Search Results (153)

To advance our understanding of the social and emotional development of minoritized youth in new destination areas, we examined whether same-day links between positive interactions with friends and mood vary by two contextual factors—(a) the racial–ethnic composition of adolescents’ close friends, and (b) the quality of parent–adolescent interactions—among Black and Latiné adolescents living in United States. Data were obtained from two daily diary studies, one of 36 Black adolescents (44% male; 11 to 17 years old; M = 13.65, SD = 2.29), and one of 21 Latiné adolescents (52% male; 11 to 14 years old; M = 12.76, SD = 1.00). Across 10 school days, youth completed afternoon reports of positive interactions with friends and bedtime reports of mood and positive parent–youth interactions; the race–ethnicity of the friend group were assessed at baseline. Multilevel models separated day-level from person-level effects and tested moderation by the racial–ethnic composition of friends and parent–youth interactions. For Black adolescents with few same-race friends (0 to 1 out of max 3), when youth reported more positive friend interactions, they reported lower positive mood. The opposite was true for Black youth with more same-race friends; when youth reported more positive friend interactions, they reported more positive mood at the end of the day. Among Black youth with higher mean levels of positive parent interactions, when youth reported more positive friend interactions, they reported lower negative mood. Results from the analysis of Latiné youth did not support study hypotheses. Findings extend cultural–ecological–transactional frameworks of development by showing that the short-term emotional yield of supportive interactions with friends hinges on contextual vulnerabilities and assets, such as peer group composition and family relationship quality, especially for Black youth. Full article

Introduction: “The dog is a man’s best friend” and research has showed that this idea is extended beyond the degree of loyalty. Dog ownership has been linked to several positive health outcomes for the owner. The aim of the present cross-sectional case–control study was to assess differences in the physical activity level (PAL), body composition, quality of life (QoL), and diet quality and dietary knowledge between dog owners and non-owners. Methods: A total of 55 dog owners and an equal amount of non-dog owners (all aged between 18 and 60 years old) formed the case and control groups, respectively. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed, including body fat (BF) and diet, assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore) and the Eating Assessment Table (EAT). Physical activity was recorded for 3 consecutive days using activity monitors. QoL was evaluated using the brief version of the World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) tool. Results: The two groups demonstrated a similar PAL, but lower BF% (p = 0.009), hip circumference (p < 0.001), triceps (p = 0.012), and subscapular skinfolds (p = 0.003) were recorded among dog owners. The EAT score was greater among dog owners (p = 0.0023), indicating improved dietary intake and knowledge, even after adjustment for education attained and BMI (p = 0.026). On the other hand, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was exhibited among those not having dogs (p = 0.018). Regarding dog measurements and their owners’ anthropometry, dog neck circumference was negatively correlated to the owners’ biceps and triceps skinfolds (r = −0.327, p = 0.016; r = −0.320, p = 0.018, respectively). Additionally, dog breed size was negatively correlated to the owners’ triceps skinfold (r = −0.325, p = 0.015), sum of skinfolds (r = −0.311, p = 0.021), hip circumference (r = −0.341, p = 0.011), body fat (r = −0.357, p = 0.007), and fat mass index (r = −0.307, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Dog ownership is associated with improved body composition and smaller skinfold thickness at specific body sites, as well as with a more health-conscious lifestyle, including better diet quality and knowledge. Full article

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has become a significant public health problem, especially among young people. EC use has been associated with increased nicotine exposure and other toxic substances, increasing the risk of early addiction and health problems. Recently, attention has focused on understanding the interplay between psychosocial stressors, exposure to violence, psychological distress, and an increased propensity to experiment with nicotine. Hence, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of EC use in the previous month and its associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on secondary data analysis of a nationwide survey conducted to monitor risk and protective factors for the health of school-aged adolescents (52.89% males; 55.97% aged up to 15 years old). Specifically, we analyzed data from adolescents aged 13–17 years who answered questions on EC use (n = 36,659). Results: The results show that the prevalence of EC use in this sample was 11.23% (IC95%: 11.23, 11.87). Logistic regression revealed several factors that increased the likelihood of EC use, such as alcohol use by friends, alcohol use in the past month, gender (male), intentional binge drinking, higher mental health symptoms, living in urban areas, experience of abuse at home, report of other drug use, and smoking friends, with the latter exerting a higher influence. Conclusion: Findings show the interplay of peers, family and environmental influences on youth risk behavior. Prevention strategies should therefore include school- and family-based interventions, trauma-informed approaches and anti-marketing campaigns to dispel misconceptions regarding EC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a developmental stage marked by profound transformations and heightened vulnerability to mental health difficulties, with peer relationships playing a central role, as they provide both protective and risk factors for adolescents’ mental health and well-being. This study aims to characterize Portuguese adolescents’ perceptions of how peers and friends influence their mental health, both positively and negatively. Methods: Participants were 99 adolescents aged 14–19 years old enrolled in a Portuguese secondary school. Data were collected through two open-ended questions and participants responses were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative. Results: Bullying and aggression were the most frequently reported negative influences, followed by peer pressure for inadequate behavior, toxic or false friendships, lack of support, criticism, and social exclusion. Conversely, social support was the most cited positive influence, alongside connection and belonging, promotion of emotional well-being, positive peer characteristics, and social learning. Conclusions: Findings support the dual role of peer relationships, which may either exacerbate vulnerability or strengthen resilience. The study underscores the importance of school-based prevention strategies that reduce bullying and peer aggression while fostering prosocial climates and supportive peer interactions. Full article

The accelerating global population aging has brought increasing attention to the loneliness and emotional needs experienced by older adults due to shrinking social networks and the loss of relatives and friends, which significantly impair their quality of life and psychological well-being. In this context, companion robots powered by artificial intelligence are increasingly regarded as a scalable and sustainable form of emotional intervention that can address older people’s affective and social requirements. This study systematically reviews research trends in this field, analyzing the structure of emotional needs among older users and their acceptance mechanisms toward robot functionalities. First, a keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted using VOSviewer on relevant literature published between 2000 and 2025 from the Web of Science database, revealing focal research topics and emerging trends. Subsequently, questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews were carried out to identify emotional needs and functional preferences among elderly users. Findings indicate that the field is characterized by increasing interdisciplinary integration, with affective computing and naturalistic interaction becoming central concerns. Empirical results reveal significant differences in need structures across age groups: the oldest-old prioritize safety monitoring and daily assistance, whereas the young-old emphasize social interaction and developmental activities. Regarding emotional interaction, older adults generally prefer natural and non-intrusive expressive styles and exhibit reserved attitudes toward highly anthropomorphic designs. Key factors influencing acceptance include practicality, ease of use, privacy protection, and emotional warmth. The study concludes that effective companion robot design should be grounded in a nuanced understanding of the heterogeneous needs of the aging population, integrating functionality, interaction, and emotional value. Future development should emphasize adaptive and customizable capabilities, adopt natural yet restrained interaction strategies, and strengthen real-world cross-cultural and long-term evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite a wealth of research on potential socio-emotional outcomes of child care participation, results have been mixed, likely reflecting between-study differences in confounding variables assessed. Moreover, there is a need for updated studies using Canadian population data. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between child care participation between the ages of 1 and 5 years and socio-emotional outcomes four years later, accounting for a wide range of potential confounding variables. Methods: This study uses data from 8929 children ages 1–5 who participated in the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, for whom follow-up data were available from the 2023 collection cycle. Parents reported on their use of child care for the target child in 2019; children’s socio-emotional functioning was assessed via a parent report in 2023. Associations between child care participation and outcomes were assessed using logistic and linear regression, adjusting for confounding factors including child age and gender, low family income, parental education, parental marital status, positive parenting, and education disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Child care participation among 1–5 year olds was associated with higher scores for symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and internalizing problems but a lower likelihood of having functional difficulty making friends four years later. Differences in these associations were noted based on the type of child care attended and family income, with centre-based care showing the most robust associations with ODD and internalizing symptoms, particularly among those living above the low-income threshold. Conclusions: These results highlight important contextual differences in associations between child care participation in early childhood and socio-emotional outcomes four years later. Associations with socio-emotional outcomes persisted after adjusting for important contextual factors, including positive parenting and COVID-related school disruptions. Full article

This paper reports on a small-scale qualitative study, using philosophical inquiry in Key Stage 1 (5–7-year-old children). The study involved a one hour per week session of philosophical inquiry in one primary school, ‘Philosophy Club’, with eight children taking part for six weeks. Multiple methods were used, including researcher observations, creative methods such as children’s drawings, notes, models, and discussion, which are combined to make ‘mosaics’ of data. Data analysis focused on broad inquiry foci from across the data, and in this paper, these are reported with reference to children’s views on Philosophy Club as a space to think with their friends, build a community and changing perceptions of club members over the six-week period. Conclusions are drawn tentatively on the benefits of philosophical inquiry clubs for building community and friendship with younger children, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 and potential gaps in social experience in their early years, and how teacher education in the use of philosophical inquiry might support this community building. Full article

Suicide in children is a major global health crisis, with profound impacts on families, friends, and society. Understanding ways to ameliorate the rate of suicide attempt (SA) is critical given that it is a key factor in predicting future suicide risk. SA is the deliberate act of causing physical injury to oneself with the intent of death. The incidence of SA may be influenced by physical activity (PA). PA includes bodily movement via skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure and physical fitness. While there is evidence to suggest that PA improves dysregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system which underpins the physiology of suicidal behaviour, evaluating the impact of PA on SA in children is required. Objectives: This systematic review aims to determine the relationship between PA and SA in children to inform alternative preventative and interventional strategies. Methods: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023389415. Eight electronic databases were systematically searched. References were transferred to Covidence software for title and abstract screening and full text review were performed based on eligibility criteria: (1) children aged 6–18 years old; (2) participated in PA (individual, group exercise, or team sports); and (3) examined SA as a dependent variable. The JBI Checklist was used to measure the quality and level of bias of included studies. Results: Of the 2322 studies identified, 21 were included in the final analysis of the review. Twenty studies were cross-sectional in design, and one implemented a prospective study design. Thirteen studies (61.9%) yielded statistically significant results, indicating that increased PA, particularly team sport, may be associated with reduced odds of SA. There was some evidence to suggest that certain intensities and frequencies of PA may be beneficial to some and detrimental to other subgroups. Conclusions: The results suggest that PA may reduce the risk of suicide attempts. Although PA may be associated with reduced SA in children, future research is required, which (1) uses standardised outcome variables; (2) adopts longitudinal and experimental study designs; (3) explores qualitative research to determine distinctive factors that influence participation in PA not captured by quantitative research; and (4) examines different target populations such as children with a broad range of mental health issues. Full article

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) represent a complex pathology based on numerous incompletely elucidated molecular mechanisms. Beyond tumor cells, analyzing the tumor microenvironment may help identify novel prognostic markers and therapies. A key component of this environment is the folliculo-stellate (FS) cell. We examined FS cells in 77 PitNETs obtained by transsphenoidal surgery, using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as an immunohistochemical marker. Immunohistochemistry for anterior pituitary hormones and transcription factors was performed to accurately classify the tumors. Our study included 19 somatotroph, 16 mammosomatotroph, 5 plurihormonal PIT-1 positive, 7 corticotroph, 14 gonadotroph, 11 unusual plurihormonal, and 5 null cell PitNETs. FS cells were observed in 55 of the cases, distributed isolated, in small groups or diffuse networks. A considerable number of tumors immunopositive for more than one hormone (including associations between GH/PRL, but also unusual combinations like GH/ACTH) also contained FS cells (p < 0.01), suggesting their involvement in tumor lineages differentiation. In 27 tumors, GFAP-positive cells clustered in highly vascularized areas. Additionally, in 11 of these cases a direct interaction between endothelial cells and FS cells was noted, sustaining their potential role in tumor angiogenesis. Given their complexity, FS cells may be crucial for understanding tumorigenesis mechanisms. Full article

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is crucial for preventing HPV-related cancers, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal, particularly in Florida. Social influence, including family and peer support, may shape parental decisions to vaccinate their children. In this study, we examined the role of social networks (online and offline) in parental intention to vaccinate their 11- to 12-year-old children against HPV. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 746 parents in Florida as part of the Text & Talk trial (2022–2023). Among other questions, parents reported on their intention to vaccinate, perceived social norms, and support received from up to three reported confidants. We performed logistic regression and multivariable analyses to assess the relationship between network support, social norms, and vaccination intent. Results: Seventy percent of parents intended to vaccinate their children. Greater support from the first reported confidant was significantly associated with higher vaccination intention (OR = 1.30, p < 0.0001). Perceived norms among friends (p = 0.01) and higher overall network support (p < 0.0001) were also predictive of intent. The higher the percentage of reported family members, the higher the support received for the vaccine (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Social support, particularly from close confidants and peers, plays a critical role in shaping parental HPV vaccination decisions while accounting for perceived social norms. Public health interventions can leverage peer networks alongside family support to enhance HPV vaccine uptake. Full article

Background/Objectives: Financial distress from the direct and indirect costs of cancer treatment is a critical issue for many patients with breast cancer, particularly those from underserved populations who may be more vulnerable to financial hardship and its negative impacts on quality of life and clinical outcomes (i.e., financial toxicity). Few investigations, however, focus on protective factors that safeguard against financial toxicity. This study explores how social support might reduce financial toxicity among patients with breast cancer who are at high risk for financial hardship. Methods: We analyzed interviews with 41 adult women treated for stage I-IV breast cancer that had been conducted between December 2021 and March 2022. Our study specifically sampled women considered to be at elevated risk for financial toxicity: young adults aged 18–40 years old, Black women, women with lower incomes, and those residing in rural communities. We used deductive and inductive coding to identify themes related to social support. Results: Interviewees reported receiving support from family, friends, and their communities during their treatments. They noted how this social support helped with direct and indirect costs, encouraged emotional wellbeing, and safeguarded against economizing behaviors that offset spending (e.g., financial tradeoffs that jeopardize their treatment plan). Conclusions: Patients with breast cancer from groups vulnerable to financial toxicity often rely on the support of family, friends, and their communities to help buffer financial distress from the costs of treatment. These data highlight social support as an area for future studies exploring strategies to mitigate financial toxicity. Full article

Background: Gambling risk behaviour is an emerging problem among adolescents. This study investigated the role of psychological factors, school behaviours, and normative perceptions as correlates of gambling among 12–14-year-old students in Italy. Methods: The study included 1822 students from 29 secondary schools in two Italian Regions (Piedmont and Lazio) who participated in the baseline survey of the experimental controlled trial “GAPUnplugged”. Results: The prevalence of gambling in the last 30 days was 36.4%. The mean age was 13.1 years. Multilevel mixed-effect regression models identified high positive attitudes, high performance beliefs, low risk perceptions toward gambling, friends’ gambling, friends’ approval of gambling, and gambling with friends as independent correlates of adolescent gambling behaviour. Conclusions: It appears essential to design and implement preventive strategies addressing these factors among early adolescents in order to reduce gambling behaviours and their consequences in later ages. Full article

Background/Objectives: One-third of breast cancer (BC) survivors experience chronic treatment-related pain (CTP) that requires multimodal management strategies, which may include pain self-management behaviors (PSMBs). Most studies exploring PSMBs focus on patients with advanced cancer, who may differ from survivors in their pain management needs and access to resources. This mixed-methods study explored PSMBs of survivors of BC, referral sources, and goals for pain relief, and examined the relationship between PSMB engagement and pain intensity/interference. Methods: Survivors of BC who were six months post-treatment completed measures assessing their pain intensity/interference and PSMB engagement. Purposive sampling identified a subset of participants who completed interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants (n = 60) were 60 ± 10 years old. Worst Pain Intensity and Pain Interference were 3.93 ± 2.36 and 2.09 ± 2.11, respectively. Participants engaged in 7 ± 3.5 PSMBs. The most common were walking (76%) and distraction (76%). PSMBs described in the interviews (n = 10) were arm stretching and strengthening exercises, seeking specialized pain management services, and avoidance. Most PSMBs were self-directed or suggested by friends. All pain relief goals were to minimize pain interference. PSMB engagement was not associated with Worst, Least, or Average Pain Intensity (all r_s ≤ −0.2, p ≥ 0.05) but was associated with Pain Interference (r_s = 0.3, p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: The survivors of BC engaged in many PSMBs, with varying levels of effectiveness and a varying quality of supporting evidence. Most PSMBs were self-directed and some required intervention from healthcare providers or other people, while others required access to limited specialized pain management services. Full article

BCC is the most prevalent form of skin cancer, characterized by diverse clinical and pathological subtypes ranging from indolent to highly aggressive forms. While the majority of BCC cases are treated effectively with surgery or local therapies, locally advanced BCC (laBCC) and metastatic BCC (mBCC) pose significant therapeutic challenges. Recent advances in HHIs and immunotherapy have transformed the treatment landscape in such cases. However, resistance and intolerance to these treatments necessitate alternative approaches, including chemotherapy. Platinum-based agents such as cisplatin and carboplatin have shown limited efficacy but remain viable options in rapidly progressive cases. Among the therapeutic innovations to be explored, further lines of immunotherapy as well as combination therapies involving immunotherapy and targeted therapy have been proposed. This review synthesizes the current understanding about BCC subtypes, risk stratification, and emerging treatments, with a particular focus on laBCC and mBCC. Full article

This study investigates the beliefs about multilingualism and the multilingual language use of multilingual children living in the Netherlands, a highly diverse and multilingual society. We interviewed 26 8- to 12-year-old primary school children with different home languages (i.e., English, German, Polish or Turkish). Children indicated how a multilingual alter-ego felt about multilingual language use scenarios and why. The scenarios comprised situations using their different languages with parents, friends or teachers in monolingual and multilingual modes. Children overwhelmingly associated neutral or positive feelings with using the societal and home language. These feelings were not consistently affected by the societal prestige of their home language (measured by English and German vs. Polish and Turkish as their home language). The content analysis indicated that, besides competence, accommodating the interlocutor, personal preference and normality were the most frequent explanations children provided for their emotional reactions. Our findings indicate that the participating children experience being multilingual as normal and are not (yet) negatively affected in their attitudes despite their experience with a monolingual bias at school. Although no effects of home language prestige emerged, differences between children from specific home language communities suggest that myths about multilingual competence and code-mixing persist. Full article