Search Results (429)

The current study examined how interpersonal coping styles (anxious/expressive, dismissive, and adaptive) within parent and peer domains were associated with depressive symptoms in emerging adults, and whether these associations were moderated by gender. The sample included 352 undergraduate students at a Midwestern university (41% women, 59% men), primarily White/Caucasian (88.9%), with a mean age of 18.91 years (SD = 0.97). Participants completed the Interpersonal Coping Styles Questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Inventory. At the bivariate level, anxious/expressive coping with both parents and peers were associated with higher depressive symptoms, whereas adaptive coping was not significantly related to depressive symptoms. Dismissive coping was associated with depressive symptoms only in the parent domain. In regression analyses, peer-related coping accounted for additional variance in depressive symptoms beyond parent-related coping, whereas the reverse was not observed. Gender moderated several associations. Among men, anxious/expressive coping with peers was positively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas adaptive coping with peers was negatively associated. Among women, dismissive coping with peers was associated with higher depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the relevance of relational context and gender in understanding depressive symptoms. Full article

Understanding how bodily signals shape emotional cognition across adulthood is critical for explaining age-related changes in emotional learning and memory. This study investigated age-related differences in interoceptive sensitivity and emotional associative memory. Interoceptive sensitivity was used as an umbrella term to refer to sensitivity to internal bodily signals across interoceptive accuracy, attention, beliefs, and insight, while emotional associative memory was defined as the ability to learn and remember emotional face–name associations. Forty younger (18–39 years) and forty older (60–85 years) adults completed behavioural and self-report interoceptive measures alongside an emotional face–name learning, recall, and recognition paradigm. No significant age differences emerged for interoceptive accuracy, attention, or insight. However, older adults reported greater trust in, and less worry about, bodily sensations, indicating selective changes in interoceptive beliefs. Older adults also showed a robust positivity bias, learning, recalling, and recognising happy face–name pairs more accurately and faster than angry or neutral pairs, whereas younger adults showed uniform performance across emotional conditions. Interoception–emotion relationships differed by age: Young adults’ interoceptive attention was positively associated with learning neutral pairs, while older adults’ interoceptive accuracy correlated with better encoding and recall of angry pairs. These findings demonstrate that age-related differences in emotional associative memory are partly rooted in changes to interoceptive processing and extend Socioemotional Selectivity Theory by identifying interoception as a physiological contributor to the positivity bias in ageing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychological variables such as body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction have become important research topics in recent years, particularly in their relationships with individuals’ eating attitudes. The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive effect of body image and self-esteem on eating attitudes in emerging adults and to evaluate the mediating role of life satisfaction in this relationship. Method: The study included 402 participants aged 18–30. Data were collected using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS). The analyses included correlational analyses to examine relationships among eating attitudes, body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction; multivariate regression to test the predictive roles of body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction on eating attitudes; and structural equation modeling to evaluate the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationships between body image, self-esteem, and eating attitudes. Result: The correlational analysis revealed that eating attitudes are associated with body image, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. Body image was identified as the most influential predictor of eating attitudes. Structural equation modeling indicated that life satisfaction mediates the relationship between self-esteem and eating attitudes. Conclusions: Body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction play a crucial role in shaping eating attitudes among emerging adults. The mediating effect of life satisfaction underscores psychological well-being as a key regulatory factor rather than solely an outcome. Promoting positive body image, strengthening self-esteem, and enhancing life satisfaction through preventive and psychoeducational programs may help protect against disordered eating attitudes in this population. Full article

Emotion regulation (ER) is associated with various mental health issues. However, a de-tailed understanding of the underlying processes is important for developing targeted interventions for common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Limited research has focused on these processes among emerging adults, a group that has shown a marked increase in mental health difficulties. The aim of this study was to examine whether rumination and worry, as forms of perseverative thinking, mediate the relationship between ER and symptoms of depression and anxiety in emerging adulthood. A two-wave longitudinal design was employed. The sample included 286 university students (80.4% female; M_age = 20.3, sd = 1.7). Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted in PROCESS. The results indicated a full mediation between ER and anxiety, where only worry emerged as a significant mediator. The relationship between ER and depression was both direct and indirect, mediated only by rumination. However, after controlling for all baseline values, all paths became nonsignificant, suggesting that the results may reflect stable between-person differences rather than within-person change. The moderation analysis revealed that the highest levels of depressive symptoms were observed among participants with simultaneously high levels of ER difficulties, rumination, and worry. The results suggest that preventive programs focusing on reducing perseverative thinking could play a key role in promoting better mental health outcomes in emerging adulthood. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with onset typically in early adulthood and the potential for long-term disability. Current therapies are initiated after symptom onset and do not address early disease triggers, highlighting the need for preventive strategies. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has emerged as the strongest candidate upstream factor in MS development. This narrative review provides a focused and critical synthesis of current evidence, with particular emphasis on the prevention perspective and the conceptual framing of MS as a potentially infection-driven disease. We integrate epidemiological, immunological, and mechanistic data while explicitly addressing key uncertainties and limitations in causal interpretation. Longitudinal studies indicate that EBV infection precedes MS onset in most cases and is associated with a markedly increased risk following seroconversion. However, EBV infection alone is not sufficient to cause MS. Proposed mechanisms include immune dysregulation and molecular mimicry, though key uncertainties remain. Based on current evidence, EBV represents a promising but unproven target for MS prevention. Future strategies may include prevention of EBV infection or infectious mononucleosis, alongside improved risk stratification and long-term studies to assess the impact of EBV-targeted interventions on MS incidence. Full article

The aim of this study was to understand the female swimmers’ annual performance progression and stability between 10 and 18 years across swimming distances and techniques. Data from female Portuguese Top-50 rankings in the short-course pool was extracted from an open access database (swimrankings.net). Performances were grouped by distances (50-, 100- and 200 m) and techniques (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly), totalizing 12 events as performance metrics. A total of 343 swimmers and 3087 performances distributed by nine consecutive competitive seasons were retrospectively assessed. The mean and normative stability were computed for tracking performance trends, while reporting the year-to-year percentage improvement. The differences across distances and techniques were tested with a linear mixed-effects model using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The performance progression was characterized by marked improvements during the early ages (up to 13% yearly) and an emerging plateau around the 15–16 years. The stability patterns varied between events, with the backstroke technique (ICC = 0.13) demonstrating greater consistency of individual differences on developmental trajectories, whereas shorter races (i.e., 50 m; ICC = 0.15) tended to be more stable than 100 m or 200 m (ICC = 0.12). It can be concluded that female swimmers’ performance stabilizes at the 15–16 years of age. Despite reduced differences, the backstroke technique and short distances seem to show a slightly more stable trend in progressing from childhood to adulthood. Full article

Background: Developing physical literacy in children with developmental disabilities (DDs) is essential to fostering their participation in physical activity. According to the Canadian Framework, physical literacy encompasses multiple interrelated components (behavioral, physical, affective, and cognitive). Such engagement provides numerous benefits, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improved functional and cognitive health. However, children with DD appear to be less active than those without such conditions. Since individuals who are active during childhood and adolescence are more likely to remain active during adulthood, it becomes crucial to better understand how to support the physical literacy development of children with DD, hence enhancing their participation in physical activity. In addition, children with DD remain underrepresented in the literature, particularly with regard to their opportunities to develop their physical literacy and their varied needs, such as limited physical activity options. Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to identify and analyze the existing literature on the development of physical literacy and physical activity participation in young children (0–6 years) with DD. Methods: Four databases were searched (PsycInfo: n = 722; MEDLINE: n = 997; ERIC: n = 514; CINAHL: n = 771), and 25 articles were retained. Characteristics of these studies were analyzed quantitatively, while their scope was analyzed according to physical literacy components. Results: Most studies (80%) used a quantitative method, and nearly half (44%) concerned young children with autism spectrum disorder. A little more than half of the studies (52%) focused on early intervention programs. In regard to the scope of the studies, none addressed the cognitive component of physical literacy, indicating a lack in the current literature, and more than half provided information on how to support the affective component. Moreover, information regarding parents’ involvement in physical activity of children with DD emerged from six studies analyzed. Conclusions: The results yield interesting insights on how to support the physical literacy development of children with DD and the factors likely to influence their physical activity participation. Early intervention programs promoting physical literacy could be promising avenues to support lifelong physical activity habits for these children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Specific Learning Disorders are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions that persist in adulthood, yet research has traditionally focused on children. In adults, there is significant heterogeneity in cognitive profiles and a lack of consensus on how to operationalize these disorders. This study aims to map the variability in cognitive functioning in university students with Specific Learning Disorders and investigate whether cognitive profiles differ across diagnostic categories and comorbidities. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical documentation of 166 university students with a diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorders. Participants were categorized into three subgroups: predominant reading disorder, predominant arithmetic disorder, and mixed learning disorder. Cognitive functioning was assessed using Wechsler scales indices. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and Latent Profile Analysis. Results: Across the sample, reasoning abilities were significantly higher than cognitive efficiency, with working memory consistently emerging as a core weakness. The mixed-disorder group exhibited the lowest cognitive scores and the greatest working memory deficits. Latent Profile Analysis identified two distinct latent subgroups: a “Low Profile” characterized by weaker working memory and a “High Profile” characterized by stronger reasoning and balanced efficiency. Diagnostic labels were only partially aligned with these profiles; while the mixed-disorder group was overrepresented in the “Low Profile,” substantial intra-individual variability existed across all diagnostic categories. Conclusions: The findings suggest that traditional categorical labels for Specific Learning Disorders have limited explanatory power in adulthood, given the high heterogeneity of cognitive functioning. Cognitive weaknesses, particularly in working memory, persist even in high-achieving university students. Clinical and educational support should shift from a label-based approach toward a dimensional, profile-based model to better address the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of adults with Specific Learning Disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: The death of a parent due to illness during adolescence constitutes a highly disruptive experience that compounds the developmental losses inherent to this stage of life. Distinguishing between the emotional and behavioural changes characteristic of adolescent development and those specific to grief can be complex, which may hinder the support provided by health, social care, and educational professionals. The aim of this study was to understand the grieving process and associated suffering in young university students who had lost a parent during adolescence. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was employed. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine in depth the experiences of suffering and grief associated with the loss of a family member among university students. The study adhered to the COREQ guidelines (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research). Results: Among the main findings, the quality of the bond with the deceased parent emerged as particularly significant, as it influences the adolescent’s identity formation process. The loss of this parent may hinder processes of differentiation and independence, affecting the decisions young people must make as they transition into adulthood. This proves especially important in key life choices that shape their life project, such as vocational decisions and intimate partner relationships. Conclusions: Parental death during adolescence has long-lasting repercussions on identity construction and the shaping of one’s life project. It is necessary to strengthen psychosocial support within both clinical and educational contexts in order to address the specific needs of adolescents and young people undergoing this experience. Full article

UV radiation causes health effects and repeated excessive sun exposure during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. The French region of Occitanie combines conditions conducive to sun exposure with a wide range of healthcare services. The study aims to describe temporal variations related to sun overexposure and patient characteristics, and evaluate the relevance of each data source. We conducted a retrospective analysis (2019–2022) on pharmacy sales, emergency care provided by SOS Médecins (SOSM), and emergency departments (EDs). More than 220,000 customers purchased products associated with sun overexposure, while 71 SOSM procedures and 417 ED visits were recorded. The activity is clearly seasonal, but remains five to ten times higher for pharmacies than for other sources. About 80% of ED patients were under 40 years of age, while 50% lived within 20 km of the consultation location. The impacts on healthcare systems vary, and each provides complementary insights into care related to sun overexposure. Increases in pharmacy sales are observed as early as spring, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention messaging from the start of the season. The study confirms the value of pharmacy sales data for assessing the impact of sun exposure, but ED or SOSM data enable real-time monitoring and patient characterization. Full article

The present study examined how parental attachment and cultural background shape love styles in emerging adulthood. Drawing on attachment theory and cross-cultural perspectives, we investigated whether gender, attachment to mother and father, and nationality (Italian vs. Angolan) predicted the development of love styles in 370 young adults. Participants completed validated measures of parental attachment (IPPA) and love attitudes (LAS). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed a differentiated pattern across love styles. Emotionally detached relational styles (Ludus) were significantly predicted by gender, paternal attachment, and nationality, with higher levels reported by men, those with lower paternal attachment, and Angolan participants. While Storge showed no significant associations, passionate love expression (Eros) was robustly predicted by nationality, with Italian participants reporting higher levels of passion in love. Results suggest that while paternal attachment serves as a critical developmental anchor in preventing Ludus, the cultural macrosystem remains the primary architect of Eros. These findings call for culturally attuned clinical and educational interventions that differentiate between early relational deficits and normative cultural variations in intimacy. Full article

For vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination uptake is among the best public health behaviors to prevent infection, disease and death. However, public confidence in this behavior has waned in recent years alongside the twin respiratory threats of influenza and COVID-19. Moreover, certain populations, such as emerging adults, may be amenable to vaccination attitude and behavior change as they navigate their path between adolescence and adulthood. The current investigation presents two studies that address influenza and COVID-19 vaccination uptake among emerging adults. First, among more than 2000 emerging adults during the years of 2022–2024, we examined rates of vaccination uptake and attitudes, as well as relationships of vaccine rates with other concomitant health behaviors. Second, we explored the efficacy of a classroom-based vaccination promotion experience in altering both attitudes and behaviors regarding vaccination uptake among 275 emerging adults at college. Results highlighted some health behaviors that are related to influenza uptake but not COVID-19 uptake. Moreover, results from Study 2 demonstrated that attitudes, but not behavior, seem to be most amenable to the classroom-based approach to encourage health behavior change, as a significant increase in positive attitudes toward both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines was observed. These findings are discussed further, considering theoretical and practical applications. Full article

Preterm birth interrupts critical phases of lung development and is associated with long-term alterations in respiratory structure and function. While bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has traditionally been considered the principal determinant of adverse outcomes, accumulating evidence indicates that prematurity per se contributes substantially to persistent pulmonary impairment. Lung function trajectories in preterm-born children frequently track along lower percentiles from infancy into adolescence and early adulthood, with limited catch-up growth and increased vulnerability to chronic airflow limitation. Assessment of lung function requires a developmentally tailored approach, as feasibility and interpretability vary across age groups. In infancy, non-volitional techniques such as tidal breathing flow-volume loop analysis and raised-volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression allow early evaluation of respiratory mechanics. During toddlerhood, methodological limitations persist, although emerging technologies may expand feasibility. In preschool children, impulse oscillometry enables detection of small airway dysfunction, often preceding spirometric abnormalities. From school age onward, spirometry, body plethysmography, diffusing capacity, and multiple breath washout provide complementary information on obstructive, restrictive, and gas-exchange impairments. Longitudinal studies demonstrate that reduced lung function is not confined to children with BPD and may predispose to early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like phenotypes. Early identification of abnormal trajectories and modifiable risk factors supports structured long-term follow-up and preventive strategies. Standardization of age-specific assessment protocols and harmonization of reference values are essential to improve risk stratification and optimize long-term respiratory outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between general and problematic social media use, and young adults’ future time perspectives during their school-to-work-transition. It also explores how parents perceive the influence of their children’s media use on career perspectives. Utilizing longitudinal data from a quantitative study, 443 parent–youth dyads at t1 and 355 at t2 were surveyed on their practices concerning daily social media use, problematic social media engagement, transition and moratorium orientations, and parental assessments. Open-ended responses from parents indicated that the majority perceived either a positive effect or no influence of media use on career opportunities, while a smaller proportion reported negative impacts. Adolescents whose parents expressed positive views demonstrated significantly stronger transition orientations. Cross-sectional analyses demonstrated that problematic social media use was negatively associated with transition orientation and positively related to moratorium orientation. General usage time, however, showed no meaningful associations. Longitudinal regression analyses indicated that neither general nor problematic social media use predicted subsequent levels of transition or moratorium orientation after controlling for baseline orientations, pointing to substantial stability in these dispositions. The findings suggest that problematic social media engagement coincides with less future-oriented mindsets, while future orientations remain stable over time. Full article

Structural racism and discrimination (SRD) is a fundamental cause of health inequities that emerge during adolescence and persist throughout adulthood. This scoping review systematically synthesizes the evidence on policy and community-level interventions designed to disrupt SRD exposure among Black adolescents and mitigate its impact on their health behaviors and outcomes. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched five databases for peer-reviewed intervention studies published through October 2025. Of 3417 abstracts screened, 9 studies met inclusion criteria. We examined the study characteristics, theoretical frameworks, implementation strategies, and effectiveness of interventions targeting three primary mechanisms of SRD exposure for adolescents. The majority focused on neighborhood and social integration interventions, with limited representation of resource-based and school-based approaches. Culturally grounded, community-engaged interventions buffered SRD’s negative effects on mental health, empowered youth as change agents, and removed structural barriers to health-promotive resources. The review identified several gaps in the research, including methodological and theoretical rigor, geographic contexts, and follow-up. Findings underscore the potential of culturally grounded, multilevel interventions to reduce inequities across mental health, physical health, and social outcomes for Black youth. This review highlights the need to expand systems-level interventions that address the root causes of the persistent racial health inequities experienced by Black youth. Full article