Risky Behaviors Among Youth: Assessment, Prevention, and Intervention

Dear Colleagues,

Youth represent the largest demographic globally, marking a critical phase of development characterized by significant psychological, social, and biological changes. This period of growth is often accompanied by a heightened tendency for risk-taking behaviors, which may extend into adulthood. Behaviors such as substance use, unsafe sexual practices, self-harm, bullying, and violence can have long-lasting detrimental effects on both individuals and communities. Understanding the underlying causes of these behaviors, as well as developing strategies for prevention and intervention, is essential for promoting healthier outcomes among youth.

It is important for researchers and professionals to examine the interplay of psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to risky behaviors. Additionally, there is a growing need for innovative approaches to identifying and assessing at-risk youth, and more insights are required into effective prevention programs, intervention strategies, and the role of schools, families, and communities in addressing these issues. Moreover, evaluating public health programs designed to mitigate risky behaviors among youth is vital to ensure their effectiveness in curbing these behaviors.

This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted nature of risky behaviors among youth, focusing on assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies. We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that offer new perspectives on topics including, but not limited to, the causes and consequences of risky behaviors, preventive measures, innovative intervention models, and the effectiveness of public health programs. By bringing together various perspectives, we hope to foster meaningful discussions and actionable solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of youth worldwide.

We look forward to receiving your contributions and to the opportunity to share new knowledge on this critical subject.

Dr. Michelle Burbage
Dr. Andrew Yockey
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. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education 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 1600 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.

• risky behaviors
• risk factors
• youth
• adolescence
• public health
• prevention
• intervention