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Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition)
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Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2025) | Viewed by 25997

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Cristina Nunes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. University Research Center in Psychology (CUIP), 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
2. Department of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: at-risk family context assessment; family preservation; positive parenting; evidence-based interventions; well-being in children and adolescence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cláudia Carmo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
1. University Research Center in Psychology (CUIP), 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
2. Department of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: psychopathology; children; adolescents; mental illness; psychotherapeutic processes; treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mental disorders are the largest cause of the burden of disease in the world. Evidence is accumulating on the broad impact that the well-being one has during childhood and adolescence has on physical and mental health across the course of a lifetime. In fact, most of the disease burden affecting adults has its onset during childhood and adolescence.

There is a growing concern about the mental health and well-being of children, with increasing demand for counselling services and referrals to mental health services. It has been well established in the existing literature that children and young people who experience positive support from parents and teachers may develop psychological resilience. Children and adolescents with higher levels of psychological well-being have higher levels of academic achievement; they are also more likely to have a higher level of engagement in school life and satisfaction in their later life, and they are usually more productive workers.

Family factors, including the quality of parental care, can make a huge difference to children’s early life pathways, for better or for worse. Understanding how best to intervene to support parents is a key challenge. Thus, there is a strong need to expand our knowledge on how to reduce risk factors and promote protective environments.

Considering the success and popularity of the Special Issue "Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children", previously published in the Children journal (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/children/special_issues/65Y42R6R9E), we are now set to release a second Special Issue that aims to address this topic by inviting scholars to share their findings, perspectives, and approaches, with the aim of promoting child mental health and well-being. Qualitative or quantitative contributions from basic or applied research that will improve the knowledge on key topics within this field are welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Cristina Nunes
Guest Editor

Dr. Cláudia Carmo
Guest Editor Assistant

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. Children 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 2400 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

  • children
  • well-being
  • mental health
  • parenting
  • family support
  • evidence-based interventions
  • resilience
  • risk factors
  • protective factors

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 316 KB  
Article
The Role of Parental Perfectionism and Child Temperament in the Intergenerational Transmission of Perfectionism: A Pilot Study
by Diana Oliveira, Carolina Martins, Luís Faísca, Marta Brás, Cristina Nunes and Cláudia Carmo
Children 2025, 12(11), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12111452 - 25 Oct 2025
Viewed by 891
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Perfectionism is a personality trait characterised by the setting of extremely high and unrealistic personal standards, accompanied by critical self-evaluations. The literature indicates that perfectionism may develop as a learned behaviour, shaped by parent–child interactions, highlighting the influence of parental, individual and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Perfectionism is a personality trait characterised by the setting of extremely high and unrealistic personal standards, accompanied by critical self-evaluations. The literature indicates that perfectionism may develop as a learned behaviour, shaped by parent–child interactions, highlighting the influence of parental, individual and environmental factors. This quantitative study examines how parental perfectionism/practices and child temperament contribute to early perfectionism. Methods: The sample comprised 32 first-grade children (9 girls) from Faro district, aged between five and seven, and their parental figures. Parental perfectionism was assessed using self-report questionnaires, while children’s characteristics were evaluated through a combination of parent-report measures, direct observation, and interview-based methods. Results: Children self-rated higher perfectionism than parents attributed, with modest cross-informant agreement for socially prescribed and negligible agreement for Self-Oriented Perfectionism. Direct parent–child associations were small and method-dependent. Coercive/intrusive parenting corresponded to higher child Socially Prescribed Perfectionism, with convergence between observed intrusiveness and self-reported coercive practices. Temperament showed modest, patterned covariation with parenting and child perfectionism. Notably, Effortful Control attenuated the association between parental and child Socially Prescribed Perfectionism, whereas Surgency/Extraversion and Negative Affect did not; no temperament dimension moderated Self-Oriented Perfectionism. Conclusions: Findings indicate a complex interplay between dispositional and environmental factors in early childhood and underscore the value of multi-informant, multi-method assessment. As a pilot study, these findings provide initial insights into the intergenerational transmission of perfectionism in small children and serve as a basis for generating hypotheses and guiding future research, emphasising longitudinal designs and diverse samples to strengthen validity and clarify intergenerational processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
24 pages, 310 KB  
Article
The Impact of the 10VIDA Program on Socioemotional Adjustment and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Preliminary Study
by Pilar Rodríguez-Rubio, Javier Martín-Ávila, Esther Rodríguez-Jiménez, Selene Valero-Moreno, Inmaculada Montoya-Castilla and Marián Pérez-Marín
Children 2025, 12(10), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101291 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) during adolescence increases the risk of psychosocial difficulties. To address these challenges, the 10VIDA program was developed to support psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, and quality of life. This study examined socioemotional factors linked to chronic illness [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) during adolescence increases the risk of psychosocial difficulties. To address these challenges, the 10VIDA program was developed to support psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, and quality of life. This study examined socioemotional factors linked to chronic illness adjustment and psychological well-being in adolescents with T1DM, assessing the impact of the 10VIDA intervention. Methods: Adolescents with T1DM participated in two studies: (1) an inter-group design with experimental and control groups assessed pre- and post-intervention, and (2) an intra-subject longitudinal design with three assessments (two pre-intervention and one post-intervention). All participants completed the 10VIDA intervention delivered online through seven sessions: five targeted adolescents with T1DM, while two included primary caregivers. The program’s main objective was to enhance well-being and quality of life. Results: Girls reported higher anxiety and depression, while boys showed greater self-esteem and emotional well-being. The experimental group experienced significant reductions in discomfort, anxiety, depression, and perceived illness threat, alongside improvements in self-esteem and psychological well-being. Intra-subject analysis also revealed increased well-being and decreased discomfort after intervention. Conclusions: The 10VIDA program effectively addressed socioemotional challenges in adolescents with T1DM and reshaping illness perception. These findings underscore the importance of integrated psychological support to improve adjustment and quality of life in chronic illness during adolescence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
12 pages, 233 KB  
Article
Delivering the Parenting for Lifelong Health Programme with Parents of Young Children in Wales
by Judy Hutchings, Sarah Jones, Anwen Jones, Margiad Williams and Jamie Lachman
Children 2025, 12(10), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101280 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 780
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Based on years of work from high-income countries, the Parenting for Lifelong Health programme for parents of Young Children (PLH-YC) was developed by the first and last authors, as a freely available low-cost programme for low-income families in low- and middle-income countries [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Based on years of work from high-income countries, the Parenting for Lifelong Health programme for parents of Young Children (PLH-YC) was developed by the first and last authors, as a freely available low-cost programme for low-income families in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initial group-based 12-session programme has since been delivered, adapted, and evaluated across many LMICs and now has a significant body of evidence. Over the last 10 years, early intervention services in the UK have been considerably reduced whilst, exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19, service demands have grown. This paper describes a feasibility trial of the 12-session PLH-YC programme in Wales to explore whether it could recruit and retain parents, and demonstrate improvements in parenting skills and reductions in child behaviour problems. Methods: Two small pre–post trials were conducted in socially disadvantaged communities in Wales, and they were delivered by local parenting practitioners. Of the 20 parents recruited across 3 groups, 17 provided pre- and post-course data and 10 completed qualitative interviews. Results: Retention was good (85%) with mean attendance of 8.7 sessions, and parental and facilitator feedback reported high levels of satisfaction with the programme, with the only recommendation being to make the programme longer and for facilitators to be given more time. Results showed significant benefits to parent-reported parenting practices, child behaviour, and parental mental wellbeing. Conclusions: These preliminary results justify work to develop a rigorous evaluation to establish whether PLH-YC could have a place among parenting-support programmes in the UK. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
18 pages, 807 KB  
Article
Let’s Learn About Emotions Program: Acceptability, Fidelity, and Students’ Mental Well-Being Outcomes for Finnish Primary School Children
by Yuko Mori, Tiia Ståhlberg, Xiao Zhang, Kaisa Mishina, Sanna Herkama, Tarja Korpilahti-Leino, Terja Ristkari, Meeri Kanasuo, Saara Siirtola, Vesa Närhi, Hannu Savolainen, Susanna Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki, Shiho Torii, Kohei Matsubara, Kohei Kishida, Noriko Hida, Shin-ichi Ishikawa and Andre Sourander
Children 2025, 12(9), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12091251 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
Background/Objectives: School-based universal mental health interventions offer an inclusive and scalable approach to promote mental health and well-being among children. This study evaluates the Let’s Learn About Emotions (Opitaan tunteista in Finnish) program, an evidence-based, teacher-led universal school-based intervention originally developed in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: School-based universal mental health interventions offer an inclusive and scalable approach to promote mental health and well-being among children. This study evaluates the Let’s Learn About Emotions (Opitaan tunteista in Finnish) program, an evidence-based, teacher-led universal school-based intervention originally developed in Japan and culturally adapted for Finnish primary schools. Methods: A total of 512 fourth-grade students from 14 schools participated in the 12-week program during spring 2023. Using a mixed-methods design, we assessed (1) the program’s acceptability among students, parents, teachers, and school principals, (2) fidelity of implementation, and (3) changes in students’ mental well-being pre- to post-intervention. Quantitative data included standardized questionnaires with valid responses collected from 233 students at baseline and 209 students at post-intervention, as well as parents and teachers. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions involving parents, teachers, and school principals during spring 2024. Results: Acceptability was high across all respondent groups. Teachers adhered closely to the teaching manual, as confirmed by self-reports and direct classroom observations. Statistically significant improvements were observed in parent-reported conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems, though student self-reports did not show similar benefits. Conclusions: The program was found to be both acceptable and culturally appropriate in the Finnish context. Findings from this study provide valuable insights for refining and improving the program for future implementation. To more rigorously examine its effectiveness, future studies should employ a randomized controlled trial design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
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19 pages, 526 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of the Autism Behavior Assessment Scale (ABAS)
by Ibrahim Halil Diken, Ozlem Diken and Umit Isik
Children 2025, 12(8), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081038 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Despite increased awareness, timely diagnosis in Türkiye remains limited due to the lack of culturally appropriate, psychometrically robust [...] Read more.
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Despite increased awareness, timely diagnosis in Türkiye remains limited due to the lack of culturally appropriate, psychometrically robust assessment tools. Objective: This study aimed to develop, validate, and standardize the Autism Behavior Assessment Scale (ABAS) as a reliable and culturally adapted tool for assessing ASD-related behaviors in individuals aged 3–24 years in Türkiye. Methods: Employing a three-phase, nine-step scale development framework, data were gathered from 1275 informants (parents and professionals) across 14 provinces. The ABAS comprises 36 items rated on a three-point Likert scale, spanning four subscales: Restricted Repetitive Behaviors & Sensory Sensitivity (RRBSS), Social Interaction (SI), Social Communication (SC), and Non-Developmental Speech (NDS). Psychometric analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, reliability testing, and validation against established instruments. Results: The four-factor structure was confirmed via EFA and CFA with excellent model fit. The ABAS demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.91–0.96), test–retest reliability (r = 0.83), and criterion validity (r = 0.93 with GARS-2-TV; r = 0.84 with U-ODKL). Discriminant validity analyses showed that the ABAS accurately differentiated individuals with ASD from individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and individuals with hearing impairments (AUC = 0.99). Conclusions: The ABAS is a psychometrically sound, developmentally sensitive, and culturally grounded instrument for identifying and monitoring ASD-related behaviors in Türkiye. It holds promise for improving early detection and guiding educational and clinical interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 272 KB  
Article
Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Educational Intervention Addressing Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on the Mental Health of Elementary School Children
by Eun-Ju Bae, Seobaek Cha, Dong-Wook Lee, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Jiho Lee, Myung-Sook Park, Woo-Jin Kim, Sumi Chae, Jong-Hun Kim, Young Lim Lee and Myung Ho Lim
Children 2025, 12(8), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081015 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1290
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based fine dust education program, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), on elementary students’ fine dust knowledge, related behaviors, and mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality). Methods: From [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based fine dust education program, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), on elementary students’ fine dust knowledge, related behaviors, and mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality). Methods: From September to November 2024, 95 students (grades 4–6) living near a coal-fired power plant in midwestern South Korea were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 51). The intervention group completed a three-session CBT-based education program; the control group received stress management education. Assessments were conducted at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 using standardized mental health and behavior scales (PHQ: Patient Health Questionnaire, GAD: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, PSS: Perceived Stress Scale, ISI: Insomnia Severity Index). Results: A chi-square test was conducted to compare pre- and post-test changes in knowledge and behavior related to PM2.5. The intervention group showed significant improvements in seven fine dust-related knowledge and behavior items (e.g., PM2.5 awareness rose from 33.3% to 75.0%; p < 0.05). The control group showed limited gains. Regarding mental health, based on a mixed-design ANCOVA, anxiety scores significantly declined over time in the intervention group, with group and interaction effects also significant (p < 0.05). Depression scores showed time effects, but group and interaction effects were not significant. No significant changes were observed for stress, sleep, or group × PM2.5 interactions. Conclusions: The CBT-based education program effectively enhanced fine dust knowledge, health behaviors, and reduced anxiety among students. It presents a promising, evidence-based strategy to promote environmental and mental health in school-aged children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
12 pages, 250 KB  
Article
Where Do Our Children Go? Understanding the Impact of Institutionalization on Emotion Regulation, Attention, and Sleep
by Sandra Figueiredo and Patrícia Silvestre
Children 2025, 12(4), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040448 - 31 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1796
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emotional regulation and attention are markedly underdeveloped in institutionalized children (IC) relative to non-institutionalized children (NIC). Caregivers in temporary institutional settings tend to exhibit contingency-responsive behaviors with limited affective engagement, which may restrict optimal socio-emotional development. Despite the critical role that sleep [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emotional regulation and attention are markedly underdeveloped in institutionalized children (IC) relative to non-institutionalized children (NIC). Caregivers in temporary institutional settings tend to exhibit contingency-responsive behaviors with limited affective engagement, which may restrict optimal socio-emotional development. Despite the critical role that sleep routines play in child development, their association with emotional regulation and attention in the context of institutionalization remains insufficiently explored. The present study aimed to assess the impact of institutionalization on emotional regulation, attention, and sleep hygiene in childhood, as well as to investigate whether sleep mediates the relationship between emotional regulation and attention. Methods: A total of 110 children aged 7 to 11 years (N = 55 IC; N = 55 NIC) were assessed using the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC), the Cancellation Test (Toulouse-Piéron), and the Children’s Chronotype Questionnaire. Results: Regression analyses and parametric tests revealed significant differences between IC and NIC groups. IC exhibited lower emotional regulation (β = 8.018, p < 0.05) and poorer attention (β = 3.818, p < 0.05) compared with NIC. Additionally, the MidSleep Point (MSP) was significantly different between groups, with NIC demonstrating shorter sleep periods (β = −1158.545, p < 0.05), contrary to expectations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that prolonged institutionalization impairs socio-emotional development, with downstream effects on cognitive functioning, particularly attention. While differences in sleep routines between IC and NIC were observed, sleep did not appear to directly mediate the relationship between emotional regulation and attention, nor did it present a primary risk factor compared with the broader developmental challenges associated with institutional care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
17 pages, 908 KB  
Article
The Effect of Self-Regulation on the Need for Psychological Help Through Happiness, Resilience, Problem Solving, Self-Efficacy, and Adjustment: A Parallel Mediation Study in Adolescent Groups
by İhsan Akeren, Eyüp Çelik, İbrahim Erdoğan Yayla and Mustafa Özgöl
Children 2025, 12(4), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040445 - 30 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3276
Abstract
Introduction: Adolescence is a developmental period in which the risk of mental problems is high. Failure to resolve the problems encountered during this period may result in the need for psychological help. Based on the literature review, this study aimed to examine [...] Read more.
Introduction: Adolescence is a developmental period in which the risk of mental problems is high. Failure to resolve the problems encountered during this period may result in the need for psychological help. Based on the literature review, this study aimed to examine self-regulation, which has the potential to reduce adolescents’ need for psychological help, and the mediation of happiness, resilience, problem solving, self-efficacy, and adjustment through this skill. Methods: In the cross-sectional correlational survey design study, 1013 adolescents (542 girls, 471 boys, mean age: 15.04 ± 1.75 years) aged 12–19 years and studying in middle and high school in Bayburt, Turkey were reached. Seven different questionnaires, valid and reliable in adolescent groups, were used to measure the study variables. Results: Correlation results showed that all predictors were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with the dependent variable, the need for psychological help. After testing the assumptions, the results of the parallel mediation analysis showed that happiness, problem solving, self-efficacy, and adjustment fully mediated the effect of self-regulation on the need for psychological help. Another finding is that resilience is not a predictor of psychological distress. Conclusions: The results are important because they provide insight for those working in the field of adolescent mental health in terms of understanding the factors through which self-regulation reduces the need for psychological help. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
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Review

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22 pages, 1699 KB  
Review
Connected but at Risk: Social Media Exposure and Psychiatric and Psychological Outcomes in Youth
by Giuseppe Marano, Francesco Maria Lisci, Sara Rossi, Ester Maria Marzo, Gianluca Boggio, Caterina Brisi, Gianandrea Traversi, Osvaldo Mazza, Roberto Pola, Eleonora Gaetani and Marianna Mazza
Children 2025, 12(10), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101322 - 2 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2705
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of social media among children and adolescents has raised increasing concern about its potential impact on mental health. Given the unique neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities during adolescence, understanding how digital platforms influence psychiatric outcomes is critical. Objectives: This narrative review aims [...] Read more.
Background: The widespread use of social media among children and adolescents has raised increasing concern about its potential impact on mental health. Given the unique neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities during adolescence, understanding how digital platforms influence psychiatric outcomes is critical. Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between social media exposure and key psychiatric symptoms in youth, including depression, anxiety, body image disturbances, suicidality, and emotional dysregulation. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, drawing from longitudinal, cross-sectional, and neuroimaging studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Specific attention was given to moderators (e.g., age, gender, and personality traits) and mediators (e.g., sleep, emotion regulation, and family context) influencing the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. Results: Evidence indicates that certain patterns of social media use, especially passive or compulsive engagement, are associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation. Adolescent girls, younger users, and those with low self-esteem or poor emotional regulation are particularly vulnerable. Neuroimaging studies show that social media activates reward-related brain regions, which may reinforce problematic use. Family support and digital literacy appear to mitigate negative effects. Conclusions: Social media use is not uniformly harmful; its psychological impact depends on how, why, and by whom it is used. Multilevel prevention strategies, including media education, parental involvement, and responsible platform design, are essential to support healthy adolescent development in the digital age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
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38 pages, 867 KB  
Review
Medicinal Plants for Child Mental Health: Clinical Insights, Active Compounds, and Perspectives for Rational Use
by Giovanna Rigillo, Joan M. C. Blom, Arianna Cocchi, Valentina Martinucci, Francesca Favaro, Giulia Baini, Giorgio Cappellucci, Fabio Tascedda and Marco Biagi
Children 2025, 12(9), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12091142 - 28 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3801
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Anxiety, agitation, and mood disturbances are increasingly common among children and adolescents. Given the limitations of conventional pharmacological treatments in the pediatric population, particularly for subthreshold or mild conditions, interest in complementary approaches such as phytotherapy is growing. This review aims to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Anxiety, agitation, and mood disturbances are increasingly common among children and adolescents. Given the limitations of conventional pharmacological treatments in the pediatric population, particularly for subthreshold or mild conditions, interest in complementary approaches such as phytotherapy is growing. This review aims to critically evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of herbal medicines and botanical food supplements for mental health symptoms in youths and to explore the pharmacological basis of their activity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across main databases for clinical trials involving herbal products for psychologically related symptoms in children and adolescents. Eligible studies included those using registered herbal medicines, as well as authorized food supplements, that evaluated behavioral or cognitive outcomes. In addition, bioinformatic analyses were performed on selected phytocompounds to predict their molecular targets. Results: Twenty-nine clinical trials were identified, including eighteen targeting pathological conditions (notably attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression) and eleven addressing borderline symptoms such as nervous agitation, restlessness, or sleep disturbances. Herbal products showing clinical promise include Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Crocus sativus L., Ginkgo biloba L., Hypericum perforatum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Passiflora incarnata L., Pinus pinaster Aiton, Valeriana officinalis L., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Bioinformatic predictions revealed polypharmacological activity profiles involving neuroinflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmitter-related pathways. Conclusions: This review highlights both the potential and the current limitations of herbal products in pediatric mental health care. Evidence supports their use for selected indications, provided that standardized preparations and clinical oversight are ensured. Further research is essential, particularly to inform dosing, safety, and integrative care strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
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21 pages, 2193 KB  
Review
Projective in Time: A Systematic Review on the Use of Construction Projective Techniques in the Digital Era—Beyond Inkblots
by Giada Santillo, Rita Chiara Morra, Dario Esposito and Maria Romani
Children 2025, 12(4), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040406 - 24 Mar 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6951
Abstract
Background: Projective instruments have historically been used to explore unconscious dynamics and personality traits in children and adolescents. However, concerns about their psychometric properties have led to ongoing debates in clinical psychology. This review aims to critically reassess the use of construction projective [...] Read more.
Background: Projective instruments have historically been used to explore unconscious dynamics and personality traits in children and adolescents. However, concerns about their psychometric properties have led to ongoing debates in clinical psychology. This review aims to critically reassess the use of construction projective techniques in clinical settings for individuals aged 4 to 18 years, also examining the available psychometric data reported in recent scientific literature, excluding the Rorschach Test due to its extensive coverage in existing literature. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Psychoanalytic Electronic Publishing (PEP), and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on construction projective techniques administered to clinical and non-clinical samples aged 4 to 18 years. Results: From an initial pool of 641 articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. These studies indicate that construction projective techniques remain valuable in accessing children’s and adolescents’ inner worlds, particularly in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. However, 13 of the 25 analyzed studies lack detailed psychometric evaluations, and the overall methodological quality was medium-low (4.4/9). Recent adaptations of these techniques show promise in increasing their applicability and relevance. Conclusions: Constructive projective tests continue to offer unique insights into the psychological functioning of young individuals. While not definitive diagnostic tools, they serve as effective supplements in clinical assessments and therapeutic interventions when applied with awareness of their limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
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