From parents to children: associations of traffic risks with impulsivity, family relationships and serotonin transporter genotype.

Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for young adults, and parents play a major role in shaping their traffic behaviour. Higher impulsivity (predictor of higher traffic risk) has been shown to be dependent on family relations and the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR). The specific mechanisms for the inheritance of risky traffic behaviour from parents to children are not clear, and the genetic aspect has not been studied before. We used data of Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study subjects (n = 596, mean age = 25.2 ± 0.6) and their parents (mothers, n = 460, mean age = 52.1 ± 5.8; fathers, n = 339, mean age = 54.1 ± 6.5). Family relationships scale, traffic risk questionnaires and Adaptive and Maladaptive Impulsivity Scale were filled out. The increased risk-taking behaviour of parents and worse quality of family relationship were significant predictors of higher traffic risk among subjects. Family support and impulsivity of fathers significantly predicted the subjects' traffic risk score in interaction with 5-HTTLPR genotype: l'/l' homozygous subjects with adaptively impulsive fathers had higher traffic risk, whereas for s'-allele carrying subjects family support was more significant. Parental role modelling and family relationships are significant predictors of future traffic behaviour of the child. Whether the behavioural example of the father or the influence of family relationships is more important in predicting future risky traffic behaviour, depends on the 5-HTTLPR genotype of the child.

COVID-19 Vaccine Perspective From Adolescents' Lens in the US.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented global health issue. The World Health Organization estimates 773 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths. Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in all age groups. Though a lot of studies have looked at COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and hesitancy in adults, there is scarce research addressing adolescent vaccination readiness. COVID-19 infection in this age group may result in lost school days, school and community transmission, and loss of productivity for parents. Aim This study aims to determine COVID-19 vaccination rates and factors influencing its acceptance and hesitancy in adolescents in a community setting. Methods A voluntary survey was conducted at a local high school in May 2023. Information was collected about the demographics of adolescents and the educational background of parents/guardians. The survey assessed the COVID vaccine rate, reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or refusal, number of doses of COVID-19 vaccine and boosters received, prior history of COVID-19 infection, source of information on COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine acceptance by the students, and whether they would be willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Results Four hundred participants, ranging in age from 13 to 19, were surveyed. The vaccination rate in boys was comparable to that in girls. 72% received at least one COVID-19 vaccine, and 66% were considered completely vaccinated. Of those completely vaccinated, 80% had undergone further updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Adolescents whose parents/guardians were college graduates had a higher vaccination rate than those whose parents/guardians were not. Caucasians and Asians had a higher vaccination rate compared to African Americans and mixed races. The vaccination rate was not statistically different in adolescents with prior COVID-19 infection versus no prior infection. Flu vaccination was associated with higher COVID-19 vaccination rates. Lack of trust was an important reason for vaccine hesitancy, along with questions about efficacy, concerns about side effects, parent/guardian decisions, and religious reasons. Protecting oneself, family/friends, and community were the major reasons to take the vaccine. Parents/guardians, physicians, peers, television, social media, flyers, and schools were the primary sources that adolescents relied on for information about the COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion Lower education attainment among parents/guardians, African Americans, and mixed races was associated with lower vaccination rates. Lack of trust in the vaccine, questions about efficacy, and fear of side effects were the most frequently cited reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Parent/guardian influence and religious reasons were other significant reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Flu vaccination was associated with higher COVID-19 vaccination rates. Understanding factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination will allow us to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination and other vaccinations appropriate for this age group. Educating adolescents in schools, involving local and state health departments to increase awareness about the vaccine, and educating parents and guardians along with the teenagers can help increase the acceptance of the vaccine. These interventions will also positively affect the acceptance of the booster and prepare us for any future pandemics.

Perceived stress among dental students and the role of parental influence in career decision-making.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to assess perceived stress levels among dental students at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to explore the influence of parental roles in their decision to pursue dentistry as a potential source of social stress. METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed the validated Dental Environmental Stress (DES) Scale to evaluate perceived stress, and incorporated additional questions to fulfill the research aim. We approached all undergraduate dental students at King Saud University, both male and female, across all academic years, using online channels (such as emails, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc.) and hard copy distribution. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20, utilizing descriptive and correlation statistics. RESULTS: A total of 326 students participated in the study, with an even distribution of male and female students. Female students reported higher levels of stress compared to their male counterparts across most DES domains. A notable correlation emerged between mean DES scores in certain domains and influence of parents in the decision to pursue dentistry. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that female dental students experience higher stress levels than males in all examined areas, barring social stressors. Furthermore, the study underscores the significant impact of parental involvement in choosing dentistry as a career on students' stress level.

Parent's awareness of, and influence on, their 14-17-year-old child's vaping and smoking behaviours; an analysis of 3242 parent-child pairs in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Vaping by young people in Australia is a rapidly emerging public health issue. Evidence shows that parental behaviours and attitudes can play a key role in influencing adolescent behaviours. Considering the health harms of vaping and evidence that it can be a gateway to tobacco smoking for never-smokers, it is important to understand whether parents' smoking and vaping behaviours influence their teenage children's smoking and vaping behaviours. METHODS: Online cross-sectional surveys as part of the Generation Vape study, conducted in Australia in 2021/2022, were used to assess parents' influence on, and awareness of, one of their 14-17-year-old child's vaping and smoking behaviours. Participants were 3242 parents and 3242 14-17-year-old teenage children. RESULTS: The risk of vaping and smoking uptake among 14-17-year-old teenagers was 42% (p = 0.003) and 97% (p < 0.001) higher, respectively, if their parent was an ever-vaper. The risk of vaping and smoking uptake among teenagers was 81% (p < 0.001) and 159% (p < 0.001) higher, respectively, if their parent was an ever-smoker. Parents of teenagers who have not vaped were considerably better at correctly predicting this (97% correct) than parents of teenagers who have vaped (70% correct). Compared to parents, teenagers tended to have less agreement with statements suggesting vaping is unsafe or harmful, and more agreement with statements suggesting vaping is relatively safe. CONCLUSIONS: Parental smoking and vaping behaviours are associated with those of their children. Hence, it is important that both tobacco and vaping control policies and interventions are designed to influence behaviours of all demographics, consistent with the evidence.

Micro-level Factors Associated with Youth Drug Use Among an Urban at-Risk Youth Sample.

BACKGROUND: Youth drug use has reached global epidemic proportions with unequal distribution among communities with low income, immigrants, or ethnic status. PURPOSE: This study seeks to understand the association between micro-level factors and youth drug use behavior among 2693 low-income, ethnic, and immigrant youths in Pomona, CA, USA. The study uneath's unique evidence and intervention elements necessary to resolve youth drug use in Pomona. METHODS: We used social cognitive theory as a conceptual framework, and performed correlation and multiple linear regression analysis in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results reveal that attitudes, perceptions, and behavior related to friends, participants, family, and adults in the participant's life and ease of access to drugs are associated with youth drug use. Variables related to friends and participants show a relatively stronger association with youth drug use in comparison to variables related to parents and adults in participants' lives. Equally, drug and non-drug antisocial behavior of friends and participants show a stronger association with youth drug use relative to prosocial behavior. Also, when a diverse set of predictor variables are combined together, their association to the outcome variable is stronger than that of a single variable. RECOMMENDATIONS: Future interventions in Pomona should prioritize strategies which target participants and friends over activities targeting parents and adults. Interventions targeting antisocial behavior should be prioritized over prosocial behavior. Program implementers should also develop unique evidence and tools which will help parents influence the drug use behavior of youths in Pomona and similar communities.

The Father's Part: Influences of Paternal Psychopathology and Parenting Behavior on Child and Adolescent Well-Being.

Family influences on child quality of life (QoL) are increasingly understood. Parenting behavior and parent individual psychopathology are among the established predictors of offspring mental health. However, literature often addresses these factors as 'parental', lacking further gender-specific differentiation while predominantly studying maternal aspects. Social and biological fathers are still underrepresented in family research. The aim of this study was to analyze paternal contributions to child well-being. A total of 197 father/mother-dyads gave a standardized self-report on parenting behavior and their own psychopathology at child primary school age (t1; 6-10 y). Ratings were compared mutually and associated with child self-rated QoL at t1 and adolescence (t2; 12-14 y). Fathers and mothers differed in psychopathology and most parenting behavior dimensions (positive parenting, involvement, responsible parenting, poor monitoring, and corporal punishment). Father psychopathology made a relevant predictive contribution to girls' QoL at t2. Boys' t1 QoL was significantly influenced by maternal parenting factors (positivity and corporal punishment). Compared to mothers, fathers are faced with different individual stressors; paternal parenting behavior is different, while fathers' influences are significant, particularly for daughters. Father-addressed pre- and intervention programs in child psychotherapeutic treatment are of high relevance.

Effects of Parental Involvement on Glycemic Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is typically diagnosed in pediatric patients. Transitioning from supported management in childhood to self-management in adolescence is an important step. Parental psychosocial influence is a possible factor in adolescents' disease control. This review summarized the effects of parental involvement on glycemic control in adolescents with T1DM by focusing on hemoglobin A1c (HgbAIc). A scoping review per the Guidance for Systematic Scoping Reviews was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: (a) studies in English, (b) focused on adolescents with T1DM, (c) outcomes included HgbAIc, and (d) focused on parental influence of children with T1DM. Of 476 articles, 14 were included. The study outcomes were classified based on direct or indirect influence. "Parental support for adherence" and "parental conflict" significantly affected HgbAIc control. This study provides current evidence on parental influence on glycemic control in adolescents.

Psychosocial and Cultural Processes Underlying the Epidemiological Paradox within U.S. Latino Sexual Risk: A Systematic Review.

According to the epidemiological paradox, less acculturated Latina/o youth display fewer sexual risk behaviors. A systematic review was performed on psychosocial and cultural mechanisms potentially underlying the epidemiological paradox in sexual risk behaviors of U.S. Latina/o youth across acculturation measures (between January 2000 to October 2022). Thirty-five publications (n = 35) with forty-eight analyses of underlying mechanisms met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one results from twenty-three publications found supporting evidence that one of the five factors was an underlying mechanism in the epidemiological paradox (n = 13 parenting practices, n = 4 peer influences, n = 4 familismo values, n = 4 religiosity, n = 6 traditional gender norms) as, generally protective, mediators or moderators in the link between acculturation and sexual risk behaviors. Studies varied in the sexual risk behavior examined and measurement of acculturation, but primarily employed cross-sectional designs and recruited samples through schools. Mechanisms that enhance close ties and unity of the family, such as those of familismo values and positive parenting, reduce the likelihood of sexual risk behaviors as Latina/o youth become more acculturated. Future directions are discussed which may provide guidance for risk prevention and intervention.

A Parental Behavior Scale in Pediatric Dentistry: The Development of an Observational Scale.

Children's treatment means a triangular relationship between the child, practitioner, and parent, with specific interactions influencing the procedure. The objective was to create and validate a hetero-rating scale of parental behavior and verify the correlation between child and parental behavior during pediatric dentistry sessions. Treatment sessions were recorded and evaluated, including 60 children representing three age groups. Two raters interpreted the resulting video clips using the modified Venham scale for children and the new hetero-rating scale for parents. They analyzed the videos twice and attributed scores at different time points of the appointment. The correlation between parental behavior upon entrance and the children's behavioral at the dental office in the treatment stage was significantly positive in both raters (Kendall Tau: 0.20-0.30). Furthermore, a panel of 20 dental practitioners scored a randomized selection of five recordings per age group. The level of agreement between the two experts was higher than that between the 20 clinicians. Venham types of scale involving multiple aspects can be used in research, but their application in dental practice requires further development. The link between parental anxiety and child anxiety is confirmed, but further research is required to incorporate specific aspects of treatment and parental behavior.

Parental Interference in Offspring's Mate Choice: Sets of Actions and Counteractions Based on Both Perspectives.

Mate choice in humans is specific by the involvement of kin both in partner choice and in the functioning of the relationship. The influence of relatives ranges from providing advice all the way to arranged marriages. Existing research so far tended to map neither the actual parental interventions and further reactions (counteractions) nor the independently pursued behavior (actions) by which the offspring or their partners assert their interests. This study identified such sets of behaviors through semi-structured individual interviews with members of 20 dyads of adult offspring and their biological parents (five son-mother, five son-father, five daughter-mother, and five daughter-father dyads). Thematic analysis revealed sets of parental actions aimed at the offspring, their partners, and the couple as a whole, as well as further counteractions (reactions to parental interference) and independently pursued behavior (actions) of the offspring and their partners aimed at the parents in the context of the offspring's previous or current relationship. Our findings showed that parental interference differed depending on the recipient: toward the couple were applied mainly indirect and supportive parental actions, whereas when facing their offspring or offspring's partner, parents' actions were more direct and disruptive. Our results thus indicate the importance of reporting about actual interactions which differ from the hypothetical settings used in prior studies by lower intensity. Moreover, by interviewing both members of dyads, we expanded the sets of actions and counteractions identified by prior studies and managed to limit self-reporting bias.

Interaction between Geographical Areas and Family Environment of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, Nutritional Knowledge and Obesity of Adolescents.

There are marked differences in the regional distribution of childhood obesity in Italy. This study sought to investigate the interaction between geographical areas and family environment of dietary habits, physical activity, nutritional knowledge and obesity of adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 school-aged children and 298 parents residing in Central Italy (Florence, Tuscany) and Southern Italy (Corigliano, Calabria), in 2021. Survey questionnaire investigated anthropometry, eating behavior, nutritional knowledge and physical activity. BMI was determined and compared with reference percentile charts for adolescents. Multivariate regression analyses showed that: (1) an adolescent's BMI was directly influenced by their parents' BMI independently of parental nutritional knowledge and dietary or physical activity habits; (2) parents transmitted eating or physical activity habits to their children; (3) the geographic region of residence is not in itself an independent determinant of children's BMI. The clear message is that prevention of childhood obesity should consider family-based approaches. Parental obesity can be the point of convergence of the complex interactions between a parent's and child's habits and should be one of the most important factors to look for.

Psychological reactance and adolescent cannabis use: The role of parental warmth and monitoring.

Psychological reactance (PR) is a psychological state or trait typified by resistant responses to threats to behavioral freedom. PR has been linked with negative health behaviors, including risky substance use; however, factors that may foster approaches to mitigate the impact of PR on these behaviors, as well as rejection of other health promotion communications is less understood. The current studies examined relations between parental warmth and monitoring with trait PR and responses to preventive cannabis communications and usage intentions. Two in-school surveys were administered to two difference samples of middle school students (Study 1, N = 1,416; Study 2, N = 1,118). Path analytic models tested multivariable linkages among relevant parenting variables, PR, and outcomes associated with cannabis use. Follow-up regression analyses explored significant interaction effects. In Study 1 (p <0.001) and Study 2 (p <0.01), parental warmth moderated the relation between monitoring and trait PR: High monitoring was a protective factor only when combined with high warmth. In turn, PR mediated the relationships between parenting practices and cannabis intentions in both studies (p <0.001). In Study 2, PR also was linked with resistance to persuasion via more unfavorable reactions to anti-cannabis appeals (p <0.001). Findings indicated that low parental warmth combined with high parental monitoring was associated with high trait reactance in adolescents, which predisposed them to stronger resistance to preventive communications. Interventions might focus on counseling parents about the likely outcomes of parenting style, and ways to implement beneficial approaches.

Attitudes and risky sexual behavior among youth in Kampala, Uganda: Empirical analyses of risk factors by gender.

Objective: This study sought to examine gender differences and the influence of peer and parental perceptions on sexual risk behaviors among an at-risk sample of youth living in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: Using the cross-sectional Kampala Youth Survey (2014) based in Kampala, Uganda (n = 1134), bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine the odds of sexual risk behaviors based on peer and parental influence variables and gender. Results: The perceptions of peer, adult, and parental opinions on sexual activity were significantly associated with varying levels across all risky sexual behaviors explored. When indexed and adjusted for other variables, females compared to males were at increased odds of participating in 3-4 risky sexual behaviors (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.90) and 5-6 risky sexual behaviors (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.68) compared to zero risky sexual behaviors. Conclusions: Adolescent sexual risk behaviors are subject to peer and parental influence and vary between genders. Innovation: This study emphasizes the importance of peer influences in adolescent sexual risk behaviors. Many of these youth are orphans, which may explain the lack of association between parental influences and sexual risk behavior. School-based and community-based interventions may be effective at preventing risky sexual behaviors for this vulnerable population.

The effect of family structure on physical activity levels among children and adolescents in Western China in the era of COVID-19.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the levels of physical activity (PA) among children and adolescents in western China, and the influence of parents on their PA, in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a multistage questionnaire to evaluate 4800 children and adolescents of grades 4-12 (9-17 years old) from 48 primary and secondary schools across 16 districts and counties in western China. In addition to PA, questionnaires collected data on demography, family structure, and exercise habits. Data were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression models in SPSS. RESULTS: In this study, a minority (42.1%, n = 1553) of children and adolescents met the daily exercise target (60 min) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) level of boys was significantly higher than that of girls. Regardless of sex, children with the highest MVPA levels were those in grades 4-6, and PA levels decreased with increasing age. Furthermore, for every hour of increase in the daily MVPA of parents, the MVPA also increased by 6.1-13.9 min in children and adolescents. Moreover, areas of higher economic development were associated with lower levels of MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study found a low level of MVPA in children and adolescents of western China; both family structure and parental activity have a significant influence on the children's PA levels. Besides, the impact of COVID-19 on PA levels has not been entirely negative.

ADHD and dangerous driving in emerging adults: The moderating role of family climate for road safety.

Dangerous driving accounts for 95% of driving fatalities among emerging adults. Emerging adult drivers exhibiting symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at greater risk for motor vehicle crashes and engaging in unsafe driving practices; however, not all individuals with ADHD symptoms exhibit such risk. Several studies have found that drivers' perceptions of their family's values and priorities related to driving practices predict driving outcomes among emerging adults; these factors have not been examined in the context of ADHD symptomology. We examined family climate for road safety as a moderator of ADHD symptoms and dangerous driving behaviors in a sample of college students. A total of 4,392 participants completed surveys measuring self-reported ADHD symptoms, dangerous driving behavior, and family climate for road safety. Results indicated that higher levels of parental feedback weakened the relation between ADHD symptoms and aggressive driving; higher levels of parental monitoring strengthened this relationship. Higher levels of parental monitoring strengthened the association between ADHD symptoms and negative emotion while driving. When participants perceived their parents as having high levels of noncommitment to road safety, the association between ADHD symptoms and self-reported risky driving increased. Higher levels of open communication about unsafe driving attenuated the relation between ADHD and risky driving. Overall, some but not all components of family climate for road safety appear to affect the relation between ADHD symptoms and dangerous driving in the expected direction.

Investigating the Parental and Media Influence on Gender Stereotypes and Young Student's Career Choices in Pakistan.

The study aimed to examine the impact of parental influence and media richness on gender stereotypes and career decisions among students at the secondary level in Pakistan. The sample size was 200 students, selected through a simple random sampling technique from government and private schools. Four questionnaires were used to gather data. The data was analyzed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Regression analyses were used to investigate the impact of parental influence (ß = 0.50) on gender stereotypes and media richness influence (ß = 0.26) on gender stereotype beliefs. Furthermore, parental, media, and gender stereotype behavior all have a significant impact on students' career choices (R 2 = 0.694). On the scale of the parental influence and media richness, no significant gender differences were found. It is concluded that parental influence has a greater effect on students' gender stereotyping behavior and career choices.

Parental Factors Associated With Physical Activity Among East Asian Children/Youth: A Meta-Analysis Based on the Active Healthy Kids Report Cards.

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor for mortality. The Active Healthy Kids Report Cards provide comprehensive evidence related to PA in children/adolescents. Associations of (1) parental support for PA with amount of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) performed by children/adolescents and (2) amount of MVPA performed by parents with amount of MVPA performed by children/adolescents, as indicated by Report Cards, have not been critically synthesized in meta-analysis. We selected data in Asian countries/regions Report Cards and performed meta-analyses to assess pooled associations of influence indicators and behavior indicators among children/adolescents in Asian countries/regions. Our meta-analyses included five studies that assessed association of parental support or MVPA performance with child/adolescent MVPA performance. Positive association was observed between the amount of time spent by parents on MVPA per week, regardless of gender, and the amount of time spent by children and adolescents on MVPA per week (r = .11; I2 = 40%). In East Asia, the amount of MVPA performed by parents appears to be an important factor influencing the participation of children/adolescents in PA.

Parental and media influence on body image and depression: the mediational role of self-concept clarity.

Objective: This study examined the association among media, parental influence self-concept clarity (SCC), body image, and depression. Participants: 275 college students in South Korea participated in the survey. Methods: A structural equation model was applied to test the mediation model. Results: Results supported the hypothesized model and indicated that SCC mediated the association between media association and negative body image. Moreover, parental influence was directly associated with negative body image which, in turn, was associated with depression. Conclusions: Given that SSC mediates media's influences on college students' body image, practitioners can help students who are suffering from negative body image to have a clear sense of self by exploring other aspects of one's self, other than body image. Parental influences directly affected college students' body image in S. Korea, and these results conceptualize negative body image in terms of individual SSC with cultural consideration.

Parental Control and Adolescent Delinquency Based on Parallel Process Latent Growth Curve Modeling.

Although ample evidence demonstrates parental influences on delinquent behavior in adolescent years, few studies have examined how change in adolescent delinquency and change in parental behavior are related to each other, particularly in late adolescence. This study utilized survey data collected over three high school years (N = 3074 Grade 10 students; mean age = 15.57, SD = 0.74 at Time 1) to examine how change trajectory of adolescent-reported delinquency is related to change trajectory of adolescent perceived parental behavioral and psychological control using parallel process growth curve modeling. Results revealed that adolescent delinquency level was negatively associated with both parents' behavioral control and positively associated with parents' psychological control at Time 1 (Grade 10). However, adolescent delinquency increased in parallel with decreased parental behavioral control, but not a change in psychological control. Initial paternal behavioral control positively predicted a linear increase slope of adolescent delinquency while initial adolescent delinquency level also positively predicted a linear decrease slope of paternal behavioral control. These results highlight the parallel development of parents' behavioral control and children's delinquent behavior and delineate the reciprocal influence between paternal behavioral control and adolescent children's delinquency.

Healing the next generation: an adaptive agent model for the effects of parental narcissism.

Parents play an important role in the mental development of a child. In our previous work, we addressed how a narcissistic parent influences a child (online/offline) when (s)he is happy and admires the child. Now, we address the influence of a parent who is not so much pleased, and may curse the child for being the reason for his or her unhappiness. An abusive relationship with a parent can also cause trauma and poor mental health of the child. We also address how certain coping behaviors can help the child cope with such a situation. Therefore, the aim of the study is threefold. We present an adaptive agent model of a child, while incorporating the concept of mirroring through social contagion, the avoidance behaviors from a child, and the effects of regulation strategies to cope with stressful situations.