Factors Associated with Adolescent and Young Risk Behaviors and Intervention Measures

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2026 | Viewed by 7

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Human and Social Science, University of Valle d’Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy
Interests: developmental psychology; adolescence; risk behaviors; risk and protective factors; psychological wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: developmental psychology; sexual risk behaviors; sexting; adolescence; children and pre-adolescent
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence and young adulthood represent critical developmental periods marked by increased vulnerability to risk behaviors, including substance use, behavioral addictions, maladaptive social interactions (sexting, bullying, and intrusive behaviors), and unhealthy lifestyles. These behaviors are influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective preventive and intervention strategies.

This Special Issue aims to explore the determinants of risk behaviors among adolescents and young people, with a focus on identifying protective factors and evidence-based interventions. We seek to highlight cutting-edge research that advances knowledge in this area, including multidisciplinary studies.

We invite original research articles, reviews, and case studies that examine psychological, familial, social, and digital influences on youth behavior, as well as innovative prevention and intervention programs. Contributions addressing health disparities and vulnerable populations are particularly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Elena Cattelino
Prof. Dr. Mara Morelli
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • adolescent risk behaviors
  • maladaptive social interactions
  • protective factors
  • preventive and intervention strategies

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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