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International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021Adolescence, a period of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development, represents a target population for sexual health promotion and education when it comes to... (Review)
Review
Adolescence, a period of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development, represents a target population for sexual health promotion and education when it comes to achieving the 2030 Agenda goals for sustainable and equitable societies. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of what is known about the dissemination and effectiveness of sex education programs and thereby to inform better public policy making in this area. : We carried out a systematic review based on international scientific literature, in which only peer-reviewed papers were included. To identify reviews, we carried out an electronic search of the Cochrane Database Reviews, ERIC, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Scopus and PsycINFO. This paper provides a narrative review of reviews of the literature from 2015 to 2020. : 20 reviews met the inclusion criteria (10 in school settings, 9 using digital platforms and 1 blended learning program): they focused mainly on reducing risk behaviors (e.g., VIH/STIs and unwanted pregnancies), whilst obviating themes such as desire and pleasure, which were not included in outcome evaluations. The reviews with the lowest risk of bias are those carried out in school settings and are the ones that most question the effectiveness of sex education programs. Whilst the reviews of digital platforms and blended learning show greater effectiveness in terms of promoting sexual and reproductive health in adolescents (ASRH), they nevertheless also include greater risks of bias. : A more rigorous assessment of the effectiveness of sexual education programs is necessary, especially regarding the opportunities offered by new technologies, which may lead to more cost-effective interventions than with in-person programs. Moreover, blended learning programs offer a promising way forward, as they combine the best of face-to-face and digital interventions, and may provide an excellent tool in the new context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Adolescent; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Learning; Pandemics; Pregnancy; SARS-CoV-2; Sex Education
PubMed: 33806507
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052555 -
Journal of Adolescence Jun 2014The study of emotional intelligence (EI) and its association with psychological maladjustment in adolescence is a new and active area of research. However, the diverse... (Review)
Review
The study of emotional intelligence (EI) and its association with psychological maladjustment in adolescence is a new and active area of research. However, the diverse range of EI measurements and aspects of psychological maladjustment examined make it difficult to synthesize the findings and apply them to practice. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the relationship between EI and adolescents' emotional problems, eating disorder symptoms, addictions, and maladaptive coping. Using English and Spanish keywords, we identified 32 studies that found a negative association between EI and internalizing problems, depression, and anxiety. EI was also associated with less substance abuse and with better coping strategies. These associations differed slightly depending on whether EI was evaluated based on self-reporting or by testing maximum performance. We highlight methodological limitations in the literature on EI and adolescence, and we discuss potentially important areas for future research.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Emotional Intelligence; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Psychology, Adolescent
PubMed: 24793394
DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2014.03.012 -
Journal of Adolescence Feb 2020This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the associations between social media use and risky behaviors during adolescence, and evaluated study characteristics... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the associations between social media use and risky behaviors during adolescence, and evaluated study characteristics (e.g., sample age, type of social media platform assessed) that may moderate these relationships.
METHODS
A comprehensive search strategy identified relevant studies from PsycInfo, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global.
RESULTS
The final sample included 27 independent cross-sectional studies with a total of 67,407 adolescents (M = 15.5, range: 12.6-18.0 years; 51.7% girls; 57.2% White). Results from random effects models indicated that there were positive, small-to-medium correlations between social media use and engagement in risky behaviors generally (r = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.16-0.25), substance use (r = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.12-0.26), and risky sexual behaviors (r = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.15-0.28). There were an insufficient number of independent samples available to conduct a random effect models for violence-related behaviors (k = 3). Moderator analyses suggested that studies assessing solely early social media platforms (e.g., Facebook/MySpace only) in relation to substance use had smaller effect sizes than substance use studies assessing a broader range of contemporary social media platforms. In addition, younger samples had larger effect sizes for studies focused on social media use and risky sexual behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS
The positive links identified between social media and risky behaviors during adolescence in this meta-analysis suggest that developmental theories of risk taking would benefit from incorporating the social media context. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify directionality and make more specific practice and policy recommendations so that social media is a safe place in which adolescents can thrive.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Causality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Online Social Networking; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Social Media; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 32018149
DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.01.014 -
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Apr 2017Research supports an association between impulsivity and self-harm, yet inconsistencies in methodology across studies have complicated understanding of this... (Review)
Review
Research supports an association between impulsivity and self-harm, yet inconsistencies in methodology across studies have complicated understanding of this relationship. This systematic review examines the association between impulsivity and self-harm in community-based adolescents aged 11-25 years and aims to integrate findings according to differing concepts and methods. Electronic searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, PubMed and The Cochrane Library, and manual searches of reference lists of relevant reviews identified 4496 articles published up to July 2015, of which 28 met inclusion criteria. Twenty-four of the studies reported an association between broadly specified impulsivity and self-harm. However, findings varied according to the conception and measurement of impulsivity and the precision with which self-harm behaviours were specified. Specifically, lifetime non-suicidal self-injury was most consistently associated with mood-based impulsivity-related traits. However, cognitive facets of impulsivity (relating to difficulties maintaining focus or acting without forethought) differentiated current self-harm from past self-harm. These facets also distinguished those with thoughts of self-harm (ideation) from those who acted on thoughts (enaction). The findings suggested that mood-based impulsivity is related to the initiation of self-harm, while cognitive facets of impulsivity are associated with the maintenance of self-harm. In addition, behavioural impulsivity is most relevant to self-harm under conditions of negative affect. Collectively, the findings indicate that distinct impulsivity facets confer unique risks across the life-course of self-harm. From a clinical perspective, the review suggests that interventions focusing on reducing rash reactivity to emotions or improving self-regulation and decision making may offer most benefit in supporting those who self-harm.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Affect; Female; Humans; Impulsive Behavior; Male; Self-Injurious Behavior
PubMed: 27815757
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-016-0915-5 -
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy May 2022Whilst childhood trauma has been identified as a transdiagnostic risk factor for poly-psychopathology, compassion-focused interventions have emerged as transdiagnostic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Whilst childhood trauma has been identified as a transdiagnostic risk factor for poly-psychopathology, compassion-focused interventions have emerged as transdiagnostic treatment modality. However, no previous systematic review has specifically explored the relationship between complex interpersonal trauma and compassion in adolescence. The aim of this early systematic review was to evaluate the existing evidence on the role of compassion in adolescents with complex interpersonal trauma.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken to identify cross-sectional and intervention studies that examined the role of compassion in the amelioration of psychopathology in adolescence.
RESULTS
Nine studies, including three intervention studies and six cross-sectional studies, met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggested a mediating role of compassion in trauma-specific and overall psychopathology.
CONCLUSION
Despite the dearth of research, this review suggests that integrating compassion might mediate the relationship between complex trauma and psychopathology in adolescents.
Topics: Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Empathy; Humans; Psychopathology
PubMed: 34779081
DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2689 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jun 2023There are several meta-analyses of treatment effects for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The conclusions of these... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
There are several meta-analyses of treatment effects for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The conclusions of these meta-analyses vary considerably. Our aim was to synthesize the latest evidence of the effectiveness of psychological, pharmacological treatment options and their combination in a systematic overview and meta-meta-analyses. A systematic literature search until July 2022 to identify meta-analyses investigating effects of treatments for children and adolescents with ADHD and ADHD symptom severity as primary outcome (parent and teacher rated) yielded 16 meta-analyses for quantitative analyses. Meta-meta-analyses of pre-post data showed significant effects for pharmacological treatment options for parent (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.74) and teacher ADHD symptom ratings (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.82) as well as for psychological interventions for parent (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.51) and teacher rated symptoms (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.38). We were unable to calculate effect sizes for combined treatments due to the lack of meta-analyses. Our analyses revealed that there is a lack of research on combined treatments and for therapy options for adolescents. Finally, future research efforts should adhere to scientific standards as this allows comparison of effects across meta-analyses.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Parents
PubMed: 37030086
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102271 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Aug 2022Childhood sexual abuse has pervasive effects on well-being and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents, including negative impacts on sleep. This study... (Review)
Review
Childhood sexual abuse has pervasive effects on well-being and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents, including negative impacts on sleep. This study aimed to systematically review and assess the literature documenting associations between childhood sexual abuse and sleep in minors (0-18 years old) and provide recommendations for future studies and clinical practice. A systematic search was conducted independently by two researchers in six databases. Inclusion criteria included English or French published articles and dissertations/theses/abstracts reporting original quantitative data examining at least a bivariate association between childhood sexual abuse and sleep. A total of 5031 titles and abstracts and 70 full articles were screened. The final sample included 26 studies. Most studies (88%) reported a significant association between childhood sexual abuse and several sleep dimensions (such as difficulty falling asleep, complaints of poor sleep, nightmares). Studies' quality, as rated using the National heart, lung, and blood institute's quality assessment tool, varied greatly: 23% were rated as good, 38.5% as fair, and 38.5% as poor. Childhood sexual abuse negatively impacts sleep in childhood and adolescence. These results inform future research, ideally with strong prospective/longitudinal designs and using more specific sleep measures, aiming to promote optimal sleep in sexually abused minors.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Prospective Studies; Sleep; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35447497
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101628 -
Revista de Saude Publica Feb 2018This systematic review study aimed to assess the evidence available for the association between breastfeeding and behavior disorders in childhood and adolescence. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review study aimed to assess the evidence available for the association between breastfeeding and behavior disorders in childhood and adolescence.
METHODS
The search was carried out in the PubMed, Lilacs, and PsycINFO databases up to December 2016. Inclusion criteria were as follows: prospective, retrospective and cross-sectional studies assessing the association between breastfeeding and behavior disorders in childhood or adolescence, using psychometric tests, carried out in humans and published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The search was performed in several stages by two independent researchers using pre-established criteria.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Breastfeeding for a period equal to or higher than three or four months seemed to be inversely associated with total behavior and conduct disorders in childhood; however, the association remains unclear for other behavior disorders. Only four studies assessed behavior disorders in adolescence, and when an association was found, it was likely to be positive. The duration of breastfeeding seemed to be more important than the exclusive or non-exclusive pattern of breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS
Breastfed children for at least three to four months had fewer total behavior and conduct disorders in childhood. Further studies are needed to better understand this association, particularly in adolescence and involving other behavioral profiles.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Breast Feeding; Child; Child Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 29412376
DOI: 10.11606/S1518-8787.2018052000439 -
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Dec 2021Stressors play a defining role in youth development and, in particular, in adolescent psychological and behavioral adaptation. However, the nature of stressors...
Stressors play a defining role in youth development and, in particular, in adolescent psychological and behavioral adaptation. However, the nature of stressors experienced during adolescence has not been reviewed or investigated comprehensively. To bridge this gap, this investigation conducted a systematic review of adolescent stressors reported in the literature (Study 1, N = 18 studies) and a content analysis of self-reported stressors (Study 2, N = 1,568 adolescents, Mean age = 15.5 years, 41.5% female adolescents). The results converged in the identification of negative stressors (i.e., health issues, parental conflicts, issues with parents, teachers, peers or friends, romantic issues, concerns about the future and school) and positive stressors (i.e., leisure time, finding oneself, school or other accomplishments, social acquisitions, receiving help, romance and friendship, birth and good time in the family), which are highly occurring and highly intense among adolescents. Overall, these findings can guide researchers and practitioners towards developing efficient stressors measures, integrative theories on adolescent stress and development, as well as effective interventions targeting specific stress processes in the domains of education, criminology and psychopathology.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Female; Friends; Humans; Male; Parents; Peer Group; Schools; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 34515912
DOI: 10.1007/s10964-021-01492-2 -
European Journal of Pain (London,... Jan 2022Motor performance during childhood and adolescence is recognized as a relevant determinant of present and future health, but its effects on back pain (BP) remain... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Motor performance during childhood and adolescence is recognized as a relevant determinant of present and future health, but its effects on back pain (BP) remain unclear. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify the association between motor performance and BP in children and adolescents.
DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT
A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases. We included cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and controlled clinical trials (data from control groups). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) participants aged 6-19 years; (b) assessment motor performance components; (c) assessment of BP and (d) reported measures of association. The risk of bias was assessed by the Downs and Black instrument and the quality of evidence by the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE).
RESULTS
A total of 2360 articles were identified, 25 of which were included in our systematic review. Of the 25 studies, 19 were evaluated as having a low risk of bias. GRADE indicated that 20 studies presented low or very low quality. Most of the studies evaluated flexibility (n = 16), muscle endurance (n = 18) and muscle strength (n = 9). Aerobic capacity, balance and speed were also examined in some studies (n < 5). Overall, motor performance (flexibility, muscle endurance, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, balance and speed) was not associated with BP. Most of the results were inconsistent because of the lack of studies, risk of bias and low quality of evidence. Only trunk extensor muscle endurance was associated with decreased BP with moderate quality of the supporting evidence. Prospective studies with a low risk of bias are warranted to further clarify this relationship in childhood and adolescence and findings may support more targeted and effective health promotion interventions.
SIGNIFICANCE
This systematic review shows that motor performance (flexibility, muscle endurance, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, balance and speed) was not associated with BP in children and adolescents. Most of the results were inconsistent because of the lack of studies, risk of bias and low quality of evidence. Only trunk extensor muscle endurance was associated with decreased BP with moderate quality of supporting evidence.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Back Pain; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise; Humans; Muscle Strength; Prospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34365693
DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1850