescents

Public Health ◽

10.1016/j.puhe.2020.04.030 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 185 ◽

pp. 61-69

Author(s):

Y.J. Jeon ◽

Y.J. Han ◽

M.H. Choi ◽

J.S. Lee ◽

J.H. Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

Problem Drinking ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Health States ◽

South Korean

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Positive Youth Development in Croatia: School and Family Factors Associated With Mental Health of Croatian Adolescents

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.611169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Miranda Novak ◽

Nicholas J. Parr ◽

Martina Ferić ◽

Josipa Mihić ◽

Valentina Kranželić

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Youth Development ◽

Family Communication ◽

Family Satisfaction ◽

Family Factors ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

School Factors ◽

School Attachment ◽

Male Adolescents ◽

School Commitment

IntroductionA framework for understanding the interrelationship of individual and environmental factors that influence adolescent health and well-being, as well as opportunities for policy-level interventions, is known as Positive Youth Development (PYD). The current study represents one of the largest studies of Croatian adolescents to date, and aimed to examine associations between school and family factors linked to PYD, and mental health outcomes experienced by Croatian youth.MethodsA multi-site survey study was conducted among adolescents (N = 9,655) residing in the five most populous cities in Croatia, with the aim of examining cross-sectional associations of family and school factors with adolescent mental health. The mean age of participants was 16.3 years (SD = 1.2), and 52.5% of participants were female. School and family factors included school attachment, school commitment, family communication, and family satisfaction. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed as outcomes. Multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine relations of interest among female and male adolescents.ResultsAmong school factors, increased school attachment was found to be significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress for female adolescents, and with decreased depression and stress for male adolescents. Increased school commitment was significantly associated with decreased depression and anxiety for female adolescents; conversely, an increase in school commitment was associated with an increase in anxiety and stress for male adolescents. Increases in family communication were significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress only for male adolescents, while increased family satisfaction was significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress for female adolescents and with decreased depression and stress for male adolescents.ConclusionFindings suggest that interventions for mental health promotion and prevention of internalizing problems should address both school and family contexts, and may be more effective when accounting for differing developmental experiences of female and male adolescents.

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Brief Report: Predictors of Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/yra6v ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mina Murat Baldwin ◽

Chloe Fawns-Ritchie ◽

Drew Altschul ◽

Archie Campbell ◽

David Porteous ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Structural Equation ◽

School Attendance ◽

Perceived Support ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

School Students ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Modelling Framework ◽

Related Stress ◽

Linear Regressions

Purpose: This study explored predictors of COVID-19-related stress and wellbeing of Scottish adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown to identify potentially malleable risk and protective factors.Methods: 5,548 participants were surveyed regarding stress, loneliness, wellbeing, schoolwork, support from school, and interaction with friends and family. Multiple linear regressions within a structural equation modelling framework were fit to predict COVID-19-related stress and wellbeing during the UK’s first lockdown.Results: Loneliness, variables related to the ability to continue with schoolwork, and perceived support from school were important predictors of greater COVID-19-related stress and wellbeing during the first lockdown. Female adolescents were also more likely to show higher stress and poorer wellbeing.Conclusions: Facilitating meaningful social interaction and ensuring the ability to continue with schoolwork, and providing social support from school should be priority strategies to help protect the mental health and wellbeing of secondary school students during lockdowns and other disruptions to school attendance.

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Gender differences in sexual risk behaviours and sexually transmissible infections among adolescents in mental health treatment

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh10098 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 240 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Puja Seth ◽

Delia L. Lang ◽

Ralph J. DiClemente ◽

Nikia D. Braxton ◽

Richard A. Crosby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Risk Behaviours ◽

Health Treatment ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Sexual Risk Behaviours

Background Adolescents with a history of psychiatric disorder(s) are particularly vulnerable to contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs) as a result of psychological and emotional states associated with higher rates of risky sexual behaviour. The present study examined gender differences in sexual risk behaviours and STI among adolescents in mental health treatment. Methods: Three hundred and seventy nine sexually active adolescents, aged 13–18 years, from a larger multisite study, who received mental health treatment during the past year, completed an audio computer-assisted self interview assessing sociodemographics, psychiatric symptomatology and HIV/STI risk behaviours, and provided urine specimens tested for STI. Results: After controlling for covariates, multivariate logistic regression models indicated that female adolescents were more likely to have had an HIV test (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.2, P = 0.0001), obtain their HIV test results (AOR = 2.9, P = 0.03), refuse sex out of fear for STI acquisition (AOR = 1.7, P = 0.04), or avoid a situation that might lead to sex (AOR = 2.4, P = 0.001), and were less likely to have a casual sex partner (AOR = 0.40, P = 0.002). Additionally, females were more likely to report inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.60, P = 0.001) and have a STI (AOR = 9.1, P = 0.0001) than their male counterparts. Conclusions: Female adolescents receiving mental health treatment were more than nine times as likely to have an STI and more likely to use condoms inconsistently. The standard of care for mental health practice for adolescents should include referrals for STI screening and treatment as well as assessment and discussion of risky sexual behaviours as part of the treatment plan when indicated. Effective programs should address gender-specific communication and behavioural skills.

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Gender Differences in Psychosocial Status of Adolescents During COVID-19: A Six-country Cross-sectional Survey in Asia Pacific

10.21203/rs.3.rs-415584/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jun Wang ◽

Alec Aaron ◽

Anurima Baidya ◽

Christabel Chan ◽

Erica Wetzler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

The Philippines ◽

Asia Pacific ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychosocial Status ◽

World Vision

Abstract Background: School closures and family economic instability caused by the COVID-19 lockdown measures have threatened the mental health and academic progress of adolescents. Through secondary data analysis of World Vision Asia Pacific Region’s COVID-19 response-assessments in May-June 2020, this study examined whether adolescents’ study, physical, and leisure activities, psychosocial status, and sources of COVID-19 information differed by gender. Methods: The assessments used cross-sectional surveys of adolescents in poor communities served by World Vision (n=5552 males and n=6680 females) aged 10-18 years old in six countries. The study households of adolescents were selected either by random sampling or non-probability convenience sampling and assessed using telephone or in-person interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between gender and psychosocial status; daily activities (e.g., play, study); and sources of information about COVID-19.Results: Participation in remote education was low (range: 0.5%-20.7% across countries), with gender difference found only in Vietnam. Compared to males, female adolescents were less likely to play physically with a range of AOR: 0.36-0.55 (n=5 countries) or play video games with a range of AOR: 0.55-0.72 (n=2 countries). Female adolescents were more likely to feel isolated or stressed (India, AOR=1.13, 95%CI:1.00,1.26); feel unsafe (the Philippines, AOR=2.22, 95%CI:1.14,4.33; Vietnam, AOR=1.31, 95%CI:1.03,1.47); be concerned about education (India, AOR=1.24, 95%CI:1.09,1.41; Myanmar, AOR=1.59, 95%CI:1.05,2.40); or be concerned about household income (India, AOR=1.13, 95%CI:1.00,1.28; Vietnam, AOR=1.31, 95%CI:1.09,1.58). Female adolescents were also less likely to obtain COVID-19 related information through internet/social media (Bangladesh, AOR=0.51; 95%CI:0.41, 0.64; India, AOR=0.84; 95%CI:0.73, 0.96; and Myanmar, AOR=0.65; 95%CI:0.43, 0.97) and mobile call or short message (India, AOR=0.88, 95% CI: 95%CI:0.80, 0.98) but more likely to get the information from friends (Vietnam, AOR=1.18, 95%CI:1.02, 1.36) and family (Bangladesh, AOR=1.44. 95% CI:1.21, 1.70; India, AOR=1.29 95% CI:1.15, 1.45).Conclusions: An understanding of gender differences in the impacts of COVID-19 on adolescent’s schooling, physical, and mental health can inform adolescent protection interventions. Psychosocial support during response and recovery phases needs to pay special attention to gender differences, since female adolescents’ psychosocial status is at higher risk when facing the challenges of this pandemic.

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