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PubMed1995

Self-esteem and value of health as correlates of adolescent health behavior.

As part of a project aimed at developing an adolescent health education program, 100 subjects aged 12-13 and 16-17 years were studied to determine the possible relationship between self-esteem and value of health and positive health behavior. Self-esteem was measured with the Gordon Personal Profile (Gordon, 1978), and value of health with Costa et al.'s (Costa, Jessor, & Donovan, 1989) Value of Health Scale. Both factors were found to be significantly correlated with certain dimensions of health behavior in both groups of adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of anxiety-like behavior in adolescent and adult Sprague-Dawley rats.

The conditions under which age differences in anxiety are observed in rodents are unclear. These studies explored the influence of test condition on anxiety-like behavior in adolescent and adult rats using the light-dark box. Behavior was assessed under different illumination levels (30 or 60 lux) and after brief stress (restraint or bright light). Anxiety-like behavior did not differ in the 30-lux test but was increased in adolescents in the 60-lux test. Restraint increased anxiety-like behavior in adolescents, resulting in elevated anxiety-like behavior relative to adults. Bright light decreased anxiety-like behavior, possibly because of negative contrast or novelty-induced anxiolysis. These studies demonstrate that adolescents display increased anxiety-like behavior when test conditions are more aversive and following exposure to stress.

Aging↗
PubMed2006

Using classification trees to profile adolescent smoking behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to explore the interactive nature of various predictor variables in profiling adolescent smoking behaviors characterized by intention to smoke, current, situational, and established smoking using classification trees. The data (n = 3610) were obtained from cross-sectional telephone surveys of the Florida Anti-Tobacco Media Evaluation Program. Three classification trees were constructed, namely, intention versus no intention to smoke among non-smokers, current smokers versus non-smokers, and established versus situational smokers. The tree model for the intention model revealed that social and health risks are important in the context of peer smoking. Certain variables such as peer smoking and alcohol consumption retained their relative importance across the tree classifiers demonstrating that smoking intention may be predictable using some of the same variables as in current or more dependent smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Risk factors for adolescent sexual behavior, fertility, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Current understanding of the risk factors related to adolescent initiation of sexual activity, use of contraception, pregnancy, and STDs is examined. From recent research on adolescent fertility, findings that have particular relevance to school health or reflect new understandings of adolescent sexuality are summarized. In selected cases, prevention programs that build directly on an understanding of these risk factors are cited.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Self-esteem and adolescent sexual behaviors, attitudes, and intentions: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This review systematically examined the relationship between self-esteem and adolescents' sexual behaviors, attitudes, and intentions, as empirically investigated by researchers over the last 20 years. METHODS: Based on the Matrix Method for systematic reviews, five electronic databases and reference lists of published studies were searched. Thirty-eight (n = 38) publications met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and comprised the final sample. Each study was assigned a methodological quality score (MQS; maximum = 20 points). Each study's empirical test of the relationship between self-esteem and sexual behaviors/attitudes/intentions was counted as a single finding and was classified as exhibiting an inverse linear relationship, no statistically significant linear relationship, or a positive linear relationship. RESULTS: A total of 189 findings (average = 4.97/publication, range 1-28) were analyzed. Most findings (n = 138, 73%) consisted of tests of self-esteem and sexual behaviors. Regarding the nature of the relationship between self-esteem and the various behavior/attitude/intention variables, 62% of behavior findings and 72% of the attitudinal findings exhibited no statistically significant association. All of the intention-related findings exhibited some type of relationship (either positive or inverse). Studies' average MQS was 11.71 (SD = 1.60). Higher quality studies yielded findings of positive or absence of relationship (Cramer's V = .329, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: If most findings exhibit no association between self-esteem and adolescent sexual behaviors/attitudes/intentions, questions are inevitably raised whether the emphasis placed on self-esteem by public health professionals is innocuous. Recommendations for methodological improvement of this body of research are also presented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Psychosocial predictors of binge eating and purging behaviors among adolescents with and without diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare dieting, binge eating, and purging behaviors, and to examine predictors of binge eating and purging behaviors among adolescents with and without Diabetes Mellitus (DM). METHODS: The index group included 310 adolescents who reported that they had DM on a statewide population survey of 36,284 adolescents in grades 7-12 in Minnesota. The comparison group included a random sample matched for socioeconomic status (SES), of 850 adolescents without chronic illness. Disordered eating behaviors assessed in the present study included binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, and diuretic use. Potential predictor variables assessed included weight loss behaviors, body image, sexual abuse, sexual attractions, emotional well-being, family connectedness, poor school performance, age, race, Body Mass Index (BMI), and SES. RESULTS: Binge eating and purging were significantly more prevalent among adolescents with DM than among the comparison group. Different risk profiles were found for adolescents with and without DM and for males and females. Predictors of binge eating and purging among females with DM included weight dissatisfaction, bisexual/homosexual attractions, and younger age. Predictors among males with DM included bisexual/homosexual attractions, younger age, sexual abuse, and an interaction between sexual abuse and emotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with DM should be screened for unhealthy weight control practices and eating disorders. If disordered eating is present, clinicians need to be sensitive to the variety of factors possibly associated with these behaviors among different individuals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Physical activity and the initiation of high-risk health behaviors in adolescents.

The association of physical activity to the initiation of health risk behaviors was examined in a 3-yr prospective study of a population-based cohort of 1245 adolescents aged 12-16 yr. Four hundred thirty-seven students (35% of the cohort) were identified at baseline via self-report survey as never having smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol, used marijuana, or carried a weapon. Three measures of physical activity were obtained at baseline: leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), level of aerobic fitness (AF), and participation in competitive athletics. Significant associations, with notable gender differences, were observed between physical activity and the initiation of cigarette smoking and alcohol use. The cumulative proportion of male students initiating alcohol use was 48%, 42%, and 24% for high, moderate, and low LTPA, respectively (P < 0.01). Males who participated in competitive athletics were significantly more likely than nonathletes to initiate alcohol use (44% vs 17%, P < 0.01). The cumulative proportion of female students initiating cigarette use was 10%, 23%, and 22% for high, moderate, and low LTPA, respectively (P < 0.05) and 7%, 28%, and 16% for high, moderate, and low AF, respectively (P < 0.05). No association was found between physical activity and weapon carrying. These results indicate that in this cohort of adolescents, the most active or most fit females were less likely to initiate cigarette smoking. In contrast, the most active males or males who participated in competitive athletics appeared more at-risk for initiating alcohol consumption than their less active counterparts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Exploring paternal influences on the dieting behaviors of adolescent girls.

In this article we investigate fathers' influence on the dieting behavior of their adolescent daughters. Fifty father-daughter dyads (N = 100) participated. The girls completed a questionnaire concerning their beliefs and behaviors with respect to dieting, their body satisfaction, and their perception of the advantages of being thinner. Fathers were surveyed in order to ascertain their perceptions of the advantages of slimness for adolescent girls and their beliefs regarding the importance of physical appearance and weight control in females of all ages. Associations were found between fathers attitudes to physical attractiveness in females, their perceptions of the impact of being slimmer for adolescent girls, and their daughters dieting behavior. Fathers who believed strongly in the importance of attractiveness and careful control of food intake by females were significantly more likely to have daughters who induced vomiting to lose weight. Fathers play an influential role in determining the dieting behavior of their adolescent daughters.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Covariations of unhealthy weight loss behaviors and other high-risk behaviors among adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if unhealthy weight loss methods are associated with other health-compromising behaviors among adolescents and to examine covariation patterns across gender and age groups. STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The study sample was drawn from a larger population of 123 132 adolescents in the 6th, 9th, and 12th grades in Minnesota who completed a statewide school-based survey. The index group included all adolescents who used unhealthy weight loss methods (n=4514), and the comparison group comprised a random sample of 4514 adolescents who did not use these methods and who were matched for gender, ethnicity, and grade. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Unhealthy weight loss methods included vomiting and use of laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills. Other health-compromising behaviors that were assessed included suicide attempts; delinquency; tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use; unprotected sexual intercourse; and multiple sexual partners. RESULTS: Adolescents who used unhealthy weight loss methods were more likely to engage in other health-compromising behaviors. Odds ratios ranged from 1.9 to 14.8, and odds ratios were all highly significant among boys and girls in early, middle, and late adolescence. Among the girls, a monotonic decrease in the strength of all associations was found with increased age. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who engage in unhealthy weight loss methods are more likely to engage in a range of other health-compromising behaviors. Different perceptions of unhealthy weight loss behaviors (eg, normative vs problematic) may in part explain the differences in the strengths of associations between different grade and gender groups. Our results suggest that screening and counseling of adolescents who engage in unhealthy weight loss methods should be comprehensive and intervention programs aimed at the secondary prevention of disordered eating need to address other problematic behaviors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Individualized health behavior? Social structures, peer influences and life style as modifying factors of nutritional behavior of adolescents].

OBJECTIVE: Health behaviours are often explained as being determined by health knowledge, occupation, education and income. Yet, in increasingly individualized societies individuals are brought to develop personal strategies of orientation and behaviours, the later being detached from traditional status or class membership. The present study (secondary analysis) explores to what extent health behaviours are more or less individualized or still linked to social living conditions. METHODS: Eating behaviours and social status are based on a 2001 questionnaire survey among 393 randomly selected adolescents from the city of Leipzig, Germany. RESULTS: The findings show a distinct social patterning of eating behaviours. Those patterns can be explained as part of adolescents' lifestyles. Findings also indicate that the patterns of eating behaviours are strongly linked to the social background of those adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that for adolescents raised in deprived social conditions it is more difficult to develop health preferences conducive for health promoting behaviours.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The mass media are an important context for adolescents' sexual behavior.

PURPOSE: This study compared influences from the mass media (television, music, movies, magazines) on adolescents' sexual intentions and behaviors to other socialization contexts, including family, religion, school, and peers. METHODS: A sample of 1011 Black and White adolescents from 14 middle schools in the Southeastern United States completed linked mail surveys about their media use and in-home Audio-CASI interviews about their sexual intentions and behaviors. Analysis of the sexual content in 264 media vehicles used by respondents was also conducted. Exposure to sexual content across media, and perceived support from the media for teen sexual behavior, were the main media influence measures. RESULTS: Media explained 13% of the variance in intentions to initiate sexual intercourse in the near future, and 8-10% of the variance in light and heavy sexual behaviors, which was comparable to other contexts. Media influences also demonstrated significant associations with intentions and behaviors after all other factors were considered. All contextual factors, including media, explained 54% of the variance in sexual intentions and 21-33% of the variance in sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who are exposed to more sexual content in the media, and who perceive greater support from the media for teen sexual behavior, report greater intentions to engage in sexual intercourse and more sexual activity. Mass media are an important context for adolescents' sexual socialization, and media influences should be considered in research and interventions with early adolescents to reduce sexual activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Dose-response effects of methylphenidate on ecologically valid measures of academic performance and classroom behavior in adolescents with ADHD.

The effects of methylphenidate on the academic performance and classroom behavior of 45 adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were studied. During a 6-week, placebo-controlled medication assessment in the context of a summer treatment program, participants received a double-blind, crossover trial of 3 doses of methylphenidate. Dependent measures included note-taking quality, quiz and worksheet scores, written language usage and productivity, teacher ratings, on-task and disruptive behavior, and homework completion. Group data showed positive effects of methylphenidate on academic measures; however, the greatest benefit came with the lowest dose. Although additional benefit did occur for some participants with higher doses, the largest increment of change usually occurred between the placebo and 10-mg dose. Many adolescents did not experience added benefit with increased dosages, and in some cases they experienced deterioration. Guidelines for assessment of medication effects are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Reliability of self-reported contraceptive use and sexual behaviors among adolescent girls.

This study examines two issues relevant to adolescents' self-reported sexual and contraceptive use behaviors: reliability of partner-referent reports versus 3 and 6 month reports, and test-retest reliability of reports completed over a 2 week period. Data are from 196 13 to 18 year old girls recruited into this study while they south reproductive care from health clinics in a metropolitan area. All participants reported having had sexual intercourse during the past 6 months. Twice over a 2 week interval, participants completed the same paper and pencil surveys. The survey presented questions about sexual behavior and contraceptive use using 3 sequential frames of reference: within the past 6 months, within the past 3 months, and by specific sexual partners in the past 6 months. Findings demonstrate that adolescent girls can reliably report sexual behavior and contraceptive use over a 6 month interval. Study findings have implications for future research utilizing adolescents' self-reported sexual and contraceptive use behaviors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Impact of sexual abuse on the HIV-risk-related behavior of adolescents in intensive psychiatric treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the HIV-risk-related behaviors and attitudes of adolescents with and without a history of sexual abuse who were in intensive psychiatric treatment. METHOD: Adolescent patients (N=208) completed measures of psychological functioning and HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. RESULTS: Among sexually active adolescents in psychiatric treatment (N=116), those with a history of abuse reported significantly less condom self-efficacy (emotional ability to use condoms), less knowledge of HIV, less impulse control, less frequent use and purchase of condoms, and significantly higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases than their peers. Multiple logistic regression indicated that a history of sexual abuse was strongly associated with inconsistent condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual abuse was associated with HIV-risk-related attitudes and behaviors among adolescents in psychiatric treatment. Clinicians should thus view a history of sexual abuse as a marker for sexual behavior that puts adolescents at risk for HIV.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Racial/ethnic and gender differences in concern with weight and in bulimic behaviors among adolescents.

This study examined cross-sectional gender and racial/ ethnic differences in bulimic behaviors among adolescents. Subjects were 704 male and 621 female students at a large urban public high school in the Northeast. Approximately 61% of the girls and 43% of the boys reported trying to lose weight or maintain their current weight; 2.0% of the students reported using laxatives or vomiting to control their weight. The use of these behaviors to control weight was only slightly more common among girls than boys (2.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.1). Although more black than white girls used laxatives or vomiting to control weight (odds ratio [OR] = 11.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-95.3), there were no racial/ethnic differences in these behaviors among boys. However, Hispanic boys were twice as likely as white boys to binge eat at least monthly (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.6). Our results suggest that bulimic behaviors affect male and female adolescents from a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds. In addition, in contrast to the large gender differences in the prevalence of dieting and binge eating, more modest differences were documented in the prevalence of using vomiting and laxatives to control weight.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perceived stress, social support, and affectionate behaviors of adolescent mothers with infants in neonatal intensive care.

INTRODUCTION: This article focuses on affectionate behaviors of adolescent mothers with their infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hypotheses derived from behavioral science theory posited the direct influence of social support and perceived stress on affectionate behaviors, the statistical interaction of social support and perceived stress on affectionate behaviors, and perceived stress as a mediator of the relationship between social support and affectionate behaviors. METHOD: Subjects were enrolled from July 1993 through September 1994. Information about perceived stress and social support was obtained twice by means of an interview. Affectionate behaviors were measured by NICU nurse observations. Analyses were conducted on subsamples ranging from 57 to 107 subjects. RESULTS: All hypotheses were rejected. Neither social supports nor perceived stress were related to affectionate behaviors, and no statistical interactions among the 3 variables were identified. DISCUSSION: The findings are considered in the context of the methodology used, stress and social support theory, and implications for practice and future research.

Adolescent↗