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Mental Health and Health Promotion in Young People

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Guest Editor

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Guest Editor
Department of Social, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
Interests: mental health; children; adolescent; lifestyles; positive development
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are hereby presenting a Special Issue on mental health and health promotion in young people. Adolescence and youth are key stages of development in which many habits and lifestyles are initiated and established, and where consolidated lifestyles are initiated in earlier stages that may influence health and wellbeing in adulthood.

After the recent pandemic, mental health was severely affected in all demographics; more research is required focusing on young people given that they are in a complex period of development and life. The analysis of the key risk and protective factors for health and well-being throughout gives us clues for the design of programs that promote a healthier and more resilient adolescence and transition to adulthood.

For this Special Issue, empirical works that collect research results or intervention programs related to health and wellbeing are welcome for submission. Regarding mental health, we will consider both positive indicators of psychological wellbeing and thriving, as well as psychological symptoms or unwellness. We also have special interest in healthy lifestyles (such as exercise and physical activity, sleep quality, healthy eating, etc.) and risk behaviors (such as substance use, internet abuse, videogames, sedentary lifestyle, etc.).

Systematic literature reviews and metanalysis may be also considered for publication.

Prof. Dr. Margarida Gaspar Gaspar De Matos
Dr. Diego Gomez-Baya
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • mental health
  • adolescence
  • youth
  • thriving
  • positive development
  • risk prevention
  • health promotion

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 2694 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Social–Emotional Learning Intervention on Social–Emotional Competencies and Behavioral Problems in Elementary Students Amid COVID-19
by Raquel Raimundo, Sofia Oliveira, Magda Sofia Roberto and Alexandra Marques-Pinto
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091223 - 17 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1789
Abstract
This study investigated whether a social–emotional learning program, implemented over a one-year period, could lead to gains in social–emotional competencies and to a reduction in internalizing and externalizing problems in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the program analyzed how students (boys [...] Read more.
This study investigated whether a social–emotional learning program, implemented over a one-year period, could lead to gains in social–emotional competencies and to a reduction in internalizing and externalizing problems in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the program analyzed how students (boys vs. girls) with varying levels of social–emotional competencies and externalizing and internalizing problems, and from different socioeconomic backgrounds, were differently affected. The program was applied to 358 Portuguese third- and fourth-grade students (51.4% boys, Mage = 8.56; SD = 0.82). Self-report (students) and hetero-report (teachers) questionnaires were administered before and after the intervention. Linear mixed-effects models were computed to test intervention impacts. Significant intervention gains were noted in social–emotional learning competencies, namely emotional knowledge, social competence, peer relations, self-management, and academic behavior, and in externalizing (social problems) and internalizing (anxiety) problems. No effects were found in aggressiveness. Students with lower social–emotional competencies and higher externalizing and internalizing problems at baseline profited more from the program. Gender moderated both emotional knowledge and social problems, and socioeconomic status only moderated social problems. Findings highlight the effectiveness of this social–emotional learning program, especially for students facing initial challenges. Recommendations for future research, acknowledging limitations and strengths, are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Health Promotion in Young People)
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18 pages, 1204 KiB  
Study Protocol
Mixed Methods Study Protocol: Language Identity, Discrimination, and Mental Health among Multilingual 1.5 Generation Asian/Asian American Immigrant Young Adults
by Chulwoo Park, Mark Edberg, Janet Yougi Bang and Avizia Yim Long
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101311 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
Language identity, an understudied factor, can influence isolation and discrimination, leading to disparities in well-being and mental health among immigrants. This study aims to investigate the role of language identity on structural racism and discrimination among 1.5 generation Asian/Asian American immigrants in a [...] Read more.
Language identity, an understudied factor, can influence isolation and discrimination, leading to disparities in well-being and mental health among immigrants. This study aims to investigate the role of language identity on structural racism and discrimination among 1.5 generation Asian/Asian American immigrants in a diverse U.S. state. We developed a three-step sequential approach: Stage 1—qualitative analysis (1A, focus group discussion; 1B, in-depth interviews); Stage 2—quantitative analysis (2A, language identity measurement scale; 2B, cross-sectional online survey; 2C, multivariate multiple linear regression); Stage 3—another round of qualitative analysis (3A, follow-up in-depth chronological interviews). Therefore, this study will contribute to the field by introducing a novel three-step mixed methods approach, marking a notable improvement over conventional explanatory or exploratory sequential designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Health Promotion in Young People)
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