International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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15 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supporting Adolescents with Mental Health Problems in Secondary Education: Feasibility of a Supported Education Intervention

by Lindy Beukema, Jacomijn Hofstra, Sijmen A. Reijneveld, Andrea F. de Winter and E. L. Korevaar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116754 - 31 May 2022

Viewed by 2352

Abstract

Mental health problems in adolescence can have a profound influence on school functioning, educational attainment and thus future societal participation. Supported education (SEd) is a potentially useful method for educational professionals to help adolescents with mental health problems in secondary school improve their [...] Read more.

Mental health problems in adolescence can have a profound influence on school functioning, educational attainment and thus future societal participation. Supported education (SEd) is a potentially useful method for educational professionals to help adolescents with mental health problems in secondary school improve their functioning by stimulating collaboration, ownership, and participation. In this study, we examined the feasibility of SEd in secondary education by examining its acceptability, implementation, and preliminary effectiveness. We performed a mixed-methods study using quantitative data (questionnaires) and qualitative data (interviews) from educational professionals (EP) and adolescents, aged 13–17, about their experiences with a SEd intervention. Regarding the acceptability of the intervention, three main themes emerged: (a) structure, (b) autonomy, and (c) applicability of the intervention. Themes regarding the implementation were: (a) lack of time, (b) personal attitude, (c) mastery, and (d) complexity of the school environment. The findings show that, for those that followed the intervention, SEd is a promising approach to support adolescents with mental health problems to improve their functioning and participation in school. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of the intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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10 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Family Functioning and Maternal Behavior on Default Mode Network Connectivity in School-Age Children

by Keila Rebello, Luciana Monteiro Moura, Ana Paula Arantes Bueno, Felipe Almeida Picon, Pedro Mario Pan, Ary Gadelha, Euripedes Constatino Miguel, Rodrigo Affonseca Bressan, Luis Augusto Rohde and João Ricardo Sato

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6055; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106055 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

Background: Most early children’s experiences will occur in a family context; therefore, the quality of this environment is critical for development outcomes. Not many studies have assessed the correlations between brain functional connectivity (FC) in important areas such as the default mode network [...] Read more.

Background: Most early children’s experiences will occur in a family context; therefore, the quality of this environment is critical for development outcomes. Not many studies have assessed the correlations between brain functional connectivity (FC) in important areas such as the default mode network (DMN) and the quality of parent-child relationships in school-age children and early adolescence. The quality of family relationships and maternal behavior have been suggested to modulate DMN FC once they act as external regulators of children’s affect and behavior. Objective: We aimed to test the associations between the quality of family environment/maternal behavior and FC within the DMN of school-age children. Method: Resting-state, functional magnetic resonance imaging data, were collected from 615 children (6–12 age range) enrolled in the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort (HRC) study. We assessed DMN intra-connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and inferior parietal lobule (IPL-bilateral) regions. The family functioning was assessed by levels of family cohesiveness and conflict and by maternal behavior styles such as maternal responsiveness, maternal stimulus to the child’s autonomy, and maternal overprotection. The family environment was assessed with the Family Environment Scale (FES), and maternal behavior was assessed by the mother’s self-report. Results: We found that the quality of the family environment was correlated with intra-DMN FC. The more conflicting the family environment was, the greater the FC between the mPFC-left IPL (lIPL), while a more cohesive family functioning was negatively correlated with FC between the PCC-lIPL. On the other hand, when moderated by a positive maternal behavior, cohesive family functioning was associated with increased FC in both regions of the DMN (mPFC-lIPL and PCC-lIPL). Conclusions: Our results highlight that the quality of the family environment might be associated with differences in the intrinsic DMN FC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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16 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Actual Weight, Perceived Weight and Desired Weight of Romanian School Children-Opinions and Practices of Children and Their Parents

by Anda-Valentina Trandafir, Maria Fraseniuc and Lucia Maria Lotrean

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3502; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063502 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1546

Abstract

Objective: Children and parental awareness regarding weight is linked to the development and management of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study is to assess the actual weight, perceived weight, and desired weight of Romanian school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was [...] Read more.

Objective: Children and parental awareness regarding weight is linked to the development and management of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study is to assess the actual weight, perceived weight, and desired weight of Romanian school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in seven schools from two counties of Romania and included 880 pupils aged between 10 and 15 years old and 665 parents. We administrated confidential questionnaires to the participants, and we measured children’s weight and height during school activities. Results: A total of 61.0% of pupils had normal weight, 7.4% were underweight, and 31.6% were overweight or obese. A total of 66.7% of normal weight children, 56.5% of overweight children, and 40% of underweight children perceived their weight accurately. Regarding parents, a majority correctly appreciated the weight of their normal weight children and only a third appreciated correctly the body weight of their underweight and overweight children. Factors such as body mass index, gender, weight related behaviors, parents’ estimation about their children’s weight, discussions of weight topics inside family, and bullying, cyberbullying and exclusion from groups were associated with misperceptions. Conclusion: The study provides useful information for health education activities targeting both children and their parents regarding appropriate body weight management of children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

14 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents’ Long-Term Experiences of Manageability, Comprehensibility, and Meaningfulness of a Group-Based Exercise Intervention for Depression

by Sara Reinodt, Emma Haglund, Ann Bremander, Håkan Jarbin and Ingrid Larsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052894 - 2 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3153

Abstract

Physical exercise is a potentially effective treatment for adolescents with mild to moderate depression. However, there is a lack of long-term follow-ups to reveal adolescents’ experiences of exercise as a treatment for depression. The salutogenic concept of sense of coherence (SOC), comprising the [...] Read more.

Physical exercise is a potentially effective treatment for adolescents with mild to moderate depression. However, there is a lack of long-term follow-ups to reveal adolescents’ experiences of exercise as a treatment for depression. The salutogenic concept of sense of coherence (SOC), comprising the domains manageability, comprehensibility, and meaningfulness is important to understand behaviour change. This study aimed to describe adolescents’ long-term experiences of manageability, comprehensibility, and meaningfulness of a group-based exercise intervention for depression. Fourteen adolescents with persistent depression were recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic and interviewed one year after participating in a 14-week moderate to vigorous exercise intervention for depression. An abductive qualitative content analysis was conducted, based on the three SOC domains manageability, comprehensibility, and meaningfulness. The results revealed that participation in the intervention was made manageable by a supportive environment, including: the intervention design, togetherness with peer group, and encouragement from adults. The comprehensibility of the intervention emerged through the insights regarding health benefits of exercise and the aim of the intervention. Meaningfulness was achieved through improved health behaviour, well-being and self-esteem, along with strengthened belief in the future and increased commitment to everyday life. The group-based exercise intervention was experienced as manageable, comprehensible, and meaningful. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

17 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parents’ Experiences of Weighted Blankets’ Impact on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Sleep Problems—A Qualitative Study

by Ingrid Larsson, Katarina Aili, Jens M. Nygren, Håkan Jarbin and Petra Svedberg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412959 - 8 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5543

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While pharmacological treatment has increased dramatically, parents often prefer non-pharmacological interventions. Research on experiences of weighted blankets and their effect in sleep improvement is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore [...] Read more.

Sleep disturbances are common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While pharmacological treatment has increased dramatically, parents often prefer non-pharmacological interventions. Research on experiences of weighted blankets and their effect in sleep improvement is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of weighted blankets for children with ADHD and sleep problems, and the impact on their children’s sleep. The explorative design was based on qualitative content analysis. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 24 parents of children with ADHD and sleep problems, after completing a sleep intervention with weighted blankets for 16 weeks. Parents reported that children sleeping with weighted blankets: (1) achieved satisfactory sleep, including improved sleep onset latency, sleep continuity, and sleep routines; (2) achieved overall well-being, including improved relaxation and reduced anxiety; and (3) mastered everyday life, including improved balance in life, family function, and participation in school and leisure activities. This study brings forward novel aspects of the effects of improved sleep among children with ADHD. The findings contribute to the understanding of potential positive effects of an intervention with weighted blankets critical for clinical practice to improve sleep, well-being, and everyday life of children with ADHD and their families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

16 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parents’ Perceptions of the Value of Children’s Participation in Pediatric Rehabilitation Services: A Phenomenographic Study

by Lisa Kronsell, Petra Svedberg, Jens Nygren and Ingrid Larsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10948; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010948 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1842

Abstract

Ensuring that children have opportunities to be involved in decision-making regarding their own care is associated with quality improvement in pediatric rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to explore parents’ perceptions of the value of children’s participation in pediatric rehabilitation services. Semi-structured [...] Read more.

Ensuring that children have opportunities to be involved in decision-making regarding their own care is associated with quality improvement in pediatric rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to explore parents’ perceptions of the value of children’s participation in pediatric rehabilitation services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents of children with disabilities who visited pediatric rehabilitation services. A phenomenographic analysis method was used. Three categories developed from the analysis describing how participation generated value in terms of empowerment, self-awareness, and independence. The outcome space describes a hierarchical relationship between the categories and their influence on each other. Independence achieved through participation was a core aspect and is at the highest level in the hierarchy since it includes and depends on the outcomes from both empowerment and self-awareness. Parents’ perceptions of the value of children’s participation in pediatric rehabilitation services include the possibility for the child to use their entire capacity through values created in terms of empowerment, self-awareness, and independence, in order to live the best life possible. Children with disabilities are diverse as a group, and further research to identify barriers and facilitators of participation is needed to adjust interventions within pediatric rehabilitation services to ensure that children with disabilities can be increasingly empowered, self-aware, and independent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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13 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Barriers to Participation in Pediatric Rehabilitation: Voices of Children and Young People with Disabilities, Parents, and Professionals

by Britta Teleman, Elin Vinblad, Petra Svedberg, Jens M. Nygren and Ingrid Larsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910119 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

In order to develop suitable support for participation in pediatric rehabilitation, it is important to understand what barriers need to be bridged from the perspectives of both children and adults. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to participation in pediatric [...] Read more.

In order to develop suitable support for participation in pediatric rehabilitation, it is important to understand what barriers need to be bridged from the perspectives of both children and adults. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to participation in pediatric rehabilitation services, according to children and young people with disabilities, parents to children with disabilities, and professionals. Data was collected in individual interviews (n = 48) and focus groups (n = 8), which were analyzed with qualitative content analysis to extract barriers to participation. Identified barriers include three categories: (1) insufficient access (controlling adults, adult-centered healthcare); (2) insufficient trust (low level of trust in adults, low level of trust in children, low self-confidence in children); and (3) insufficient involvement (norms of non-participation, low level of commitment in children). The participant groups had divergent conceptions of where and how barriers originate, and for what situations child participation is appropriate. Adult-centered healthcare and parental presence were described as barriers by all participant groups. Understanding differences in the perceptions of barriers and their origins is crucial when striving to change norms of non-participation. The findings can inform the development of new support tools and participatory formats in pediatric rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

11 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents’ Experiences of Facilitators for and Barriers to Maintaining Exercise 12 Months after a Group-Based Intervention for Depression

by Evelina Sunesson, Emma Haglund, Ann Bremander, Håkan Jarbin and Ingrid Larsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105427 - 19 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

Exercise can improve health among adolescents with depression. Understanding facilitators for and barriers to maintaining exercise among adolescents with depression may increase adherence to exercise and consequently improve health. The aim was to explore adolescents’ experiences of facilitators for and barriers to maintaining [...] Read more.

Exercise can improve health among adolescents with depression. Understanding facilitators for and barriers to maintaining exercise among adolescents with depression may increase adherence to exercise and consequently improve health. The aim was to explore adolescents’ experiences of facilitators for and barriers to maintaining exercise after a group-based exercise intervention for depression. Interviews (n = 14) were conducted 12 months after the exercise intervention. A qualitative content analysis was used to extract facilitators and barriers. Facilitators for maintaining exercise among adolescents with depression were (1) greater self-esteem by having companionship while exercising and by achieving exercise results and (2) having a supportive environment in terms of accessibility and coaching. Barriers to maintaining exercise were (1) disease burden due to fatigue, social anxiety, and a lack of drive, and (2) lack of a supportive environment including a lack of social support, as well as structural support. In conclusion, facilitating enhanced self-esteem and continuous support for exercising are important for adolescents with depression to maintain exercise. The disease burden of depression is a substantial barrier that needs to be considered to maintain exercise. The findings can contribute to the development of services that promote and coordinate exercise as a treatment among adolescents with depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

14 pages, 704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How I Feel About My School—Adaptation and Validation of an Educational Well-Being Measure among Young Children in Sweden

by Rasmus Riad, Mara Westling Allodi, Eva Siljehag, Carina Wikman, Tamsin Ford and Sven Bölte

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105075 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

The well-being of children has received increasing attention in recent years. Nevertheless, we lack adequate brief self-report tools that enable us to consider young children’s well-being in policy evaluations and educational research. This study describes the adaptation and first validation of the Swedish [...] Read more.

The well-being of children has received increasing attention in recent years. Nevertheless, we lack adequate brief self-report tools that enable us to consider young children’s well-being in policy evaluations and educational research. This study describes the adaptation and first validation of the Swedish version of How I Feel About My School (HIFAMS), a subjective well-being questionnaire suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years, which was originally developed in the United Kingdom (UK). Descriptive statistics with analysis of psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) are based on the perceived well-being of 228 children in preschool and school aged 5 to 8 years old. The CFA endorsed a good fit to a one-factor model, and the scale showed moderate internal consistency (r_α = 0.63). The results are largely in line with the findings of the original HIFAMS. We conclude that the Swedish version can be applied in early preschool/school settings and could provide first-hand information about children’s well-being from the first years of education until elementary school grades. Practitioners in early education settings might benefit from HIFAMS assessments when seeking to understand children’s current well-being to provide support to children with special educational needs or children at risk for mental health issues. Researchers could use the HIFAMS to standardize child well-being evaluations in policy evaluations and interventional studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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10 pages, 463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sadness and Other Health Complaints among Swedish Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Tide Garnow, Eva-Lena Einberg, Anna-Karin Edberg and Pernilla Garmy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083999 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2531

Abstract

Health complaints are increasing among adolescents and are recognized as a global public health issue. Health complaints are an indicator for subjective ill-being, but little is known about the relationship between sadness and other health complaints. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.

Health complaints are increasing among adolescents and are recognized as a global public health issue. Health complaints are an indicator for subjective ill-being, but little is known about the relationship between sadness and other health complaints. The aim of this study was to investigate sadness and other health complaints among Swedish adolescents. A survey with a cross-sectional design was completed by adolescents (n = 1489, 15–17 years old) in the south of Sweden. A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between sadness and other health complaints. The result show that sadness and other health complaints were common among adolescents, and sadness was related to health complaints (headache (OR: 1.58), sleeping difficulties (OR: 2.00), reduced appetite (OR: 1.43), tension (OR: 2.44), and concentration difficulties (OR: 2.75)). When adolescents express sadness or other health complaints it is important to reflect on what these complaints are an expression of, and take into account the body as physical and psychological intertwined. This might entail person-centered support that hopefully leads to an improvement in adolescents’ well-being. Future research that profoundly highlights adolescents’ existential health is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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12 pages, 2280 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Does Vigorous Physical Activity Contribute to Adolescent Life Satisfaction?

by František Chmelík, Karel Frömel, Dorota Groffik, Michal Šafář and Josef Mitáš

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052236 - 24 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2601

Abstract

Background: Physical and mental health are the basis of life satisfaction (LS), even during adolescence. The aim of this study was to identify the associations between LS and types of physical activity (PA) in Czech and Polish boys and girls. Methods: The research [...] Read more.

Background: Physical and mental health are the basis of life satisfaction (LS), even during adolescence. The aim of this study was to identify the associations between LS and types of physical activity (PA) in Czech and Polish boys and girls. Methods: The research involved 933 girls and 663 boys aged 15–19 years. LS was diagnosed using the Bern Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form (IPAQ-LF) questionnaire was used to identify the types of weekly PA. Results: Adolescents with the highest LS had more recreational, moderate, vigorous, and total weekly PA. The strongest associations between LS and PA were in the Czech and Polish boys and girls who participated in vigorous PA (VPA). The recommendations for VPA were fulfilled by 45% of Czech and 46% of Polish boys and 40% of Czech and 50% of Polish girls, with the highest LS. The most significant positive moderator between LS and PA was participation in organized PA. Boys with the highest LS were 1.94 times more likely to meet the weekly recommendation of VPA than boys with the lowest LS. Similarly, girls with the highest LS were 1.77 times more likely to meet these recommendations. Conclusions: Promoting both current subjective well-being and organized PA, with an emphasis on achieving the VPA recommendations, may support general LS and a healthy lifestyle in adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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14 pages, 373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Competency in Object Control Skills at an Early Age Benefit Future Movement Application: Longitudinal Data from the NW-CHILD Study

by Anita E. Pienaar, Carli Gericke and Wilmarié du Plessis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041648 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

The level of competency in object control skills (OCSs) during early childhood is considered to be a possible determinant of the successful generalization of these skills during later childhood. This study aimed to determine if an association exists between competency in object control [...] Read more.

The level of competency in object control skills (OCSs) during early childhood is considered to be a possible determinant of the successful generalization of these skills during later childhood. This study aimed to determine if an association exists between competency in object control skills during early childhood (6–9 years) and the application of these skills during later childhood (12 years). The NW-CHILD longitudinal study (2010–2016), included a baseline and two time-point follow-up measures in grades 1, 4, and 7 of South African children. A total of 374 participants (boys = 178, 47.59% and girls = 196, 52.41%) completed testing at all three time-points and were analyzed. The Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition, and the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment were used to determine associations between object control skill competency during early and later childhood by using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank order correlations, and stepwise regression analysis. The level of object control skill competency at 6 and 9 years, significantly influences the application of these skills at 12 years. A high overall and significant contribution of OCS (4.6%, p < 0.01) to the variance in the skills and time scores at 12 years; p < 0.05 were found. Competence in object control skills at an early age can provide a baseline from where opportunities for progression or transfer of skills can result in more advanced skillful executions which consequently can be considered to be a cornerstone of improved future physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

18 pages, 705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Heterogeneous Effects of Participation in Shadow Education on Mental Health of High School Students in Taiwan

by I-Chien Chen and Ping-Yin Kuan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031222 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3689

Abstract

The effect of shadow education or private supplementary education (PSE) on school achievement has been prolifically studied, but its impact on well-being remains understudied. This study examines the heterogeneous effect of PSE participation on school achievement and depression symptoms among high schoolers in [...] Read more.

The effect of shadow education or private supplementary education (PSE) on school achievement has been prolifically studied, but its impact on well-being remains understudied. This study examines the heterogeneous effect of PSE participation on school achievement and depression symptoms among high schoolers in Taiwan. The study uses panel data of the Taiwan Upper Secondary Database (TUSD) in the 2014 and 2015 academic years. We join the inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW) approach and the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model to estimate the effects of PSE participation patterns on two correlated outcomes, comprehensive assessment of high school entrance examination and self-reported depression symptoms in the 11th grade. The latent class analysis identifies five PSE participation patterns: always-taker, early-adopter, dropout, late-adopter, and explorer, to predict the effect of PSE on the scores of entrance examination and later depression symptoms in high school (n = 7708, mean age = 15.33). The findings suggest that PSE participation in junior high is positively associated with academic achievement. However, PSE participation also increases depression symptoms, particularly in the case of always-takers. In other words, while always-takers increase their school achievement in transition into high school, their risks of suffering from depression are also higher than their peers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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12 pages, 695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationships among Self-Worth Contingency on Others’ Approval, Appearance Comparisons on Facebook, and Adolescent Girls’ Body Esteem: A Cross-Cultural Study

by Michael Prieler, Jounghwa Choi and Hye Eun Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030901 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9069

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between appearance-related social comparison on social networking services (SNSs) and body esteem in a cross-cultural context (three European countries, i.e., Austria, Belgium, and Spain, versus one Asian country, i.e., South Korea). The role of self-worth contingency on [...] Read more.

The present study examined the relationship between appearance-related social comparison on social networking services (SNSs) and body esteem in a cross-cultural context (three European countries, i.e., Austria, Belgium, and Spain, versus one Asian country, i.e., South Korea). The role of self-worth contingency on others’ approval was considered to be a psychological and cultural factor. Utilizing a large-scale cross-national survey of early and middle adolescents in 2017, the responses of female adolescents (N = 981) were analyzed. The results generally support the findings from previous studies but also reveal cultural differences. Appearance comparison on Facebook negatively influenced girls’ body esteem in all European countries, but not in South Korea. Self-worth contingency on others’ approval negatively influenced girls’ body esteem across all four countries. Finally, a positive relationship between self-worth contingency on others’ approval and appearance comparison on Facebook was found in all European countries, but not among Korean girls. These findings suggest the importance of self-worth contingency on others’ approval and cultural contexts can be used to study the effects of body image-related SNS use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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16 pages, 642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eating Behaviour and Physical Fitness in 10-Year-Old Children Attending General Education and Sports Classes

by Katarzyna Ługowska, Wojciech Kolanowski and Joanna Trafialek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186467 - 5 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2603

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the body mass index (BMI), selected eating behaviour and physical fitness of children aged 10 years attending general education and sports classes in Siedlce. Subject children were 272 girls and boys mean aged 10.8-years attending [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the body mass index (BMI), selected eating behaviour and physical fitness of children aged 10 years attending general education and sports classes in Siedlce. Subject children were 272 girls and boys mean aged 10.8-years attending general education (GC) and sports classes (SC). Survey questionnaires consisted of 18 questions about eating behaviour and physical activity. The BMI was determined for each child and compared with reference percentile charts. Eurofit testing was used to measure physical fitness. Increased physical fitness was positively correlated with beneficial eating behaviour among children. SC children showed significantly more frequent dietary intakes of milk, dairy products, poultry, fish, wholegrain bread, groats and vegetables when compared to GC ones. However, significantly more GC children ate red meat more frequently along with snacking on confectionery and savouries than SC ones. Most subjects fell within correct BMI percentile ranges. Underweight was more frequent in SC children at 12.85% than in GC children 9.88%. Overweight and obesity was most often observed in GC children (respectively 19.73% and 5.51%) compared to SC ones (respectively 14.37% and 3.8%). SC children achieved significantly better results in the Eurofit tests. The highest levels of physical fitness and most favourable BMIs and eating behaviour were observed more often among SC children than GC ones. The results confirmed the beneficial health effects of physical fitness for children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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15 pages, 1537 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mental Health Problems among Young People—A Scoping Review of Help-Seeking

by Katrin Häggström Westberg, Maria Nyholm, Jens M. Nygren and Petra Svedberg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031430 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6493

Abstract

Young people’s mental health is a public health priority, particularly as mental health problems in this group seem to be increasing. Even in countries with supposedly good access to healthcare, few young people seek support for mental health problems. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Young people’s mental health is a public health priority, particularly as mental health problems in this group seem to be increasing. Even in countries with supposedly good access to healthcare, few young people seek support for mental health problems. The aim of this study was twofold, firstly to map the published literature on young people’s experiences of seeking help for mental health problems and secondly to validate whether the Lost in Space model was adaptable as a theoretical model of the help-seeking process described in the included articles in this scoping review. A scoping review was conducted in which we searched for literature on mental health help-seeking with a user perspective published between 2010 and 2020 in different databases. From the 2905 studies identified, we selected 12 articles for inclusion. The review showed how young people experience unfamiliarity and insecurity with regard to issues related to mental health and help-seeking. A strong wish for self-reliance and to safe-guard one’s own health were consistent among young people. Support structures were often regarded as inaccessible and unresponsive. There was a high level of conformity between the model on help-seeking and the analysed articles, reinforcing that help-seeking is a dynamic and psychosocial process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children and Young People’s Participation in Health and Well-Being)

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