Introduction: Sexual deviance has emerged as a significant contemporary concern among adolescents. An individual’s psychological characteristics, underlying concerns, or behavioral issues are closely linked to their likelihood of engaging in deviant sexual behavior or reoffending. Numerous studies have explored the nature of the juvenile sexual offense, but rare efforts were made to estimate the risk factors in offending. Method: The review also includes quantitative and qualitative studies of adolescents. A standardized data extraction form and quality appraisal checklist were used to extract essential information, critically appraise each study, and assess data reliability. A narrative synthesis was used with heterogeneous studies, i.e., reviews or meta-analyses, which are not similar or consistent in their characteristics. Electronic databases EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature between January 1979 and December 2024. Result: Antisocial Cognition is a key contributor to sexual deviancy among adolescents and is also recognized as a potential risk factor for antisocial behavior in adolescents. Adolescents are especially at risk for sexual violence due to various factors present in their environment. Discussion: This review will synthesize findings on antisocial cognition and its effect on the sexually deviant behavior of adolescents. The study seeks to explore deviant sexual conduct and related delinquent behavior in adolescents, as well as highlighting the existing research gaps on this issue for future guidance. Conclusion: Criminogenic and demographic factors may contribute to the risky sexual behavior in adolescents and perpetrating violent sexual intentions. Further, it was found that antisocial cognition is a potential risk factor for adolescent sexual deviancy.
Background:: The COVID-19 pandemic caused prolonged social disruption in the United States, affecting children, adolescents, and young adults during their developmentally sensitive periods. We synthesized data from the first 38 months of the pandemic to assess the prevalence, correlates, and moderators of youth mental health outcomes. Methods:: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, medRxiv, and Google Scholar (June 2020–December 2024) for peerreviewed English-language studies of U.S. youth aged 3–24 years. Studies included longitudinal, cross-sectional, and observational designs reporting preand pandemic outcomes. Results:: Of 276 screened studies, 163 were included (N~20.5M). Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior correlated with elevated depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Mental health ED visits rose by 24-31% among ages 5-17, despite overall declines in pediatric visits. Adolescents showed the steepest increases in depression and suicidality; college students reported the highest clinical symptom rates. Girls, gender-diverse youth, racial/ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged groups faced disproportionate risk. Discussion:: Psychiatric impacts varied by developmental stage. Loneliness, disrupted routines, and family stress served as transdiagnostic risk factors. Digital engagement maintained social connection but worsened distress when excessive. Childhood outcomes centered on caregiver functioning, while adolescent and young adult distress reflected disrupted autonomy and peer networks. Conclusion:: Mental health and well-being deteriorated substantially among U.S. youth during COVID-19. Infection control measures and school closures affected youth mental health, with impacts varying by developmental stage. These findings highlight the importance of developmentally informed, traumaresponsive interventions to promote resilience among youth during future crises.
Introduction: Medical students, especially those in high-stress fields such as anesthesia, are often exposed to significant psychological pressures due to academic workload, clinical responsibilities, and the emotional demands of patient care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and levels of stress among anesthesia students at the Department of Anesthesia, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Al-Qalam University, Kirkuk, Iraq; identify key stressors; and explore associated demographic factors and coping mechanisms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 697 students using the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ-20). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The overall mean stress level was 1.85, indicating moderate stress among anesthesia students; 62.5% experienced moderate stress, 35% high stress, and 2.5% mild stress. Drive and Desire-Related Stressors (DRS) and Group Activities Related Stressors (GARS) were the most significant contributors to stress. Age, sex, and residence had limited statistical significance on stress levels. Comparison with non-anesthesia students showed no significant differences in overall stress scores. Discussion: The overall mean stress score for anesthesia students indicated moderate stress, consistent with findings from other geographic areas. Many factors influence the development of stress among medical students, leading to variability in stress rates across institutions. The stress rate was lower among anesthesia students than among nonanesthesia students across the overall scale and six domains. In addition, significant differences in stress rates were observed between the 2nd- and 3rd-year anesthesia students across most domains, except in the TLRS domain and the overall score. Conclusion: Anesthesia students at Al-Qalam University College experienced moderate stress, with domain-specific stress scores ranging from moderate to high levels, primarily driven by personal pressure, and an overall prevalence of 46.24%. In contrast, nonanesthesia students with moderate stress had domain scores ranging from moderate to high, with a prevalence of 48.14%. Targeted interventions, such as counseling programs and academic support, are recommended to mitigate stress and enhance student well-being.
In the original version of the article (Kolliopoulou, 2026), a paragraph was inadvertently duplicated during the layout stage. This duplication has now been removed to ensure the clarity and accuracy of the publication. The removed paragraph is as follows: “Next, we compared the category of questions concerning the relationship with proximity perspectives with marital status and occupation, and the analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two, as Marital Status Χ²(2) = 2.51, p=0.643, and Occupation Χ²(2) = 4.74, p=0.315 (Table 13)”. The original article can be found online at: https://www.benthamscience.com/article/151329 The publisher apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
A growing number of adolescents suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety, sadness, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can have a negative influence on their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Conventional pharmaceutical therapies frequently have drawbacks, such as adverse effects, low effectiveness, and noncompliance. A non-psychoactive substance obtained from Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD), has gained attention as a possible medicinal substitute because of its antidepressant and anxiolytic qualities. The purpose of this study was to examine how cannabidiol may be incorporated into adolescent psychiatry, with an emphasis on its therapeutic uses and safety-risk profile for the treatment of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were used to do a thorough literature assessment. The effectiveness, safety, dose guidelines, and mechanisms of CBD in treating mental illnesses in teenagers were evaluated using an analysis of clinical trials, preclinical research, and observational reports released between 2019 and 2024. New research suggests that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, serotonin receptors, and hippocampus neurogenesis, producing both anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. With minimal psychotropic effects, it may help reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms. However, concerns about safety, particularly in teenage brains, arise from variations in formulations and a lack of long-term research. CBD may be used as a complementary or alternative therapy for PTSD, sadness, and anxiety in teenagers. However, to provide uniform recommendations and guarantee a safe transition into psychiatric treatment, thorough, long-term, and age-specific clinical studies are necessary.
Introduction: An adolescent’s environment can contribute to the development of the symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions often lead to detrimental psychosocial and academic outcomes during adolescence and may persist throughout adulthood. Methods: In this study, a systematic review identified environmental risk factors for the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms in adolescents in the U.S. using PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines (published in BMJ) and the American Psychological Association PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2013 and June 2023, that were empirical and quantitative, studied human participants aged 13-19 years in the United States, and identified environmental risk factors for anxiety and/or depression symptoms. Studies were excluded if any inclusion criterion was not met. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory provided for categorical interpretation of the identified risk factors into microsystem, mesosystem, and exosystem domains. We evaluated the resulting 29 studies for methodological quality using a Modified Downs and Black Checklist. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251011576) Results: Risk factors included negative life events, victimization, trauma burden, peer rejection, discrimination, neighborhood/community factors, socioeconomic factors, family factors, and substance use. Discussion: Using the ecological systems approach, this study identified risk factors that adolescents experience in the home, school, neighborhood, community, and global environment. Conclusion: A greater number of risk factors from the microsystem and mesosystem domains were identified to contribute to the development of adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms than from the exosystem domain
Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, quality, and usefulness of Turkish-language YouTube videos related to childhood and adolescent depression and to examine potential differences across upload sources and content categories. Methods On August 25(th), 2024, YouTube was systematically searched using predefined Turkish keywords concerning childhood and adolescent depression. A total of 57 videos meeting the inclusion criteria for length, relevance, language, and audiovisual quality were analyzed. Two independent raters evaluated the videos using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool, showing almost perfect inter-rater agreement (Cohen's kappa approximate to 0.88). Videos were categorized by uploader type and content themes. Statistical analyses included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical comparisons. Results Of all videos, 42.1% were uploaded by psychiatrists, 45.6% by other mental health professionals, and 12.3% by other sources. The median mDISCERN score was 3.0 (range: 1-5). Based on GQS, 50.9% were low, 38.6% medium, and 10.5% high quality. Videos from psychiatrists had significantly higher GQS and mDISCERN scores and contained less misinformation. Videos addressing treatment options were associated with higher reliability and quality, whereas those focusing on differential diagnosis had lower reliability but higher quality (p < 0.05). Discussion Although overall reliability was satisfactory, video quality varied markedly across sources and topics, reflecting uneven informational standards. Conclusion Turkish YouTube videos on childhood and adolescent depression are generally reliable but of limited quality. Content uploaded by psychiatrists was the most accurate and useful, emphasizing the need for mental health professionals' active participation in digital health communication to improve public awareness and counter misinformation.
Introduction: This study aimed to examine COVID-19 pandemic-related differences in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adolescents aged 12-17 years in the United States. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using NSCH data from the United States between 2016 and 2022, including adolescents aged 12-17 years. The pre-pandemic period was defined as 2016-2019, and the pandemic period as 2020-2022. Weighted prevalence and prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated. Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 13.14% (12.6, 13.7) during the pre-pandemic period and 17.59% (16.95, 18.26) during the pandemic. The PR of anxiety during the pandemic versus the pre-pandemic period was 1.339 (1.266, 1.416), p < 0.001. The prevalence of depression was 8.45% (7.95, 8.97) during the pre-pandemic period and 10.68% (10.16, 11.22) during the pandemic. The PR of depression during the pandemic versus the pre-pandemic period was 1.264 (1.17, 1.367), p < 0.001. Anxiety trends consistently increased across all subgroup analyses, whereas the increase in depression was more pronounced in specific subgroups, including White, female, and Hispanic adolescents. Discussion: Our study identified an increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adolescents aged 12-17 years during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. The rise in anxiety prevalence was observed consistently across all subgroups analyzed, including both males and females, as well as across diverse racial and socioeconomic groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression among US adolescents was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the need for targeted mental health screening, school-based prevention programs, and expanded access to telehealth.
Introduction: Smartphone addiction among adolescents has become a major public health concern, yet culturally adapted and psychometrically robust tools are scarce in Iran. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian Short Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) in adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the psychometric properties of the scale using data from 320 Tehran-based students selected via cluster sampling. All participants completed the short Smartphone Addiction Scale. Construct validity was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity was examined to assess the SAS-SV's effectiveness. Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability measured internal consistency. Results: CFA supported a three-factor solution with acceptable fit (chi(2)/df = 2.41; CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.06). SAS-SV scores correlated moderately with IAT scores (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), evidencing concurrent validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.71 for daily-life disturbance, 0.84 for withdrawal, and 0.68 for overuse. Discussion: The results of this study introduce the SAS-SV as a research and clinical tool for researchers and professionals in the field of behavioral addiction. This tool can be useful in identifying and preventing behavioral addiction in adolescents. However, it is important to consider cultural limitations in the use and interpretation of the results obtained. Conclusion: The Persian SAS-SV shows satisfactory validity and reliability for Iranian adolescents and can be used for screening and research on smartphone addiction. Availability of a brief, culturally adapted tool may support early identification and targeted interventions.
Introduction Anxiety and depression are becoming more prevalent in teenagers and often continue into adulthood, and thus, there is a need to develop safer and more effective treatments. Buxus sempervirens produces the steroidal alkaloid cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D), which has been proven to have promising neuropharmacological characteristics. This study's objective was to optimize the extraction and characterization of CVB-D and assess its potential antidepressant and anxiolytic activity in a scopolamine-induced rat model of adolescent neuropsychiatric disorder.Methods Leaves of Buxus sempervirens were subjected to Phytochemical screening, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis. CVB-D was obtained through Acid-Base Extraction. Wistar male rats have been divided into control, standard (diazepam), and CVB-D treatment groups. Behavioral studies were conducted using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field Test (OFT), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Forced Swim Test (FST). The neurochemical studies included the estimation of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, BDNF, and oxidative stress markers.Results Cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D) significantly improved depression and anxiety-like symptoms, increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and BDNF, and decreased oxidative stress markers. It was comparable to the standard action cluster treated with diazepam.Discussion The findings support CVB-D's therapeutic potential in modulating neurochemical and behavioral parameters relevant to adolescent depression and anxiety. Its efficacy and natural origin suggest a safer profile for long-term use in neuropsychiatric conditions.Conclusion Cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D) is a promising plant-based drug candidate for the treatment of mood disorders in adolescents, and it certainly deserves further research and development.
Objective The current study examined whether attachment styles and the fear of missing out mediated the relationship between cybervictimization/ cyberbullying and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods A total of 435 adolescents aged 12-18 years were recruited using cluster sampling. They completed the Cyberbullying Victim Experience Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Hazen and Shaver Attachment Styles Questionnaire, and the Fear of Missing Out Scale. Direct and indirect effects were measured via a path analysis model. Results Cybervictimization significantly predicted depressive symptoms (beta=0.23, p< .00). Significant indirect effects were found through avoidant (beta =0.19, p<.001) and anxious attachment styles (beta = 0.13, p<.001), however, fear of missing out was not a significant mediator (beta=0.04, p=.14). Cyberbullying showed significant direct or indirect effects nor through attachment styles (beta= 0.005, p=.87), (beta =0.002, p=.89), neither through FoMO (beta=0.002, p=.19). Discussion Findings suggest that insecurely attached adolescents who are victimized on social media are more vulnerable to depressive symptoms. However, cyberbullies were less likely to experience internalizing depressive symptoms. Interpreting these findings within the sociocultural context offers a deeper understanding of how adolescents internalize online experiences and how such experiences influence their inner world. Conclusion Relational insecurities, especially anxious attachment, play a far more central role than situational anxieties in linking online victimization to adolescent depressive symptoms. Accordingly, implementing prevention and intervention programs that promote secure parent-child attachment and foster resilience is critically important for strengthening adolescents' mental health in the face of social media-induced traumatic experiences.
Introduction: Problematic Short Video Use (PSVU) is associated with significant risks to adolescent mental health. However, validated assessment tools for Chinese adolescents are currently limited. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese adaptation of the Short-Form Problematic Short Video Use Scale (SFPSVUS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 2,959 Chinese adolescents completed the SFPSVUS, Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Scale reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy were assessed using Cronbach's alpha, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA), Spearman's correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The SFPSVUS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.884) and a unidimensional structure, with a single factor in EFA explaining 63.9% of the variance and CFA indicating good model fit (chi 2/df = 3.871, CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.031, SRMR = 0.017). Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with MPAI (r = 0.768) and moderate correlations with PHQ-9 (r = 0.497). ROC analysis indicated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.874, 95% CI: 0.862-0.887). Discussion: The SFPSVUS exhibits robust psychometric properties, supporting its utility as a brief screening tool for PSVU in Chinese adolescents. Its strong association with mobile phone addiction suggests PSVU may function as a behavioral subtype of broader digital dependency, while links to depressive symptoms highlight clinical relevance. Conclusion: The Chinese SFPSVUS is a reliable, valid, and clinically useful instrument for screening PSVU among adolescents.
Introduction Mental health issues among adolescents have been increasing recently. Specific interventions are needed to reduce the rising trend of depression in the country, especially among adolescents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hopeful Minds Intervention Program among adolescents.Methods This study used an experimental research design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hopeful Minds Intervention Program among adolescents in Sarawak. A total of 100 adolescents, aged 13, participated in this 10-week study. They were randomly divided into intervention (n=50) and control groups (n=50). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) was used to measure overall depressive symptoms, as well as the depressive affect and somatic symptoms subscales. Participants completed the CES-D instrument both pre- and post-intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was analyzed using ANOVA by comparing the mean effects between the intervention and control groups for the overall depressive symptoms score, depressive affect subscale, and somatic symptoms subscale.Results The Hopeful Minds Intervention Program significantly reduced the overall depressive symptoms score and the somatic symptoms subscale in the intervention group.Discussion These findings align with previous evidence supporting the benefits of school-based mental health programs. It also suggested that a structured intervention grounded in emotional regulation and the Theory of Hope can be delivered effectively in a school setting. Despite the facilitator lacking a mental health professional background, the program produced meaningful improvements, highlighting its scalability and practicality for implementation by trained educators.Conclusion Our findings suggest that the intervention program was effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Several recommendations are proposed to improve future studies.
Introduction Child labour, prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, harms millions of children globally, often leading to maltreatment. Childhood maltreatment commonly results in attentional bias towards threats; however, bias away from threats has also been observed. Given that psychiatric disorders are also linked with attentional biases, this study aimed to examine how anxiety, depression, dysthymia, and overall psychological distress interact with childhood maltreatment to moderate the association of childhood maltreatment and attentional bias in adolescents with a history of child labour.Methods Eighty-six rescued child workers (76 males), aged 12-18 years, participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Participants were assessed for a history of maltreatment, potential psychiatric diagnoses, emotional and behavioural issues, and completed two computerised tasks: the Spatial Cueing Task (SCT) and the Emotion Visual Search Task (EVST), which evaluated attentional biases towards emotionally-valenced stimuli.Results Physical abuse was the most commonly reported form of maltreatment, followed by emotional abuse, with 16.28% of participants reporting at least one form of abuse. Anxiety, dysthymia, and overall mental health significantly moderated the association between childhood maltreatment and attentional bias. Participants with high anxiety or dysthymia and low maltreatment severity, and those with low anxiety but high maltreatment severity, displayed attentional focus on negative emotions. Conversely, individuals with severe maltreatment and high mental health issues tended to avoid negative emotions.Discussion The findings indicate that anxiety, dysthymia, and overall psychological distress influence how childhood maltreatment relates to attentional bias. High anxiety or dysthymia with low maltreatment severity leads to a focus on negative stimuli, while severe maltreatment coupled with high distress results in avoidance of negative emotions. This suggests that mental health conditions shape attentional processing, potentially as a coping mechanism to manage distress.Conclusion The findings underscore the necessity of routine mental health assessments for rescued child workers living in care homes or with families. Interventions targeting attentional biases could help reduce the risk of progression to mental health disorders in these vulnerable individuals.
Introduction Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. It is characterized by the development of multiple benign tumours - neurofibromas and areas of abnormal skin pigmentation. Focal Areas of Signal Intensity (FASI), also known as Unidentified Bright Objects (UBO), are seen in 60-70% of pediatric NF-1 cases on MRI brain imaging. Approximately 80% of the children with NF-1 show behavioral and cognitive disabilities.Case Presentation We present a case of an eleven-year-old female with a history of global developmental delay and learning disabilities. The patient showed cutaneous stigmata of NF-1 with associated cognitive impairment and mild intellectual disability. Neurological examination revealed cognitive impairment with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 15/30. Neuropsychological assessment suggested an intelligence quotient of 63, favouring mild intellectual disability. MRI brain revealed Focal altered signal intensity (FASI) in bilateral globus pallidi, thalami, dorsal midbrain, and right middle cerebellar peduncle. There was decreased perfusion in these areas on arterial spin labelling (ASL) with increased choline peak on MRS (Spectroscopy). Furthermore, we discuss the imaging features of FASI on conventional and advanced (MRS & ASL) sequences, differential diagnosis, and present a literature review as to how these brain changes might relate to cognitive problems in NF-1.Conclusion FASI is a common neuroimaging manifestation of NF-1. Clinical presentation and MR spectroscopy play an important role in the diagnosis of FASI in cases of uncertainty. The presence of FASI in the cerebellum/brainstem and thalamus should prompt early neuropsychological assessment and support.
Introduction Adolescents with Conduct Disorder (CD) frequently face persistent psychological, social, and academic difficulties that often respond inadequately to conventional approaches. This study examined whether a structured emotional intelligence (EI) training program could improve resilience, quality of life (QoL), and mental health in this population. Methods This quasi-experimental study used a pretest - posttest design with a two-month follow-up. Sixty adolescents referred to counseling centers in Karaj, Iran, between 2023 and 2024 were recruited via convenience sampling and allocated to an EI intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The intervention comprised ten weekly 60-minute sessions focusing on emotional awareness, emotion regulation strategies, interpersonal skills, and self-efficacy. Outcomes were assessed with the Connor-Davidson Resilience scale, the WHOQOL-BREF, and the Keyes Mental Health Continuum. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons in SPSS, version 26.Results Participants in the EI group showed statistically significant improvements in resilience, quality of life, and mental health at posttest (p < .05), and these gains were maintained at the two-month follow-up. The control group exhibited minimal change across assessments. Discussion The findings indicate that structured EI training can help adolescents with CD better manage their emotions and interpersonal relationships. The maintenance of these improvements at follow-up underscores the practical value of EI skills in promoting adaptive adjustment in both clinical and community settings. Conclusion This study suggests that the use of evidence-based EI programs in the treatment of adolescents with CD can lead to long-term improvements in their mental health and social functioning.
IntroductionOver four years have passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. During the early phase of the pandemic (approximately March 2020 to June 2021), effective therapeutics and vaccines were not available. Many countries implemented societal infection control measures to curb the spread of the virus. The United States and Sweden adopted markedly different public health strategies. The United States declared a national emergency and implemented strict measures, including lockdowns and school closures, whereas Sweden relied largely on voluntary guidelines without mandating extensive societal controls. Understanding how these divergent approaches affected the mental health of children and adolescents during this critical initial period can inform future health policies and interventions. This scoping review aimed to examine how COVID-19 and associated public health measures impacted the mental health of children and adolescents in the United States and Sweden during the early phase of the pandemic (March 2020 to June 2021). MethodsWe carried out a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between January 2020 and June 2022 were identified in MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, MedRxiv, PsyArXiv, and WHO Global Literature on coronavirus disease. Studies focusing on mental health outcomes in U.S. and Swedish youth (ages 3–24) during the early phase of the pandemic were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. ResultsOf 1,596 references screened, 32 studies (22 from the U.S. and 10 from Sweden) met inclusion criteria, involving a combined 776,586 participants. The majority were cross-sectional studies. U.S. data indicated a deterioration in mental health due to stringent infection control measures, school closures, and social isolation, affecting the well-being of children and adolescents and increasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. In contrast, Sweden’s decision to keep primary schools open preserved a sense of normalcy, contributing to comparatively stable mental health outcomes with fewer signs of increased distress. DiscussionDuring the early pandemic phase, U.S. children and adolescents experienced worsening mental health as lockdowns persisted, while Swedish youth showed fewer adverse changes. Factors, such as developmental stage, socioeconomic status, and access to supportive services, influenced outcomes. This scoping review underscores the need for balanced public health policies that mitigate infection risks while supporting the mental health and well-being of young populations. ConclusionThe early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had significant but variable mental health effects on children and adolescents. Stringent restrictions in the U.S. correlated with increased psychological distress, whereas Sweden’s less disruptive approach may have helped maintain better well-being. Understanding these early responses can inform future strategies for addressing the mental health needs of youth during global crises.
Introduction: School bullying and cyberbullying have emerged as major public health concerns among adolescents, with significant psychological, social, and academic consequences. In the context of increasing digital media use, understanding the prevalence of these phenomena and their associated factors is essential, particularly in underexplored settings such as Tunisia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of school bullying and cyberbullying and to identify individual and environmental characteristics associated with victimization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on high school students in the Sfax region in February 2022. A 33-question form assessed sociodemographic data. Bullying was measured using the Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale, and cyberbullying using the Cyber-Harassment Student Survey. Results: Out of a total of 396 secondary school students recruited in this study, 223 (56.3%) were victims of bullying, 186 (47%) were victims of cyberbullying, and 140 (35.4%) were victims of both types of bullying. The profiles of the victims of bullying and cyberbullying were comparable. The risk factors identified across the three groups in our sample were primarily family and/or school problems. Discussion: In the present study, the prevalence of school bullying was 55.6%, and social manipulation was the most frequent form of school bullying, followed by verbal victimization and attack on property. The high proportion of victimization by social manipulation is worrying, as it suggests the existence of a social problem that can have considerable effects on the emotional and social development of adolescents. The prevalence of cyberbullying in our study was 46.7%. This prevalence is also said to have increased over the years. The social, demographic, family, and environmental characteristics of teenage victims of school bullying and cyberbullying may differ. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand the factors that contribute to these situations so that we can provide the necessary help to the teenagers concerned. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of school bullying and cyberbullying among Tunisian adolescents, often co-occurring. Individual and environmental factors significantly influence the persistence of bullying, underscoring the need for effective interventions.
Adolescents from non-dominant social and cultural backgrounds frequently experience additional compounding factors that impact mental health and social-emotional wellbeing, occasionally necessitating psychiatric intervention. Further, young people from refugee backgrounds face suicide risk factors in addition to those experienced by their peers. At present, culturally transferable, evidence-based interventions for adolescents residing in multicultural populations are not readily available, despite extensive research that demonstrates the positive effects of these interventions. This article aimed to (1) justify the importance of awareness training for mental health professionals working with multicultural adolescent populations, (2) discuss the implications for advancing preventative programs to minimise universal responses to assessment and intervention of adolescents from non-dominant cultures, and (3) examine existing interventions. Six brief case studies in the form of a vignette are presented to highlight some of the challenges that adolescents from different cultural backgrounds face in the Australian context.
