International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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11 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autistic Traits, Arousal, and Gender Features in a Nonclinical Sample of Italian Adolescents

by Fiammetta Iannuzzo, Giovanni Genovese, Clara Lombardo, Carmenrita Infortuna, Rosa De Stefano, Carmela Mento, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello and Antonio Bruno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010693 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1982

Abstract

(1) Background: Subthreshold autism is a sub-clinical pattern of autism spectrum disorder-like (ASD-like) traits, including poor social skills, cognitive rigidity, anxiety, and aloofness. These ASD-like traits are significantly more prevalent among parents and relatives of participants with autism; however, evidence suggests that subclinical [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Subthreshold autism is a sub-clinical pattern of autism spectrum disorder-like (ASD-like) traits, including poor social skills, cognitive rigidity, anxiety, and aloofness. These ASD-like traits are significantly more prevalent among parents and relatives of participants with autism; however, evidence suggests that subclinical autistic traits are not restricted to the family members of individuals with autism but rather are continuously distributed in the general population. Though the autistic subclinical form is perhaps prevalent among adults, little attention has been paid to the association between autistic traits and global functioning in adolescence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the subthreshold autism phenotype in adolescence and its relationship with arousal correlates, exploring gender differences emerging in the sample. (2) Methods: A sample of 725 students (293 males and 432 females; mean age 17.19) were recruited from three high schools in Southern Italy. They were assessed by the following instruments: Autism Spectrum Quotient, Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum, Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale 14, and Hyperarousal Scale. (3) Results: In males, significant direct correlations between all dimensions of arousal and all variables related to autistic traits emerged except for the correlations between the H-Scale “Introspection score”, the AQ questionnaire “Total score” (p = 0.094), and the AdAS-Spectrum questionnaire “Empathy factor” (p = 0.210); in females, significant positive correlations between all dimensions of arousal and all variables related to autistic traits emerged. (4) Conclusions: In the sample of adolescents with subclinical profiles of autistic traits, the Empathy factor of the AdAS Spectrum questionnaire was significantly higher in the male group than in the female group, underscoring lower empathic abilities in the former group. In the male group, the empathy factor did not have a statistically significant correlation with the H-scale introspection factor or with the autistic traits measured by AQ. We suppose that in male adolescents, another hypothetical factor seems to intervene in the relationship between autistic traits and arousal. Otherwise, empathy is a preponderant factor closely related to hyper-arousal responses in female adolescents with autistic traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

14 pages, 409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Cyberbullying in Adolescence: New Evidence for the Spanish Version of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIP-Q)

by Ildefonso Álvarez-Marín, Alicia Pérez-Albéniz, Beatriz Lucas-Molina, Vanesa Martínez-Valderrey and Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114196 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2397

Abstract

The prevention of cyberbullying at school requires assessing its prevalence by means of brief measurement instruments with adequate psychometric properties. The present study aims to study the psychometric properties of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIP-Q) in a sample of 1777 Spanish [...] Read more.

The prevention of cyberbullying at school requires assessing its prevalence by means of brief measurement instruments with adequate psychometric properties. The present study aims to study the psychometric properties of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIP-Q) in a sample of 1777 Spanish adolescents (54.1% women, M = 15.71 years; SD = 1.26), selected by stratified random cluster sampling. The two-factor model (victimization and aggression) displayed appropriate goodness of-fit indices. Configural measurement invariance model across gender was found. The omega reliability coefficient for the victimization subscale was 0.82, and for the aggression subscale was 0.68. The ECIP-Q scores were negatively associated with self-esteem and prosocial behavior, and positively associated with depression symptoms and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Significant differences were found between victim and non-victim groups, and between aggressor and non-aggressor groups on the same variables. Victims and aggressors scored lower on self-esteem, and higher on depression symptoms and emotional and behavioral difficulties than those not involved in cyberbullying situations. These findings contribute to demonstrate the satisfactory psychometric quality of the ECIP-Q scores as an assessment tool for cyberbullying in Spanish adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

13 pages, 1122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Self-Concept Dramatically Declines in Secondary School: Personal and Contextual Determinants

by Álvaro Postigo, Rubén Fernández-Alonso, Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero, Covadonga González-Nuevo and José Muñiz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053010 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4681

Abstract

Academic self-concept is one of the most important non-cognitive variables in determining students’ attitudes towards school and their performance. The objective of this study was to use a longitudinal approach to analyze how academic self-concept changed between primary and secondary schools and to [...] Read more.

Academic self-concept is one of the most important non-cognitive variables in determining students’ attitudes towards school and their performance. The objective of this study was to use a longitudinal approach to analyze how academic self-concept changed between primary and secondary schools and to analyze the factors that affected that progression. The sample consisted of 7379 students (47.4% girls) evaluated at two time-points: fourth grade and eighth grade. Six schooling pathways were analyzed: repeating a year before fourth grade, repeating between fourth and eighth grade, and repeating eighth grade. Five two-level hierarchical linear models of intrasubject means were assessed. The results indicate that academic self-concept falls dramatically between primary school and secondary school, varying according to background variables. Nevertheless, the most influential factor was the students’ schooling pathway. This study reinforces the evidence that, at least in the Spanish context, educational policies need to address alternatives to repetition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

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18 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Negative Parenting, Adolescents’ Emotion Regulation, Self-Efficacy in Emotion Regulation, and Psychological Adjustment

by Laura Di Giunta, Carolina Lunetti, Giulia Gliozzo, W. Andrew Rothenberg, Jennifer E. Lansford, Nancy Eisenberg, Concetta Pastorelli, Emanuele Basili, Irene Fiasconaro, Eriona Thartori, Ainzara Favini and Alessia Teresa Virzì

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042251 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6323

Abstract

This study examines associations between parents’ rejection and control, adolescents’ self-efficacy in their regulation of negative emotions, and maladjustment. Path analyses were employed to test (a) whether adolescents’ dysregulation and self-efficacy regarding anger/sadness regulation mediate the relationship between parental rejection/control and adolescent maladjustment; [...] Read more.

This study examines associations between parents’ rejection and control, adolescents’ self-efficacy in their regulation of negative emotions, and maladjustment. Path analyses were employed to test (a) whether adolescents’ dysregulation and self-efficacy regarding anger/sadness regulation mediate the relationship between parental rejection/control and adolescent maladjustment; (b) whether adolescent adjustment mediates the association between parental rejection/control and dysregulation and self-efficacy regarding anger/sadness regulation. Participants included 103 Italian adolescents (Time 1: M age = 15.57; 53% male), their mothers (n = 103), and their fathers (n = 79). Follow up data were assessed one year later (Time 2). At Time 1, adolescent reports of the frequency of mothers’ and fathers’ rejection and control were examined. At Time 2, adolescent-reports of their beliefs about self-efficacy in regulating anger and sadness, as well as anger and sadness dysregulation, were assessed by two methods: questionnaire and mobile ecological momentary assessment. At Time 2, mothers’, fathers’, and adolescents’ reports of adolescents’ aggressive behaviors and depressive problems were also assessed. Maternal rejection was associated with higher one year later aggressive problems, which in turn were associated with higher dysregulation of sadness, and lower self-efficacy in dealing with both anger and sadness. In addition, maternal rejection was associated with higher depressive symptoms one year later, which in turn were associated with lower self-efficacy in dealing with sadness and higher dysregulation of both anger and sadness. Finally, maternal control was associated with higher depressive symptoms, whereas paternal control was associated with lower depressive symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

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13 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Connectedness to Family, School, and Neighborhood and Adolescents’ Internalizing Symptoms

by Danielle R. Eugene

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312602 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4312

Abstract

In the U.S., there is a strong national interest in social connectedness as a key determinant in promoting positive well-being in adolescents through building strong bonds and creating protective relationships that support adolescent mental health. To this end, this study examined whether, and [...] Read more.

In the U.S., there is a strong national interest in social connectedness as a key determinant in promoting positive well-being in adolescents through building strong bonds and creating protective relationships that support adolescent mental health. To this end, this study examined whether, and to what extent, specific types of connectedness to family, school, and neighborhood were associated with internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety) among a diverse sample of adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds. The sample (n = 2590) was majority male (51%), with an average age of 15.6 years, and identified as Black (49%) and Hispanic/Latino (26%). The results revealed that adolescents who reported strong connections to their parent (β = −0.128, p < 0.001), school (β = −0.222, p < 0.001), and neighborhood (β = −0.116, p = 0.003) were more likely to report lower levels of depressive symptomology, with school connectedness exerting a greater influence. In addition, parent connectedness (β = −0.157, p < 0.001) and school connectedness (β = −0.166, p < 0.001) were significantly related to teen anxiety; however, neighborhood connectedness was not (β = −0.123, p = 0.087). The findings have important implications, which are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

10 pages, 2039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Self-Absorptive Trait of Dissociative Experience and Problematic Internet Use: A National Birth Cohort Study

by For-Wey Lung and Bih-Ching Shu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211848 - 12 Nov 2021

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Abstract

Functional and excessive use of internet are hard to distinguish from each other, and internet use can affect adolescents’ development of self-identity. The aim of our study was to investigate the associated relationships between the risk and protective factors for internet use, including [...] Read more.

Functional and excessive use of internet are hard to distinguish from each other, and internet use can affect adolescents’ development of self-identity. The aim of our study was to investigate the associated relationships between the risk and protective factors for internet use, including parental monitoring, the absorptive dissociative trait, having been bullied, exercise, self-perceived depressive mood, and happiness of 12-year-old adolescents. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study dataset, which used a national household probability sampling method and included 17,694 12-year-old adolescents, was used for this study. Our results showed that 5.3% of adolescents reported spending more than five hours online during school days. Additionally, adolescents that spent more than five hours online during school days tended to have a higher absorptive trait, perceived less care from mothers, were more likely to have been bullied, and expressed a higher level of depressed mood, which led to a lower level of perceived happiness. Adolescents that spent more than five hours online during school days, compared to those that spent less than an hour online, were more likely to have been bullied, which effected their level of happiness, showing that they may be a group of higher concern. Therefore, spending more than five hours per day online maybe a clinical prevention indicator for problematic internet use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

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16 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Child Mental Health with Child and Family Characteristics in Rural China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Huan Wang, Cody Abbey, Xinshu She, Scott Rozelle and Xiaochen Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105107 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3977

Abstract

Assessing the mental health problems encountered by school children and understanding the contributing factors are crucial to inform strategies aimed at improving mental health in low-resource contexts. However, few studies have investigated the mental health problems among disadvantaged children in poorer countries. This [...] Read more.

Assessing the mental health problems encountered by school children and understanding the contributing factors are crucial to inform strategies aimed at improving mental health in low-resource contexts. However, few studies have investigated the mental health problems among disadvantaged children in poorer countries. This study examines the prevalence of mental health problems in rural China and their association with child and family characteristics. The study uses survey data from 9696 children in 120 rural primary schools and measures child mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Overall, 17.9% of the sample children were found to be in the abnormal range of the SDQ total difficulties scores. The mean score was 12.93 (SD = 4.94). Abnormal scores were associated with child and family characteristics, including older child age (Odds Ratio, OR = 0.704, 95% CI: 0.611, 0.810; p < 0.001), gender (OR = 1.235, 95% CI: 1.112, 1.371; p < 0.001), and academic performance (OR = 0.421, 95% CI: 0.369, 0.480; p < 0.001). Reading time was found to be protective for mental health. Risk factors include excessive screen time (OR = 1.685, 95% CI: 1.409, 2.016; p < 0.001) and being bullied (OR = 3.695, 95% CI: 3.301, 4.136; p < 0.001). Our study suggests that future mental health illness prevention programs in rural China should consider targeting different aspects of children’s social contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

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17 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Can Dissociation Mediate the Relationship between Emotional Dysregulation and Intelligence? An Empirical Study Involving Adolescents with and without Complex Trauma Histories

by Stefania Cristofanelli, Giorgia Baccini, Eleonora Centonze, Alessandra Colombesi, Marina Cariello and Laura Ferro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031729 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4039

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to map the psychological functioning of individuals with adverse childhood experiences, with the objective to characterize developmental trajectories. Specifically, we investigated the relations among three of the seven domains of impairment in children and adolescents who [...] Read more.

The main aim of the study was to map the psychological functioning of individuals with adverse childhood experiences, with the objective to characterize developmental trajectories. Specifically, we investigated the relations among three of the seven domains of impairment in children and adolescents who had been exposed to complex trauma. To this end, we tested a mediation model with emotional dysregulation as the independent variable, intelligence as the dependent variable, and dissociation as the mediator. The research sample was composed of 64 participants (10–19 years old); 31 adolescents formed the clinical group and 33 the non-clinical group; for the clinical group, we recruited adolescents who were residents of therapeutic communities and had a history of complex trauma. Both groups completed the Difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), Adolescent dissociative experience scale (A-DES), Trauma symptom checklist for children (TSCC), and Wechsler scales. The data analysis yielded significant results for the control group only. We suggest that healthy adolescents adopt a non-pathological dissociative cognitive style in response to increased emotional dysregulation, thus explaining their enhanced cognitive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescence: Environment and Behavior)

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