Character strengths as protective factors against behavior problems in early adolescent

Character strengths could efectively prevent negative psychological outcomes in adults. However, there was little research conducted among early adolescents. The present study aimed to explore character strengths that were independently related to fewer behavior problems in early adolescents. In total, 521 early adolescents (mean age 10.92 ± 0.04, range 10­12 years) were recruited from primary schools in Sichuan, China. Character strengths were measured using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Youth). Behavior problems were measured using the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). The results showed that behavior problems were negatively correlated with character strengths (r = −0.14 to −0.3, p < 0.05 Bonferroni corrected). Character strengths explained a signifcant proportion of additional variance (14­22%) in fve types of behavior problems after controlling the efect of demographic factors (residence, left-behind experiences, maternal education level). Moreover, several specifc character strengths showed an independent contribution (ß = −0.34 to −0.14 for self-regulation, perseverance, zest, humility, and leadership; ß = 0.21 to 0.34, for hope; all p < 0.05) to behavior problems. Our study revealed that character trengths were protective factors against behavior problems in early adolescents.

Evaluation of emotion-based messages designed to motivate Hispanic and Asian parents of early adolescents to engage in calcium-rich food and beverage parenting practices

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Setting healthful beverage expectations, making calcium-rich foods and beverages (CRF/B) available, and role modeling are parenting practices promoting calcium intake among early adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate emotion-based messages designed to motivate parents of early adolescents to perform these practices. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Emotion-based messages were developed for each parenting practice and tested in 35 parents from 5 states. Findings were used to modify messages and develop a survey administered via Amazon MechanicalTurk to a convenience sample of Asian (n = 166) and Hispanic (n = 184) parents of children 10-13 years. Main outcome measures were message comprehension, motivation, relevance, acceptability, and novelty. Engagement in the parenting practices was also assessed. RESULTS: Message comprehension was acceptable for the majority of parents. Most also agreed that messages were motivational (setting healthful beverage expectations (69.0%), making CRF/B available (67.4%), and role modeling (80.0%)), relevant and acceptable. About 30-50% indicated they had not seen the information before. Many parents indicated they were already engaging in the practices (> 70%). No racial/ethnic differences were observed for responses to messages or engaging in parenting practices. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that emotion-based messages designed to motivate parents to engage in parenting practices that promote calcium intake among early adolescents were motivating, relevant, and acceptable.

Psychometric Properties of the EATQ-R Among a Sample of Catalan-Speaking Spanish Adolescents / Propiedades psicométricas del EATQ-R en una muestra de adolescentes españoles de habla catalana

The few studies that have been conducted into the psychometric properties of the EATQ-R, even fewer for the longer version, highlight the fact that its structure differs from that of the original. The aim of this study is to translate and adapt the long version of the EATQ-R to Catalan, study its internal consistency and convergent and factorial validity, and compare differences in the EATQ-R by age and gender. The EATQ-R was administered to a sample of 1481 secondary school students ranging in age from 11 to 17 years. After eliminating 40 items from the 86 comprising the EATQ-R, an adjusted model was obtained with acceptable fit indices comprising 8 of the original 11 factors.

Los pocos estudios realizados sobre las propiedades psicométricas del EATQ-R, todavía más escasos en la versión larga, señalan una estructura diferente de la original. El objetivo de este estudio es traducir y adaptar al catalán la versión larga del EATQ-R, estudiar su consistencia interna y validez factorial y analizar las diferencias de género y edad en el EATQ-R. Para ello se han administrado el EATQ-R a una muestra de 1481 alumnos de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria de edades comprendidas entre 12 y 17 años. Una vez eliminados un total de 40 ítems, de los 86 que componen el EATQ-R, se ha obtenido un modelo corregido, con unos índices de ajuste aceptables, formado por 8 de los 11 factores originales.

A Comparative Study on Nutritional Status of Urban and Rural Early Adolescent School Girls of West Bengal, India.

Objectives: Adolescents remain largely neglected and especially girl from a deprived section in our society. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the nutritional status of early adolescent school girl from rural and urban areas. The study was, therefore, carried out to determine and compare the nutritional status of adolescent girl attending urban and rural secondary schools in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. Methods: Cross-sectional data based on anthropometric measurements (height, weight) was collected from 2545 girls aged 10 to 14 years attending Govt. approved schools in Kharagpur town and Dantan-II block. The nutritional status has been assessed with the help of some anthropometric indices. The weight and height were recorded for each girl, and converted to nutritional indices (weightfor- age, height-for-height, BMI-for-age Z-scores of the National Center for Health Statistics reference standrads). Results: The mean nutritional indices (underweight, stunting and thinness) were found to be much lower among the rural girl than urban girl. The overall prevalent rates of underweight, stunting and thinness were 27.9%, 32.5% and 20.2% respectively. In the rural area these were 35.4%, 35.7% and 26.3%, while in the urban they were 19.6%, 29.0% and 13.6% respectively. Conclusions: The present study shows that undernutrition constituted major health problems among early adolescent school girls in rural areas of India. Hence, the special emphases are needed to formulate various developmental and healthcare programmes for rural communities to prevent undernutrition.

Recién nacidos de madres adolescentes precoces y tardías: ¿hay alguna diferencia? / Newborn from early and late pregnant adolescent

Introducción: los embarazos en la adolescencia llevan a situaciones que pueden atentar contra la salud de la madre, así como la del hijo, constituyendo un problema que no debe ser considerado solamente en los términos de hoy sino también para el futuro. Hay una gran preocupación en relación a la posibilidad de que la madre adolescente presente malos resultados prenatales. Objetivos: analizar características epidemiológicas y aspectos clínicos relevantes del recién nacido de madres adolescentes y comparar las variables analizadas entre las gestantes adolescentes precoces y tardías. Pacientes y métodos: en un estudio transversal, analítico, se evaluaron 2058 registros, siendo 322 del grupo de las precoces y 1736 las tardías, siendo las dos de la maternidad Escuela Assis Chateaubriand de la Universidad Federal de Ceará durante el periodo de un año. Resultados: del total de partos, en el periodo de un año, 26 por ciento eran adolescentes. El índice de prematurez fue de 16,7 por ciento (20,2 por ciento x 16,1por ciento, p = 0,069). El score de apgar 7 en el primer minuto fue 15,1por ciento (19,9 por ciento x 14,2 por ciento, p = 0,008). Otras variables: score de apgar en el quinto minuto, adecuando el peso a determinada edad de gestación malformaciones y muerte neo-natal presentaron índices bajos y sin una diferencia estadística entre los grupos. Conclusiones: no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos de edad entre las características de sus recién nacidos, contrariando afirmaciones bibliográficas.

Introduction: Teenage pregnancies can be an important problem for the health of the mother and the child, not only today but also for the future. Adolescent mothers have the possibility of poorly pre-natal outcome. Objective: We review relevant epidemiological and clinical aspects of newborn from pregnant adolescent and compare the early and late pregnant adolescents. Patients and methods: In a transversal, analytic study, we evaluated 322 early pregnant adolescent and 1736 late pregnant adolescent from the Assis Chateaubriand Maternity Hospital of the Federal University of Ceará during one year. Results In one year, 26 percent of the pregnant were teenagers. The pre-maturity rate was 16.7 percent (20.2 percent vs 16.1percent, p = 0.069). The Apgar score of 7 in the first minute was 15.1 percent (19.9 percent x 14.2 percent, p = 0.008). Other variables: Apgar score in the fifth minute, the birth weight to a given gestational age, birth and neonatal death rate, showed no statistical difference between groups. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference between age groups between the characteristics of their newborns, contrary to literature statements.

A Study of Menstruation of Middle School Students / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to provide preliminary data for menstrual education and research for the early adolescents. METHODS: Participants were 320 middle school students in Gangreung city. Data collection was done from May 1 to May 30, 2004 by self administered questionnaires. RESULTS: In recollecting of menarche experiences, students felt more negative (happy 18.5%, confused 72.6%, embarrassed 82.2%, angry 38.1%, proud 26.2%, excited 15.6%, surprised 54.7%). For menarche preparation, there was a low level of explanations and knowledge of menstruation, and preparedness for menarche. Key informants regarding menstruation experiences were the mother and school teacher. The mean age of menarche was 12.3years old. 66.6% had premenstrual symptoms, and the mean score of VAS for dysmennorrhea was 4.50. Significant variables related to the VAS score were embarrassed of menarche experience (F=3.38, p=.019), preparedness for menarche (F=2.86, p=.038), and premenstrual symptoms (t=63.36, p.000), CONCLUSION: Preparation for a positive menarche experience prior to menarche is necessary. More active menstrual education should be given for early adolescents in the school and family setting. Replication studies in other regions and developing a menstrual education program is recommended. Systematic examinations of perimenstrual discomforts for early adolescents should be followed.