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Brain Sciences
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Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health
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Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (23 January 2026) | Viewed by 4843

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ilaria Riboldi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
Interests: mental health; youth mental health; eating disorders; epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The mental health of young people is a growing global concern. Rapid cultural changes and technological innovations have created a complex mental health landscape. Emerging issues such as pressure for high performance, social media influence, climate change anxiety, as well as identity struggles, highlight the urgent need for research that informs effective interventions. Indeed, all these factors have been shown to affect neural development, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and associated pathways influencing stress responses and mental health outcomes. As a result, rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms, eating disorders, suicidal behaviours, together with emerging forms of addiction have risen among young people. In this context, innovative solutions such as digital interventions and community-driven approaches are reforming the way mental health services are delivered to the younger generations.

This special issue aims to highlight emerging trends, innovative practices, and multidisciplinary approaches in youth mental health, offering insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.

Aims of the Special Issue

The special issue will cover a wide range of topics in youth mental health, including:

  • Emerging Challenges: Examining the influence of high-performance demands, social media, climate change anxiety, as well as identity issues and new struggles on youth mental health.
  • Neurobiological Perspectives: Exploring the impact of socio-cultural changes on neural development, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and associated pathways influencing stress responses and mental health outcomes.
  • Innovations in Interventions: Highlighting advancements in digital mental health tools, school-based programs, and preventive strategies aimed at early detection in young people.

Dr. Ilaria Riboldi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health
  • adolescent mental health
  • young adult
  • stress, psychological
  • social media
  • climate change
  • identity development
  • digital health
  • school health services

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 446 KB  
Article
TikTok and Instagram as Putative Social Media in Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Youths At-Risk for Eating/Feeding Disorders and Body Image Dissatisfaction
by Laura Orsolini, Giulio Longo, Teresa Cantarini, Salvatore Reina and Umberto Volpe
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(4), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16040379 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 945
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of Social Networks (SNS), particularly among youths, could promote Feeding and Eating Disorders (FEDs), but could also be a tool for implementing FED prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify which SNS could be most effective for implementing [...] Read more.
Background: The widespread use of Social Networks (SNS), particularly among youths, could promote Feeding and Eating Disorders (FEDs), but could also be a tool for implementing FED prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify which SNS could be most effective for implementing primary and secondary FED prevention. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted via an Italian population-based survey, distributed using a snowball sampling strategy. The survey included 283 participants aged 18–35 by using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the SCOFF screening tool for FEDs, items from the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Mukbang Addiction Scale (MAS). Results: The sample was predominantly female (69.3%). Participants screening positive on the SCOFF were more frequently TikTok users. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that TikTok use was associated with SCOFF positivity (OR = 1.9) and body image concerns (e.g., spending a lot of time in front of the mirror; OR = 1.9). Instagram use was associated with body image dissatisfaction (OR = 3.9). In the overall sample, the likelihood of screening positive on the SCOFF was associated with TikTok use (OR = 1.7), higher BSMAS scores (OR = 1.1), exposure to body positivity/neutrality content (OR = 1.9), and watching Mukbang videos (OR = 1.8). Conclusions: TikTok and, to a lesser extent, Instagram appear to be widely used by young individuals vulnerable to FEDs and body image dissatisfaction. These platforms may therefore represent strategic channels for delivering educational and preventive interventions targeting eating behaviors and body image among young people. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify causal relationships and evaluate the effectiveness of SNS-based prevention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health)
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21 pages, 1296 KB  
Article
Emotion Recognition Ability in Preschoolers: Outcomes of a Socio-Emotional Intervention
by Alessandro De Santis, Giusi Antonia Toto, Guendalina Peconio, Annamaria Petito and Pierpaolo Limone
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(3), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16030269 - 27 Feb 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 737
Abstract
Background: Emotion recognition ability (ERA) plays a central role in children’s socio-emotional functioning, supporting early social interactions. This study examined whether ERA shows a pre–post change in a classroom-based training context and explored the association between ERA and socio-emotional adjustment. A secondary [...] Read more.
Background: Emotion recognition ability (ERA) plays a central role in children’s socio-emotional functioning, supporting early social interactions. This study examined whether ERA shows a pre–post change in a classroom-based training context and explored the association between ERA and socio-emotional adjustment. A secondary aim was to compare ERA between children with and without behavioral difficulties. Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a controlled non-randomized pre–post design was conducted. The sample included 159 children attending four public elementary schools. Study 1 compared an experimental and a control group assessed before and after the intervention using the DANVA-2-RV. Study 2 examined associations between ERA and behavioral functioning assessed via teacher reports (SDQ-TV) using correlational and group comparison analyses. Results: In Study 1, multivariate analyses revealed a significant main effect of Time, indicating overall variation across assessment points, whereas the Time × Group interaction was not statistically significant. Follow-up analyses were therefore interpreted descriptively. In Study 2, lower ERA was associated with higher socio-emotional difficulties, particularly peer problems. Conclusions: Across both studies, ERA varied over time regardless of group condition and was linked to socio-emotional adjustment in early childhood. However, the findings do not support a causal interpretation attributing these changes to the intervention. Future randomized studies are needed to determine whether targeted interventions can effectively modify ERA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health)
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14 pages, 610 KB  
Article
Understanding the Role of Loneliness in the Relationships Between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Both Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Among University Students: A Mediation Analysis
by Ilaria Riboldi, Cristina Crocamo, Chiara Alessandra Capogrosso, Francesco Bartoli, Jo Armes, Cath Taylor and Giuseppe Carrà
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080787 - 24 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Both traumatic and stressful events, including major life changes, may contribute to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS), often associated with anxiety and depression. Feelings of loneliness may influence these relationships, whilst social support seems to mitigate the effects of stressful events on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Both traumatic and stressful events, including major life changes, may contribute to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS), often associated with anxiety and depression. Feelings of loneliness may influence these relationships, whilst social support seems to mitigate the effects of stressful events on mental health. Our study thus aimed to evaluate the mediating role of loneliness in the relationships between PTS and both anxiety and depressive symptoms among university students. Methods: The data were from the CAMPUS study (0058642/21; FHMS 20-21 157), a survey on university students’ mental health in Italy and the UK. Using a logit model, mediation analyses were carried out to test whether the relationships between PTS and both anxiety and depressive symptoms might be mediated by loneliness. A path analysis was then performed to jointly test the associations between the Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IES-R)’s subscales and clinical domains. Results: Positive associations were found between PTS and both anxiety (p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). However, loneliness mediated approximately 22% of the effect of the PTS on anxiety symptoms (indirect effect: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.59; 1.48, p < 0.001) and approximately 33% of the effect of the PTS on depressive symptoms (indirect effect: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.22; 2.39, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the path analysis indicated associations between the IES-R’s hyperarousal subscale and both anxiety (coeff.: 0.34, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (coeff.: 0.27, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Along with the associations between PTS and both anxiety and depressive symptoms, our findings highlight the key role of loneliness in both these associations. Targeted interventions to reduce loneliness, especially for students exposed to traumatic events, may ultimately improve their mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health)
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11 pages, 245 KB  
Study Protocol
Study Protocol of a Pilot Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of an Integrated Therapeutic Intervention Based on Role-Playing Games (RPGs) in Adolescents and Young Adults with Anxiety, Depression and Emotional Dysregulation Disorders
by Cristiano Lupi, Laura Orsolini, Alberto Conte, Giuseppe Loris Nuzzo and Umberto Volpe
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16030281 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 692
Abstract
Adolescence and early adulthood are critical developmental periods marked by an increasing vulnerability to emotional dysregulation and social difficulties, highlighting the need for engaging psychosocial interventions. This protocol presents a pilot study on the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a structured group intervention [...] Read more.
Adolescence and early adulthood are critical developmental periods marked by an increasing vulnerability to emotional dysregulation and social difficulties, highlighting the need for engaging psychosocial interventions. This protocol presents a pilot study on the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a structured group intervention based on Role-Playing Games (RPGs), designed to promote and support psychological well-being in transitional-aged youths. The study plans to recruit 54 participants (aged 15–24) who will take part in a 12 weekly, 2 h RPG-based intervention facilitated by trained clinicians. These clinicians will guide patients through narrative role-playing and a guided mentalization-based therapy through the gaming experience. All participants will be assessed at pre-, mid- and post-intervention, as well as during the 1- and 6-month follow-up, in the following dimensions: (a) mood, (b) anxiety, (c) emotional regulation, (d) alexithymia, and (e) coping skills. The following assessment tools will be administered: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE). We expect the trial pilot will demonstrate good feasibility, greater participant engagement and treatment adherence, and improvements in all emotional and affective dimensions. This study seeks to establish foundational data to inform larger randomized controlled trials, with a follow-up, positioning RPG-based group interventions as potentially accessible, engaging, and convenient tools within youth mental health services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health)
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