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Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd...
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Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 January 2027 | Viewed by 7247

Editor

Prof. Dr. Attila Sárváry

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nursing Science and Integrative Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Interests: health behaviour of children; health behaviour of ethnic minorities; prevention programmes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The health behaviour of children is changing over time. In addition to the well-known and traditional risk factors, we have to face new risk factors (e.g., the use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products (IQOS), and video game or smartphone addiction), which influence not only the physical but also the mental and emotional statuses of children and adolescents. On the other hand, we have limited knowledge about the long-term health effects of new types of electronic cigarettes on children. Some special, vulnerable groups (e.g., disabled people, ethnic minorities) are more affected by harmful health behaviours; therefore, we have to pay more attention to their prevention in these groups.

Health literacy can influence the health behaviour not only of adults but also of children. It could be an interesting question as to how we can measure health literacy in children and whether there is any association between their health literacy and behaviours or health statuses.

This Special Issue aims to provide insights into health literacy, mental health, and new trends in risk behaviour in children, and to show what kinds of prevention methods (innovative methods) were implemented and used effectively in this field.

We invite original articles, review articles, and meta-analyses related to these topics for this Special Issue. We hope that this Special Issue will contribute to a better understanding of current processes and new insights, as well as innovative methodologies in their prevention.

Prof. Dr. Attila Sárváry
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-anonymized 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

  • smoking
  • electronic cigarette use
  • alcohol consumption
  • illegal drug use
  • physical activity
  • eating habits
  • video game use
  • smartphone use
  • screentime
  • physical health
  • mental health
  • prevention
  • intervention
  • health literacy

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 873 KB  
Article
Chronic Skin Disease, Media Use and Health Values in the Quality of Life of Adolescents
by Katalin Julianna Dinnyés and Zsanett Renáta Csoma
Children 2026, 13(7), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13070899 - 6 Jul 2026
Viewed by 51
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic dermatological diseases that appear in adolescence, such as acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and psoriasis vulgaris, not only cause physical symptoms but also significantly affect young people’s quality of life, mental state, self-esteem and social relationships. Social media, especially information [...] Read more.
Introduction: Chronic dermatological diseases that appear in adolescence, such as acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and psoriasis vulgaris, not only cause physical symptoms but also significantly affect young people’s quality of life, mental state, self-esteem and social relationships. Social media, especially information spread by influencers, significantly influences adolescents’ body image, health-related attitudes and even the quality of the physician-patient relationship. The aim of our study was to explore the relationships between dermatology-related quality of life, media use, health values, body image and self-esteem among adolescents with chronic dermatological diseases. Methods: In our cross-sectional, quantitative study, we used validated questionnaires (DLQI, EQ-5D-5L, IRVS, Attitude Scale, STAI-Y2, SWLS-H, Rosenberg Scale, BAT), which we supplemented with a media consumption questionnaire of our own design. Structured data collection took place between October 2024 and March 2025, with the participation of 208 adolescents aged 11–18. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 (Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney test). Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Ethical approval: BM/22429-1/2024. Results: Acne vulgaris was the most common diagnosis (65%), followed by atopic dermatitis (22%) and psoriasis (11%). Over a quarter of the adolescents (27%) followed influencers who provided skincare advice. The mean daily screen time was 4.5 h, with 3.7 h on smartphones. A longer screen time was significantly correlated with poorer dermatological quality of life. Greater dermatology-related quality of life impairment (higher DLQI scores) was associated with poorer general quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Following skincare-related influencers was significantly associated with dermatology-related quality of life and anxiety. Conversely, stronger health values were significantly linked to more favourable health behaviors. Conclusions: In this sample, greater dermatology-related quality-of-life impairment was associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. Longer screen time was associated with poorer dermatology-related quality of life and less favourable psychosocial outcomes. The novelty of our study lies in the use of a self-developed media consumption questionnaire, which is suitable for the complex mapping of psychological and quality-of-life factors in adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)
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13 pages, 260 KB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Towards Cyberchondria: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Italian Adolescents
by Maria Catone, Vincenza Sansone and Giorgia Della Polla
Children 2026, 13(6), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13060736 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cyberchondria is the compulsive and repetitive search for health-related information online. Adolescents may be vulnerable to cyberchondria due to extensive Internet use and developing health literacy skills; however, evidence from Italy remains limited. The aim of this study is to examine [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cyberchondria is the compulsive and repetitive search for health-related information online. Adolescents may be vulnerable to cyberchondria due to extensive Internet use and developing health literacy skills; however, evidence from Italy remains limited. The aim of this study is to examine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to cyberchondria among Italian adolescents aged 10–19 years and identify the associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted from January to March 2025 among adolescents in Naples, southern Italy. Data collection relied on a self-administered structured questionnaire, including the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-12 (CSS-12). Two multivariate logistic regression models identified independent predictors of online health information-seeking and high cyberchondria (CSS-12 ≥ 32 points). Results: Among 793 participants (mean age 15.8 ± 2.2 years; 50% female), 59.7% used the Internet to seek health information, and this behavior was independently associated with older age, female gender, lower self-perceived health, chronic conditions, and increasing CSS-12 values. The mean CSS-12 score reached 31.2 ± 8.3, and 53.4% of participants scored ≥ 32 points. Higher cyberchondria was associated with believing that the Internet is useful for health decision-making, needing more information about cyberchondria, needing more information about a health topic, perceiving the Internet as important for health resources, having a father with a high school diploma or less, and having parents without underlying chronic medical conditions. Conclusions: Italian adolescents commonly use the Internet to seek health information, and they present non-negligible cyberchondria levels. This study’s findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions promoting safe and critical online health information-seeking behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)
19 pages, 626 KB  
Article
Emotion Regulation and Attachment Style as Predictors of Psychiatric Hospitalization Duration in Suicidal Adolescents
by Einav Isack, Shiri Ben-David, Tanya Goltser-Dubner, Ronen Segman, Ella Kianski, Ruth Giesser, Shlomo Rahmani, Pnina Blum Weinberg, Amichai Ben-Ari, Yaron Sela, Moriah Bar Nitsan, Amit Lotan, Tanya Schechter, Moshe Daninos, Shai Yishai, Yael Avraham, Fortunato Benarroch and Amit Shalev
Children 2026, 13(4), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13040448 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Background: Emotion regulation and attachment styles are interrelated and are critical factors in psychopathology and treatment outcomes, particularly in youths with suicidal behavior receiving psychiatric inpatient care. This study examined the influence of emotion regulation and attachment style on psychiatric hospitalization duration among [...] Read more.
Background: Emotion regulation and attachment styles are interrelated and are critical factors in psychopathology and treatment outcomes, particularly in youths with suicidal behavior receiving psychiatric inpatient care. This study examined the influence of emotion regulation and attachment style on psychiatric hospitalization duration among adolescents admitted due to suicidal ideation or behavior. Methods: Participants included 79 Israeli adolescents (mean age 15.35 years, 87.3% female) admitted to a tertiary psychiatric inpatient unit following a suicidal crisis. Data was collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Experience in Close Relationships Scale (ECR), the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results: Analysis revealed that greater emotion regulation difficulties predicted longer hospitalization duration (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), while avoidant attachment style was associated with shorter hospitalization duration (β = −0.35, p < 0.001). Notably, the level of suicidality as well as psychopathology symptoms (depression and anxiety) did not predict hospitalization duration. Conclusions: These findings underscore the important role of emotion regulation and attachment style in determining treatment duration in suicidal adolescents, beyond the severity of psychopathology and suicidality, suggesting their unique contribution to treatment planning. Clinical interventions targeting emotion regulation and attachment styles could enhance inpatient care effectiveness, offer a more personalized treatment approach and potentially reducing hospitalization duration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)
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23 pages, 851 KB  
Article
Incorporating Evidence-Based Parenting Practices into Home-Based Behavioral Health: A PCIT-Informed Approach for Training Paraprofessionals
by Ashley T. Scudder, Jake C. Steggerda, Kathleen Clancy, Beatriz Mendez, Catherine Wright and Cheryl B. McNeil
Children 2026, 13(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020259 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1404
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Disruptive behavior problems are common in early childhood, yet access to evidence-based parent training remains limited in many communities due to workforce shortages and service delivery barriers. Behavioral Skills Training for Families (BSF) is a Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)-informed, home-based behavioral skills [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Disruptive behavior problems are common in early childhood, yet access to evidence-based parent training remains limited in many communities due to workforce shortages and service delivery barriers. Behavioral Skills Training for Families (BSF) is a Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)-informed, home-based behavioral skills practice model designed to be delivered by bachelor’s-level paraprofessionals under close supervision. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary caregiver and child outcomes associated with the Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) module of BSF to inform refinement of training and implementation protocols and guide future evaluation. Methods: Using a non-randomized pre–post design embedded within routine services, caregiver–child dyads (children ages 2–10 years) receiving BSF CDI across community-based agencies in Minnesota were included. Outcomes were assessed using observational coding of caregiver skills (Dyadic Parent–Child Interaction Coding System; DPICS) and caregiver-reported child behavior measures (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory [ECBI]; Weekly Assessment of Child Behavior–Positive [WACB-P]). Paired-sample t-tests with intent-to-treat analyses examined changes from the baseline to the last attended CDI session. Results: Caregivers demonstrated statistically significant and large increases in observed positive parenting skills and reductions in negative verbalizations during child-led play. Children showed significant reductions in disruptive behavior intensity and problem scores on the ECBI, reflecting movement toward clinically meaningful improvement. No significant change was observed in caregiver-reported positive child behaviors on the WACB-P. Post hoc analyses were conducted to further explore these differences and found consistent changes in the ECBI for cases, regardless of no reported changes in positive child behaviors on the WACB. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary evidence that a structured, PCIT-informed CDI skills practice model can be feasibly implemented by paraprofessionals and is associated with meaningful improvements in caregiver behavior and child behavior outcomes in the first 2–3 months following service initiation. The findings support BSF as a promising workforce-embedded approach and inform future controlled studies examining effectiveness, sustainability, and broader implementation outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 246 KB  
Article
Effects of Personalized Mental Imagery Training on Anger Expression and Resilience in Adolescent Rugby Players: A Controlled Study
by Donatella Di Corrado, Patrizia Tortella, Marinella Coco, Giuseppe Messina, Francesca Campoli and Maria Chiara Parisi
Children 2026, 13(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020249 - 11 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1335
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by heightened emotional reactivity and increased exposure to stress, particularly in high-contact sports such as rugby. Maladaptive anger expression can negatively affect young athletes’ psychological well-being, behavior, and performance. Mental imagery may support emotional regulation [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by heightened emotional reactivity and increased exposure to stress, particularly in high-contact sports such as rugby. Maladaptive anger expression can negatively affect young athletes’ psychological well-being, behavior, and performance. Mental imagery may support emotional regulation by enabling athletes to rehearse adaptive cognitive and emotional responses. This study examined the effectiveness of a personalized mental imagery training program on imagery ability, resilience, and anger expression in adolescent rugby players and investigated whether resilience mediated the relationship between mental imagery and anger expression. Methods: A total of 120 male adolescent rugby players (mean age = 16.9 ± 2.01 years) were assigned to an experimental group (n = 62) or a time-matched educational control group (n = 58). Results: Mixed-design analyses of variance revealed significant Group × Time interactions for imagery ability, resilience, and anger expression, with medium-to-large effect sizes. Compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in imagery vividness and resilience, along with a significant reduction in maladaptive anger expression. Mediation analyses showed that resilience significantly mediated the relationship between mental imagery and anger expression, with full mediation for static imagery and partial mediation for dynamic imagery. Conclusions: Personalized mental imagery training effectively enhances emotional regulation in adolescent rugby players, primarily by strengthening resilience. Imagery-based interventions represent a feasible and effective approach to promoting adaptive emotional regulation and psychological well-being in high-contact youth sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)
14 pages, 226 KB  
Article
Arabic Mothers’ Experiences Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study
by Mais Hatahet and Attila Sárváry
Children 2026, 13(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010132 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social, communication, and behavioral challenges. complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by parents worldwide, yet research exploring parents’ experiences, particularly in Arab countries, is limited. This study explored mothers’ [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social, communication, and behavioral challenges. complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by parents worldwide, yet research exploring parents’ experiences, particularly in Arab countries, is limited. This study explored mothers’ perceptions and experiences of CAM use for children with ASD, information-seeking behaviors and challenges encountered. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted among twenty mothers at Autism Academy of Jordan in 2024. Inclusion criteria were mothers with children diagnosed with ASD for at least six months and those who had used at least one CAM therapy. Interviews were conducted via Skype, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 12 with inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged in this qualitative study: (1) mothers’ experiences with CAM and perceptions of benefit; (2) sources of information and decision-making processes; and (3) main challenges in selecting and implementing CAM. Mothers reported using therapies such as honey, black seed, camel milk, Hujama, olive oil, supplements, and region-specific programs like Andalosiah. Faith, cultural beliefs, and the desire for natural, safe interventions strongly influenced CAM selection. Internet searches and social media groups were primary information sources. Challenges included financial, logistical, emotional burdens, and lack of trustworthy, Arabic-language information sources. Conclusions: Mothers in Arab countries navigate CAM use for their children with ASD through culturally and religiously informed practices. Interventions should focus on developing evidence-based guidance, culturally sensitive counseling, and accessible information to support families in safe, informed CAM use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)

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22 pages, 329 KB  
Study Protocol
PURSUIT Protocol: Development of a Novel Approach to Managing Youth Physical and Mental Health in Schools
by Thea Senger-Carpenter, Jocelyn Zuckerman, Audrey Searles, Cara Poland, Crystal L. Cederna, Sarah Nelson, Mallet R. Reid, Kelly Theaker, Steven J. Pierce, Angela Chia-Chen Chen and Natoshia R. Cunningham
Children 2026, 13(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020297 - 21 Feb 2026
Viewed by 963
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical and mental health symptoms commonly affecting children are often under-addressed given the limited availability of pediatric behavioral healthcare. Training school providers (e.g., nurses, mental health professionals) to address these concerns is a promising strategy to explore, considering the unique level of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physical and mental health symptoms commonly affecting children are often under-addressed given the limited availability of pediatric behavioral healthcare. Training school providers (e.g., nurses, mental health professionals) to address these concerns is a promising strategy to explore, considering the unique level of accessibility afforded by school settings. While our earlier work augmented school providers’ pain management skills, providers desired more comprehensive training and youth support tools. Our team of interdisciplinary academic researchers and community partners will bridge this gap by developing the PURSUIT (Preventing Use of Substances for the Underserved with Innovative Technology) provider training program and companion online self-management platform for youth and caregivers. This protocol paper describes our planned approach to developing, implementing, and evaluating the PURSUIT program. Methods: We will draw from evidence-based cognitive–behavioral, trauma-focused, and mindfulness protocols to develop a comprehensive provider training program and interactive online self-management platform for youth and caregivers. Content areas will include core cognitive–behavioral strategies and specific skills for pediatric pain management, trauma-focused care, and substance use prevention. Innovative technological approaches, such as live and animated videos, will be used to promote user engagement. Academic and community partners will have roles in material co-development. Outcomes of this project will include the PURSUIT training program and self-management platform feasibility and acceptability (e.g., completion/engagement rates, quantitative/qualitative reports), as well as the impact of the training program on provider knowledge and the impact of the self-management platform on youth/caregiver outcomes. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement will be critical to developing and evaluating a provider training program and youth/caregiver self-management platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children: 3rd Edition)
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