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Seya MKS, Matthews S, Zhu L, Brown C, Lefevre A, Agathis N, Chiang LF, Annor FB, McOwen J, Augusto A, Manuel P, Kamagate MF, Nobah MT, Coomer R, Kambona C, Low A. Parenting-related positive childhood experiences, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health-Four sub-Saharan African countries. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106493. [PMID: 37839988 PMCID: PMC11264190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor mental health outcomes and risk-taking behaviors. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may mitigate these negative impacts. OBJECTIVE This study 1) assessed the associations between ACEs and negative health outcomes and risk-taking behaviors among young adults, and 2) evaluated whether - and which - PCEs moderate the association between ACEs and these outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS This multi-country analysis combined cross-sectional representative survey data from young adults, ages 18-24 years, from the 2019 Kenya, 2018 Lesotho, 2019 Mozambique, and 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys. The association between experiencing any ACEs and each health outcome was assessed using Wald's chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the association between each PCE and each outcome of interest. RESULTS Females who experienced any ACEs had higher odds of experiencing moderate to severe mental distress (aOR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.9, 3.9). Males who experienced any ACEs had higher odds of experiencing suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 6.7, 95%CI: 2.8, 16.0) and substance use (aOR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.4, 4.2). In females, strong mother-child relationship was protective against moderate to severe mental distress (aOR = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.6, 0.9), suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4, 0.9), and substance use (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4, 0.9). For males, a strong mother-child relationship was protective against suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.9), and a strong father-child relationship was protective against suicidal/self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.7) and substance use (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4, 0.8). CONCLUSIONS Strong parenting programs may likely play an important role in improving the psychosocial health of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Matthews
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Liping Zhu
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Colvette Brown
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Adrienne Lefevre
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Nickolas Agathis
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Laura F Chiang
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Francis B Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Jordan McOwen
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | | | - Pedro Manuel
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | - Maman Fathim Kamagate
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cote d'Ivoire
| | - Marie-Therese Nobah
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cote d'Ivoire
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Namibia
| | - Caroline Kambona
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya
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Ford CA, Pool AC, Kahn NF, Jaccard J, Halpern CT. Associations Between Mother-Adolescent and Father-Adolescent Relationships and Young Adult Health. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e233944. [PMID: 36943264 PMCID: PMC10031392 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Studies linking the quality of parent-adolescent relationships with young adult health outcomes could inform investments to support these complex relationships. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether consistently measured, modifiable characteristics of parent-adolescent relationships are associated with young adult health across multiple domains. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study used data from waves I (1994-1995; ages 12-17 years) and IV (2008-2009; ages 24-32 years) of the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Of 20 745 adolescents enrolled in wave I, 15 701 of 19 560 who were eligible completed wave IV (response rate, 80.3%). Data analyses were conducted from February 2019 to November 2020. EXPOSURES Parental warmth, parent-adolescent communication, time together, relationship and communication satisfaction, academic expectations, and maternal inductive discipline as reported at wave I by adolescent participants. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Wave IV participant-reported self-rated health, depression, stress, optimism, nicotine dependence, substance abuse symptoms (alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs), unintended pregnancy, romantic relationship quality, physical violence, and alcohol-related injury. Separate regression models were run for mother-adolescent and father-adolescent relationships while controlling for age, biological sex, race and ethnicity, parental educational level, family structure, and child maltreatment experiences. RESULTS A total of 10 744 participants (mean [SD] age at wave IV, 28.2 [1.8] years; 52.0% female; 67.3% non-Hispanic White) and 8214 participants (mean [SD] age at wave IV, 28.2 [1.8] years; 50.8% female; 71.9% non-Hispanic White) had valid sampling weights and complete data for mother-adolescent and father-adolescent relationship characteristics, respectively. Adolescents who reported higher levels of mother-adolescent warmth (β = 0.11 [95% CI, 0.06-0.15]), communication (β = 0.02 [95% CI, 0.00-0.04]), time together (β = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.05-0.09]), academic expectations (β = 0.05 [95% CI, 0.02-0.08]), relationship or communication satisfaction (β = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.04-0.10]), and inductive discipline (β = 0.03 [95% CI, 0.01-0.05]) reported significantly higher levels of self-rated general health in young adulthood. Adolescents who reported higher levels of father-adolescent warmth (β = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.03-0.11]), communication (β = 0.03 [95% CI, 0.01-0.05]), time together (β = 0.06 [95% CI, 0.03-0.08]), academic expectations (β = 0.04 [95% CI, 0.01-0.06]), and relationship satisfaction (β = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.04-0.10]) also reported significantly higher levels of self-rated general health in young adulthood. Adolescents reporting higher levels of all exposures also reported significantly higher levels of optimism and romantic relationship quality in young adulthood (β coefficient range, 0.02 [95% CI, 0.00-0.04] to 0.24 [95% CI, 0.15-0.34]) and lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms (β coefficient range, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.12 to -0.02] to -0.48 [95% CI, -0.61 to -0.35]). Higher levels of parental warmth, time together, and relationship or communication satisfaction were significantly associated with lower levels of nicotine dependence (odds ratio range, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.72-0.85] to 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.98]) and substance abuse symptoms (incidence rate ratio range, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.50-0.73] to 0.94 [95% CI, 0.89-0.99]), as well as lower odds of unintended pregnancy (odds ratio range, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.74-0.88] to 0.93 [95% CI, 0.86-0.99]). Patterns were less consistent for physical violence and alcohol-related injury. Characteristics of mother-adolescent and father-adolescent relationships were similarly associated with young adult outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cohort study suggest that adolescents' positive perceptions of their relationships with their mothers and fathers are associated with a wide range of favorable outcomes in young adulthood. Investments in improving parent-adolescent relationships may have substantial benefits for young adult population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Ford
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
- Center for Parent and Teen Communication at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew C Pool
- Center for Parent and Teen Communication at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicole F Kahn
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - James Jaccard
- Silver School of Social Work at New York University, New York
| | - Carolyn T Halpern
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Nxumalo NC, Shongwe MC, Gwebu N, Ngcamphalala C, Nsibandze BS, Nkambule R, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H. "Our parents kiss in front of us": Reasons for early sexual debut among in-school youth in the Manzini Region in Eswatini. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282828. [PMID: 36897882 PMCID: PMC10004614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early sexual debut (i.e., sex before the age of 15 years), especially if it is unprotected, may increase the risk of acquiring HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unwanted pregnancies. We investigated the reasons for early sexual debut among in-school youth in Eswatini, a setting with high HIV incidence among youth. METHODS This was a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study whereby data were collected from 81 sexually active in-school youth through seven focus group discussions (FGDs) in four purposively selected public high schools (two urban and two rural) in the Manzini region, Eswatini. In each school, except one, two FGDs (one for boys and one for girls) were conducted. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically in Dedoose version 8.2.14. RESULTS Nearly 40% of the participants reported having initiated sexual activity before 18 years. Six major themes emerged from the data: i) Intrapersonal factors (feeling mature, religiosity, nutritional or dietary patterns); ii) Parenting and household factors (living arrangement, lack of sexuality education, working parents, negative role-modeling from adults); iii) Peer and partner pressure (pressure from friends, threats from sexual partners, intergenerational sexual partnerships and transactional sex, testing sexual prowess, desire to fit in); iv) Contextual factors (neighborhood, location); v) Mass media (cell phone ownership, social media, and television shows or movies); and vi) Cultural factors (attending traditional ceremonies, loss of cultural norms, values, and traditions, and dress code). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The poor monitoring and negative role-modeling by elders highlight the importance of involving parents or guardians as key stakeholders when designing interventions targeting risky sexual behavior among youth. The multifaceted nature of the cited reasons for early sexual debut calls for interventions aimed at curbing risky sexual behavior to be culturally sensitive and responsive to the themes identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomathemba C. Nxumalo
- Health Research Training Program (HRTP), ICAP at Columbia University, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Health Nursing Science, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Mduduzi Colani Shongwe
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Health Nursing Science, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery Science, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
- * E-mail:
| | - Nontobeko Gwebu
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Bonisile S. Nsibandze
- Health Research Training Program (HRTP), ICAP at Columbia University, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of General Nursing Science, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Rejoice Nkambule
- Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Castro LDC, Viana VAO, Rufino AC, Madeiro AP. Prevalence of sexual initiation and associated factors in school adolescents in Piauí, Brazil, 2015. EPIDEMIOLOGIA E SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE 2023; 32:e2022612. [PMID: 36790314 PMCID: PMC9926879 DOI: 10.1590/s2237-96222023000100020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to analyze prevalence of sexual initiation and associated factors in adolescents in Piauí. METHODS this was a cross-sectional study, with secondary data from the 2015 National Adolescent School-based Health Survey. Hierarchical analysis was performed using robust Poisson regression. RESULTS a total of 3.872 adolescents were interviewed. Prevalence of sexual initiation was 24.2%; risk factors for sexual initiation were being male [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.90;2.47], being 15 years old or over (PR = 2.49; 95%CI 2.18;2.76), living with mother (PR = 0.68; 95%CI 0.54;0.82), working (PR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.55;2.10), attending a public school (PR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.09;1.75), practicing bullying (PR = 1.50; 95%CI 1.31;1.72), using alcohol (PR = 2.35; 95%CI 2.09;2.64), using cigarettes (PR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.22;1.70) and using illicit drugs (PR = 1.40; 95%CI 1.15;1.66). CONCLUSION prevalence of sexual initiation was high and associated with sociodemographic characteristics and vulnerable health behaviors, indicating the need for health promotion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucélia da Cunha Castro
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Comunidade, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Vera Alice Oliveira Viana
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Comunidade, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | | | - Alberto Pereira Madeiro
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Comunidade, Teresina, PI, Brazil
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Vázquez-Rodríguez EM, Vázquez-Rodríguez CF, Ortega-Betancourt NV, Perez BG, Vázquez-Nava F, Jaime PA. Factors Associated with Early Sexual Activity in Adolescents Residing in an Urban Area of Northeastern Mexico Who Use WhatsApp or Facebook. J Community Health 2022; 48:309-314. [PMID: 36409400 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Early sexual activity has been associated with unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In recent decades, the prevalence of early sexual activity and social media use has increased. However, the relationship between these variables has been little studied. Consequently, we examined the relationships of some factors present in the family and personal environment with early sexual activity in adolescents who use and do not use the WhatsApp and Facebook platforms. Through a cross-sectional study, data from 1328 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years were analyzed. Data collection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. Of the total participants, 35.7% reported early sexual activity, and 37.7% reported using social networks such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The mean age of onset of sexual activity was 15.59 ± 1.56 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of not studying (adjusted OR 4.70; CI 95% 1.31-16.78), consuming alcohol (adjusted OR 3.71; CI 95% 2.44-5.65) and having parents who consumed alcoholic beverages in the home (adjusted OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.03-2.12) with ESA. In the family and personal environment, some factors favored early sexual activity in young people who used the WhatsApp and Facebook applications. This information should be used by authorities in the health and education sectors to strengthen preventive programs targeting health risk habits and behaviors in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brian Gonzalez Perez
- Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Tampico. Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Calle Reforma 100-B, Col. Árbol Grande, 89136, Cd. Madero, Tampico, Mexico
| | - Francisco Vázquez-Nava
- Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Tampico. Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Calle Reforma 100-B, Col. Árbol Grande, 89136, Cd. Madero, Tampico, Mexico.
| | - Paz Avila Jaime
- Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Tampico. Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Calle Reforma 100-B, Col. Árbol Grande, 89136, Cd. Madero, Tampico, Mexico
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Sanchez LM, Oman RF, Yang Y, Lensch T, Clements-Nolle K. Youth Assets and Initiation of Sexual Intercourse by Family Structure: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2022; 49:985-992. [PMID: 35950332 DOI: 10.1177/10901981221116792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the protective influence of individual, family, and community assets from the initiation of sexual intercourse (ISI) for adolescents living in one-parent households compared with adolescents living in two-parent households. METHODS Five waves of data were collected annually over a 4-year period (N = 591, 52.5% female, mean age = 14.0 years) from a racially/ethnically diverse sample of adolescents. Extended Cox models were used to assess the relationship between assets and time of ISI while controlling for demographic variables. Potential interactions between adolescent's household structure and assets were examined. RESULTS Five of 17 assets were prospectively and significantly associated with a reduced risk of ISI among adolescents living in one-parent households compared with 11 of 17 assets for adolescents living in two-parent households. Adolescents living in one-parent households who possessed any one of five assets (e.g., general aspirations for the future, relationship with mother, positive peer role models) had between a 27% and 57% lower risk of ISI, whereas adolescents living in two-parent households who possessed any of one of 11 assets (e.g., responsible choices, family communication, community involvement) had between a 20% and 42% lower risk of ISI. CONCLUSION The results suggest that strengthening specific youth assets across multiple dimensions of behavioral influence may decrease the risk of ISI for adolescents living in both one-parent and two-parent households. Public health efforts focused on developing programs to promote asset building tailored to adolescent's family structure are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roy F Oman
- University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
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Van Ouytsel J, Lu Y, Temple JR. An Exploratory Study of Online Early Sexual Initiation through Pressured and Unwanted Sexting. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:742-748. [PMID: 34410166 PMCID: PMC8857311 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1963650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sexting in young adolescents may be an online form of early sexual debut. We assess the link between potentially problematic sexting (i.e., pressured and receiving unwanted sexts) with known risky behaviors (i.e., substance use and early sexual behavior) among middle school students aged 12 and under. The ethnically diverse sample consisted of 1131 youth (53% female) enrolled in the 7th grade in one of 24 schools in southeast Texas. Participants self-identified as 31% Hispanic, 9% White, 24% Black, 19% Asian, 11% other, and 6% unknown. Participants self-reported pressured sexting, receiving unwanted sexts, history of sexual activity, and substance use. Two-point-one percent of adolescents reported sending a sext under pressure and 13.7% reported having received an unwanted sexting image. Participants with a history of sexual intercourse, relative to their non-sexually experienced counterparts, reported higher rates of being pressured into sexting and receiving unwanted sexts. Further, a portion of youth who experienced pressured or unwanted sexting also reported the use of various substances, relative to their non-sexting counterparts. Our study underscores the need for comprehensive sex education to begin at an early age and include age-appropriate information on sexting, digital citizenship, relationships, and substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma
| | - Jeff R Temple
- Center for Violence Prevention, University of Texas Medical Branch
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Zou S, Cao W, Jia Y, Wang Z, Qi X, Shen J, Tang K. Sexual and reproductive health and attitudes towards sex of young adults in China. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 48:e13-e21. [PMID: 33504512 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2020-200766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to discuss the importance of socioeconomic status (SES) and family sexual attitudes and investigate their association with sexual and reproductive health in a large sample of Chinese young adults. METHODS We analysed a large sample of 53 508 youth aged 15-24 years from an internet-based survey from November 2019 to February 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the association between SES, family sexual attitudes, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH), stratified by sex and adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Individuals with the highest expenditure were more likely to engage in early sexual intercourse (female: OR 4.19, 95% CI 3.00 to 5.87; male: OR 3.82, 95% CI 2.84 to 5.12). For both sexes, the likelihood of young adult sexual risk-taking such as first intercourse without using a condom, acquiring sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy was lower in those with higher maternal educational attainment, whereas it was higher in those with open family sexual attitudes. CONCLUSIONS Lower SES and open family attitudes toward sex had a significant association with a range of adverse young adulthood SRH outcomes. Public health policies should focus on more deprived populations and advocate suitable parental participation to reduce risky sexual behaviours in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zou
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhen Cao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Information Management, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Jia
- School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinran Qi
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiashu Shen
- School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Luijten CC, van de Bongardt D, Jongerling J, Nieboer AP. Associations between adolescents' internalizing problems and well-being: is there a buffering role of boys' and girls' relationships with their mothers and fathers? BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1871. [PMID: 34656101 PMCID: PMC8520260 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Internalizing mental health problems (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) are known to be related negatively to adolescents’ well-being. However, whether this negative association manifests equally in boys and girls, and the potential buffering role of high-quality relationships with mothers and fathers, remain unknown. Thus, the present study was conducted to 1) investigate associations among adolescents’ internalizing problems and mother– and father–adolescent relationship quality, on the one hand, and adolescents’ well-being, on the other hand, 2) explore the buffering role of high-quality mother– and father–adolescent relationships in the association between adolescents’ internalizing problems and well-being, and 3) examine gender differences in these main and buffering effects. Methods The analysis sample consisted of 1064 adolescents (53.7% girls; aged 11–17 years) from three secondary schools in the Netherlands. Participants filled out an online questionnaire incorporating the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form to measure well-being, the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-25 to measure internalizing problems, and the Network of Relationships Inventory to measure mother– and father–adolescent relationship quality. The cross-sectional data were analyzed using path models in R, controlling for age, ethnocultural background, and education level. Multigroup analyses were performed to identify gender differences. Results Adolescents with fewer internalizing problems (β = − 0.40, p < 0.001) and adolescents with higher-quality relationships with their mothers and fathers reported higher concurrent levels of well-being (β = 0.10 to 0.18, all p < 0.01). The quality of mother-adolescent relationships had a significantly larger association with adolescents’ well-being than that of father-adolescent relationship quality. However, relationships with mothers and fathers did not significantly buffer the association between adolescents’ internalizing problems and well-being. Multigroup analyses revealed no difference between boys and girls. Conclusions The current study contributes to the understanding of internalizing problems as an important risk factor for adolescents’ well-being, regardless of the quality of relationships with mothers and fathers. The quality of adolescents’ relationships with their parents is associated positively with their well-being, even in the presence of internalizing problems. These findings underline the importance of mothers’ and fathers’ roles in adolescent boys’ and girls’ well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantie Charissa Luijten
- Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Daphne van de Bongardt
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joran Jongerling
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Petra Nieboer
- Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Longitudinal associations among adolescents' internalizing problems, well-being, and the quality of their relationships with their mothers, fathers, and close friends. Soc Sci Med 2021; 289:114387. [PMID: 34543993 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Internalizing problems (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms) are known to decrease adolescents' well-being, but knowledge about potential underlying mechanisms is limited. The qualities of adolescents' most proximal relationships with their parents and close friends are expected to play a role in the association between adolescents' internalizing problems and well-being. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to 1) investigate the indirect longitudinal association between internalizing problems and adolescents' well-being via the quality of adolescents' relationships with both their mothers and fathers and their close friends, and 2) test whether our findings were gender invariant. METHODS Data were collected via online questionnaires in two waves at a 12-month interval from adolescents attending three secondary schools in the Netherlands (N = 1298; M age = 13.7 years, 53.2% girls). The data were analyzed using a two-wave cross-lagged panel model in R. Multigroup analyses were performed to examine the gender invariance of the findings. RESULTS After controlling for baseline levels, results showed that (1) girls, but not boys, who reported more internalizing problems at T1 had lower well-being at T2; (2) girls and boys who reported more internalizing problems at T1 had lower-quality relationships with their mothers, fathers, and close friends at T2; and (3) boys, but not girls, who reported higher-quality friendships at T1 had higher well-being at T2. However, no significant indirect effects between internalizing problems and well-being via the quality of adolescents' relationships with their parents and close friends were detected. CONCLUSIONS The current study contributes to understanding internalizing problems as an important risk factor to the quality of adolescents' proximal social relationships (parents, friends) and their well-being. The findings support the importance of building high-quality relationships, particularly friendships, and recommend future research to study adolescents' internalizing problems and well-being including gender-specific examinations.
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Yamanaka C, Kawata K. Characteristics of Mother-Daughter Relationships and Sexual Risk-Coping Consciousness among Japanese Female University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238795. [PMID: 33256149 PMCID: PMC7730645 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For heterosexual Japanese women in their early 20s, it is important to maintain good sexual health, develop intimate relationships with a partner, and go through the process of having a family. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of mother-daughter relationships among Japanese female university students and their associations with students’ sexual risk-coping consciousness. We conducted a cross-sectional study using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Participants were 329 female university students in their junior and senior years. The mother-daughter relationships of the study respondents were divided into the following three clusters: controlled group, close group, and independent group. The close and independent groups often consulted their mothers about sexual matters and, also, tended to be highly capable of actively expressing their opinions and cooperating with their partner in a sexual setting. In contrast, the controlled group revealed a significantly lower percentages of consulting their mothers on sexual matters and scored lower sexual risk-coping consciousness subscale scores. The controlled group may suffer a negative impact of the relationship with their controlling mothers as they try to build a good, trusting relationship with others. The characteristics of mother-daughter relationships may be associated with daughters’ sexual risk-coping consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimiko Kawata
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-92-642-6742
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Nogueira Avelar E Silva R, Raat H, Reitz E, Plat M, Deković M, Van De Bongardt D. Longitudinal Associations Between Sexual Communication With Friends and Sexual Behaviors Through Perceived Sexual Peer Norms. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2020; 57:1156-1165. [PMID: 31751153 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1691969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The role of peers in adolescents' sexual behaviors is not yet fully understood. We investigated the association between sexual communication with friends (at T1) and subsequent changes in adolescents' experience with sexual behaviors (between T1-T3), and examined whether this association was explained by adolescents' perceptions of three sexual peer norms (at T2): (1) peers' sexual behaviors (descriptive norms), (2) peers' approval of sexual behaviors (injunctive norms), and (3) peer pressure to have sex. The data source was Project STARS, a longitudinal study on adolescent sexual development in the Netherlands, collected via online self-report questionnaires from 1,116 adolescents (11.5-17.9 years). Adolescents who communicated more frequently with their friends about sexuality-related topics at T1 reported significantly larger increases in their experience with different sexual behaviors between T1-T3. More sexual communication with friends also predicted adolescents subsequently perceiving more 1) peer sexual behaviors, 2) peer approval of sex, and 3) peer pressure to have sex. These stronger perceptions, in turn, predicted larger increases in their sexual behaviors between T1-T3. After adjusting for the three norms simultaneously, the main association between sexual communication with friends and sexual behavior change weakened but remained significant. Inspection of specific indirect effects showed this link was explained by injunctive norms only. No gender differences were found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hein Raat
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam
| | - Ellen Reitz
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Utrecht University
| | | | - Maja Deković
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Utrecht University
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Abstract
Emerging adulthood is a developmental period with high rates of sexual risk behavior. Effective parenting practices can reduce the likelihood of this behavior, but most research on the protective effects of parenting focuses on mothers. Research is needed to assess the role of paternal parenting in regards to their children's sexual risk behavior, particularly for children of teen mothers, who show a greater likelihood of risky sexual behaviors than those with older mothers. We investigated associations between residential fathers' parenting processes-communication, disapproval of teen sexual behavior, parental presence, and closeness-during adolescence and sexual risk behaviors reported by their children in emerging adulthood. Using multiple group structural equation modeling with data from 7399 participants at Wave I and Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we examined whether and how residential fathers' parenting relates to their children's sexual risk behavior independent of mothers' parenting processes, and whether these associations differ across children's sex and for children of teen and older mothers. We found that adolescents' perceptions of higher father disapproval of teen sexual behavior predicted lower levels of sexual risk behavior during emerging adulthood with no significant differences across emerging adults' sex or for children of teen relative to older mothers. Our findings suggest that teens' relationships with their fathers during adolescence are important for their future sexual health, despite a general understanding of emerging adulthood as a period characterized by independence and separation from parents. Additionally, our results suggest that even though children of teen mothers show greater likelihood of risky sexual behaviors than those of older parents, the processes through which fathers can support teens' sexual health may be similar.
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Daspe MÈ, Arbel R, Ramos MC, Shapiro LAS, Margolin G. Deviant Peers and Adolescent Risky Behaviors: The Protective Effect of Nonverbal Display of Parental Warmth. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2019; 29:863-878. [PMID: 29932277 PMCID: PMC6309597 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study examines whether nonverbal displays of parents' warmth during an in-lab conflict discussion mitigate the links between affiliation with deviant peers and risky behaviors. A sample of 107 youth and their parents participated in a study spanning from mid-adolescence (T1) to late adolescence (T2). At T1, family members discussed a contentious issue, which was coded for parents' nonverbal warmth. At T1 and T2, youth reported on their friends' and their own risky behaviors. Fathers' warmth moderated each prospective association between deviant peers and risky behaviors. Mothers' warmth did not emerge as a significant moderator. Girls, in particular, benefitted from fathers' warmth as a buffer in the trajectory from T1 risky behaviors to T2 risky behaviors and deviant peers.
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Kelly Y, Zilanawala A, Tanton C, Lewis R, Mercer CH. Partnered Intimate Activities in Early Adolescence-Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study. J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:397-404. [PMID: 31235328 PMCID: PMC6986910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about potential influences on emerging partnered intimate behaviors in early adolescence. We investigate (1) the prevalence of partnered intimate activities and (2) associations with social relationships, parental monitoring and supervision, health behaviors, and psychosocial well-being. METHODS We used population-based data from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study on 11,079 participants aged 14 years. Partnered intimate activities were grouped into three categories: "light" (handholding, kissing, and cuddling); "moderate" (touching and fondling under clothes); and "heavy" (oral sex and sexual intercourse). Multinomial logistic regression models were used. RESULTS Thirty percent of study participants reported not engaging in partnered intimate activity. Fifty-eight percent reported "light," 7.5 percent "moderate," and 3.2 percent "heavy" activity. Associated with increased likelihood (adjusted relative risk ratios [RRRs]) of intimate activities were confiding worries in a friend (light RRR = 2.13, moderate RRR = 3.42, heavy RRR=5.32), low parental monitoring-staying out late or overnight (late: light RRR = 1.62, moderate RRR = 2.44, heavy RRR = 2.32; overnight: light RRR = 1.57, moderate RRR = 1.94, heavy RRR = 3.38), health-damaging behaviors (per unit increase: light RRR = 1.91, moderate RRR = 3.15, heavy RRR = 5.03), and depressive symptoms (per scale point increase light RRR = 1.03, moderate RRR = 1.09, heavy RRR = 1.11). Confiding in a parent was associated with lower likelihood of intimate activity (light RRR = .82, moderate RRR = .65, heavy RRR = .65). CONCLUSIONS Partnered intimate activity of some form is commonplace among 14-year-olds in the United Kingdom. Given the short- and long-term implications of adolescent sexual development and well-being, improving our understanding of influences could help identify opportunities for interventions with benefits across the lifecourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Kelly
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Afshin Zilanawala
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Clare Tanton
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Lewis
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine H Mercer
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
A mixed method approach explored teens' preferred source of information on sex and reproductive health. Parents' concerns about and perceived barriers to providing reproductive health information to their teens were also explored. Data were gathered from an online survey of 347 teens and three focus groups comprising parents of teens from three Massachusetts communities. Most teens expressed their desire for parents to be one of their primary sources of information (85%). Most parents believed that sexual education should start at home, yet many have not communicated such information. Parents expressed difficulty in staying up-to-date and felt uncomfortable communicating with their teens. Parent perception of supporting factors included a good parent-child relationship and beginning the discussions at a young age. There is a need for culturally sensitive and innovative interventions aimed at creating a safe place for parents to gain knowledge, resources, and strategies to talk to their teens about sex and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainat Koren
- a Lowell, Nursing, College of Health Sciences , University of Massachusetts , Lowell , MA , USA
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Nogueira Avelar E Silva R, van de Bongardt D, Baams L, Raat H. Bidirectional Associations Between Adolescents' Sexual Behaviors and Psychological Well-Being. J Adolesc Health 2018; 62:63-71. [PMID: 29054736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assessing bidirectional longitudinal associations between early sexual behaviors (≤16.0 years) and psychological well-being (global self-esteem, physical self-esteem, depression) among 716 adolescents, and the direct and buffering effect of parent-adolescent relationship quality. METHODS We used data from Project STARS (Studies on Trajectories of Adolescent Relationships and Sexuality), a longitudinal study on adolescent sexual development in the Netherlands. Participants were 11.0-16.0 years old (mean age at T1 = 13.3 years). Self-reports from four waves of online questionnaires were used. Bidirectional longitudinal associations were assessed by linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS At most waves, boys had significantly higher levels of psychological well-being than girls, but genders did not differ in experience with sexual behaviors. Engagement in early sexual behaviors did not predict lower levels of psychological well-being over time, and lower levels of psychological well-being did not predict more engagement in early sexual behaviors over time. Parent-adolescent relationship quality did not moderate these associations in either direction, although we found a significant direct effect, in which a higher-quality parent-adolescent relationship predicted more optimal levels of the three indicators of adolescents' psychological well-being (but not lower levels of early sexual activity) over time. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that, among Dutch adolescents, early sexual behaviors and psychological well-being were not interrelated. This may be explained by socio-cultural aspects of the Dutch society, such as more normalization of sexual behaviors during adolescence. As a result, early sexual activity in and of itself was not related to lower psychological well-being over time. Yet, cross-cultural differences in links between adolescents' sexuality and well-being should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daphne van de Bongardt
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Baams
- Population Research Center, Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Raat
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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