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Bordoloi M, Durkin I, Aggarwal A. Effects of Pornography on Youth: A Review. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2024; 121:195-197. [PMID: 38854615 PMCID: PMC11160374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arpit Aggarwal
- Associate Professor, in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychiatry at the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
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Sharma V, Ghosh S, Mahara P. Exploring the determinants of internet addiction among Peri-urban adolescents (aged 13-18) in Delhi-NCR, India: an ordered logit model analysis. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2024; 36:133-142. [PMID: 38488233 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2023-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In recent years, there has been phenomenal growth in internet usage worldwide, with a substantial proportion of children and adolescents actively engaging with online platforms. While the internet presents numerous opportunities for children and adolescents, the lack of digital literacy and adequate online safety measures exposes them to various cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, identity theft, and sexual predation. Moreover, there is growing concern regarding internet addiction among this population. METHODS To investigate the determinants of internet addiction among adolescents, we conducted a cross-sectional study in peri-urban Delhi-NCR, India. We used a self-administered questionnaire to gather information on internet usage, and 630 adolescents aged 13-18 participated in the study, also completing an Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS The findings indicate that 415 adolescents (65.9 %) exhibited no signs of internet addiction, suggesting a healthy relationship with the internet. However, 215 adolescents (33.1 %) displayed symptoms of internet addiction. Among those exhibiting internet addictions, 159 (74.0 %) were classified as mild internet addicts, indicating moderate levels of internet usage. Furthermore, 56 (26.0 %) adolescents were classified as moderate internet addicts, reflecting a higher level of internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the significant influence of various factors, including family dynamics, environmental factors, and personal experiences, on internet addiction among adolescents. Based on these findings, we propose implementing measures at different levels to foster responsible internet use among adolescents, thereby substantially reducing internet addiction.
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Mori C, Park J, Racine N, Ganshorn H, Hartwick C, Madigan S. Exposure to sexual content and problematic sexual behaviors in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106255. [PMID: 37343427 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to sexual content, such as online pornography or live sexual content, has been posited in the literature as a risk factor for problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) in children and adolescents, and has been identified as an important avenue for research and intervention, particularly given the ubiquitous access to technology among children. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between live/violent and non-violent sexual content exposure and PSB among children and adolescents. Objectives also include informing future research on sexual content exposure as a risk factor for PSB, and providing clinical recommendations related to prevention and intervention. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Results are based on 16,200 participants (28.65 % female; Mage = 14.26; range = 4.74-17.92) and 27 studies conducted in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of available literature published up to September 2021. Abstract and full-text review were conducted to assess whether studies met inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on included studies. RESULTS Significant associations were found between exposure to non-violent sexual content and likelihood of engaging in PSB (OR = 1.82; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.50-2.21), and between exposure to violent/live sexual content and PSB (OR = 2.52; p < .001; 95 % CI: 1.75-3.61). Sex emerged as a moderator of the association between exposure to non-violent sexual content and PSB, such that the association was stronger in studies with a greater proportion of females. CONCLUSIONS Results support the need for future research on risk factors and mechanisms implicated in PSB. Prevention and intervention programs for children with PSB and their families could benefit from incorporating education on sexual content exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Mori
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
| | - Julianna Park
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Nicole Racine
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier 4087, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Heather Ganshorn
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, Taylor Family Digital Library, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Cailey Hartwick
- Child Abuse Service, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, 400-3820 24 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 2X9, Canada.
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada.
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Svedin CG, Donevan M, Bladh M, Priebe G, Fredlund C, Jonsson LS. Associations between adolescents watching pornography and poor mental health in three Swedish surveys. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:1765-1780. [PMID: 35524827 PMCID: PMC10460300 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the association between watching pornography and poor mental health in three repeated cross-sectional surveys in Sweden (2004, 2009, 2014) among high school seniors (13,277 students) with an average age of 18 years. The same index questions concerning ever having watched pornography and the frequency of watching pornography during the last year were combined with three different measures of psychological health and background control variables in multiple logistic regression and forward stepwise logistic regression models. The repeated cross-sectional surveys did not find any consistent associations across years between poor mental health and ever having watched pornography or the frequency of watching pornography. Having watched deviant pornography (containing violence, children and/or animals) was associated with poor mental health among boys in two surveys but only in one survey among girls. Other characteristics, such as mother's unemployment (especially boys), parenting style (especially high controlling parents among boys) and experiences of sexual abuse (especially penetrating abuse among girls), were more consistently and strongly associated to poor mental health across the three surveys. This study stresses the importance of controlling for multiple background variables when studying the association between watching pornography and mental health, since the association might primarily be explained by underlying confounding variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. G. Svedin
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M. Donevan
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M. Bladh
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - G. Priebe
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - C. Fredlund
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - L. S. Jonsson
- Department of Social Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lebedíková M, Mýlek V, Subrahmanyam K, Šmahel D. Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials and Feelings after Exposure among Adolescents in Nine European Countries: The Role of Individual Factors and Social Characteristics. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:333-351. [PMID: 36036867 PMCID: PMC9859855 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research on adolescents' sexual exposure has mostly focused on negcative outcomes using a risk-based lens, and there is little work on the factors that may predict exposure, as well as youths' emotional responses to sexual content. Using a cross-national sample, the present study examined the associations of individual (sensation seeking and emotional problems) and social characteristics (the quality of family environment, including active and restrictive parental mediation) with adolescents' exposure to sexually explicit materials and their feelings after exposure. The survey included 8,820 11- to 16-year-olds (Mage = 13.36 years, SD = 1.62, 48.0% male) from nine European countries (Czech Republic, Finland, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland). The results revealed that although there were differences in the prevalence of youths' sexual exposure by country, there were also similarities in the characteristics underlying exposure and subsequent feelings across different country contexts. No significant relationship was found between active parental mediation and exposure in most countries, and the findings regarding restrictive parental mediation were mixed. Although the majority of the participants reported neutral feelings, there were gender differences in feeling happy and upset after exposure. Overall, the results suggest that exposure may not be as distressing to youth as prevalent risk-focused narratives have suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Lebedíková
- Interdisciplinary Research Team On Internet and Society, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Jostova 10, Brno, Czechia.
| | - Vojtěch Mýlek
- Interdisciplinary Research Team On Internet and Society, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Jostova 10, Brno, Czechia
| | - Kaveri Subrahmanyam
- College of Natural and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Šmahel
- Interdisciplinary Research Team On Internet and Society, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Jostova 10, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Machine Learning and Data Processing, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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Mougharbel F, Chaput JP, Sampasa-Kanyinga H, Colman I, Leatherdale ST, Patte KA, Goldfield GS. Longitudinal associations between different types of screen use and depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1101594. [PMID: 37213617 PMCID: PMC10193840 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence examining the longitudinal associations between different types of screen behaviours and mental health among adolescents is limited. The present study examined the association between five types of screen behaviours and symptoms of anxiety and depression one year later. This study also assessed how changes in screen time were associated with changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms and whether the observed relationships were moderated by sex. Methods Longitudinal data of 17,174 students in grades 9-12 (53.5% females; mean age: 15.1 ± 0.9 years) attending high schools in Canada from two waves (year 6: 2017/18, year 7: 2018/19) of the COMPASS study were analyzed. Leisure screen time and mental health measures were self-reported. To test if the associations between screen time and anxiety, and depression vary by sex, two-way interactions were examined for sex. Analyses accounted for school clustering, race/ethnicity, sex, age, income, body mass index z-score, and previous year anxiety and depression symptoms. Results There were significant longitudinal associations between time spent on each type of screen and subsequent anxiety and depression symptoms. The strength of the associations varied by type of screen behaviour. Interaction analysis indicated a sex difference for television viewing and anxiety and depression symptoms, and internet surfing and anxiety symptoms. A dose-response relationship was observed between phone talking and anxiety symptoms. Beta estimates indicated that an increase in screen duration was associated with a further increase in anxiety and depression symptoms. Conclusion Higher screen time was longitudinally associated with higher anxiety and depression symptoms at one-year follow-up in adolescents. Time-change associations between screen usage and depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed. Also, associations differed based on sex and screen type, whereby greater increases in screen use predicted greater emotional distress. Findings from this prospective analysis suggest that screen time is an important determinant of anxiety and depressive symptoms among adolescents. Future studies are recommended to help inform programs promoting screen time reduction with a goal to enhance adolescents' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Mougharbel
- School of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Colman
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Karen A. Patte
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Gary S. Goldfield
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gary S. Goldfield,
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Cerniglia L, Cimino S. Some Considerations about Pornography Watching in Early Adolescence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10818. [PMID: 36078525 PMCID: PMC9517921 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of significant transition because of the rapid acceleration of bodily changes [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Biddle L, Rifkin-Zybutz R, Derges J, Turner N, Bould H, Sedgewick F, Gooberman-Hill R, Moran P, Linton MJ. Developing good practice indicators to assist mental health practitioners to converse with young people about their online activities and impact on mental health: a two-panel mixed-methods Delphi study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:485. [PMID: 35854237 PMCID: PMC9297563 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04093-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online activity has been linked to poor mental health in children and young people, particularly those with existing vulnerability who may inadvertently or otherwise access harmful content. It is suggested health and social care practitioners should address online activity during mental health consultations, but guidance about acceptable or effective ways to do this is lacking. This study sought to derive good practice guidance to support mental health practitioners to engage young people in conversations about their online activities and impact on mental health. METHODS A mixed-methods Delphi (consensus) study was conducted with a panel of mental health practitioners (n = 21) and a panel of young people (n = 22). Practitioners worked with children or young adults in the UK, mostly in statutory services (80.9%), in varied clinical roles, with 2 - 30 years of experience and most were female (87.5%). Young people were mostly female (77.3%), 13-22 years old, reported varied mental health diagnoses and had sought help from services. Across 3 rounds, panellists completed questionnaires which involved rating agreement with statements and answering open-ended questions. Iterative analysis informed subsequent questionnaire content. The percentage of participants rating their level of agreement with each statement was calculated. The threshold for inclusion as a good practice indicator (GPI) was 75% across both panels. Thematic analysis was used for free-text data. RESULTS Twenty-seven GPIs emerged covering 'who' (which young people) should be asked about online activities, 'when', 'what' should be discussed, and with what 'outcome'. Panels agreed conversations should be initiated with all young people from first meeting and regularly thereafter, with 'red flags' indicating a conversation may be pertinent. Core topics were identified with additional areas for patients presenting with disordered eating or self-harm. Panels emphasised conversations should be fluid, normalised, and encourage reflection and self-awareness. CONCLUSIONS Mental health practitioners could empower young people to exercise agency in relation to online safety and capitalise on positive features. Findings also identify training needs for practitioners. Further research should explore real-world application of the GPIs and transferability to underrepresented groups within our panels, such as males and younger children. Ethnicity and deprivation were not recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Biddle
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol University Medical School, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, UK. .,The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK.
| | - Raphael Rifkin-Zybutz
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Mental Health, Bristol University Medical School, Oakfield House, Oakfield Road, Bristol, UK ,grid.415717.10000 0001 2324 5535South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, UK
| | - Jane Derges
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol University Medical School, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Mental Health, Bristol University Medical School, Oakfield House, Oakfield Road, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicholas Turner
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol University Medical School, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Bould
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Mental Health, Bristol University Medical School, Oakfield House, Oakfield Road, Bristol, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK ,grid.439779.70000 0004 1793 1450Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | - Felicity Sedgewick
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachael Gooberman-Hill
- Bristol University Medical School, Learning and Research Building, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Level 1, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Moran
- grid.410421.20000 0004 0380 7336The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Mental Health, Bristol University Medical School, Oakfield House, Oakfield Road, Bristol, UK ,grid.410421.20000 0004 0380 7336Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Myles-Jay Linton
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol University Medical School, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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