Addictive Behaviors and Mental Disorders Among Youth and Adolescents

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The following Topic aims to explore the intricate relationship between addictive behaviors and mental health challenges in young populations. As digital technologies proliferate and societal pressures evolve, adolescents and youth are increasingly vulnerable to various forms of addiction, including substance abuse, Internet gaming disorder, and social media dependency. These addictive behaviors often co-occur with or exacerbate mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and conduct problems. This Topic seeks high-quality research that investigates the underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and protective factors contributing to these comorbidities. We welcome studies employing diverse methodologies, from epidemiological surveys to neuroimaging techniques, to uncover the biological, psychological, and social determinants. In addition, we encourage submissions on innovative prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of youth. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this Topic aspires to advance knowledge and inform evidence-based practice.

Dr. Wenchao Wang
Dr. Chao Song
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Education Sciences education	2.6	5.5	2011	29.2 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Youth youth	1.5	-	2021	40.9 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Behavioral Sciences behavsci	2.5	3.1	2011	29.6 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Psychiatry International psychiatryint	1.1	2.0	2020	28.8 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ejihpe	2.6	5.1	2011	29.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Education Sciences Youth Behavioral Sciences Psychiatry International EJIHPE

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11 pages, 337 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Concordance Between Self-Reported Cannabis Use and Urine Toxicology in Canadian Youth and Young Adults Attending an Early Psychosis Programme

by Naseem Abdulmohi Alhujaili and Oyedeji Ayonrinde

Psychiatry Int. 2025, 6(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6040133 - 1 Nov 2025

Viewed by 146

Abstract

Background: Youth and young adults with early psychosis frequently use cannabis, yet the reliability of self-reported use is uncertain in clinical practice. We examined the concordance between self-reported cannabis use and urine toxicology among patients enrolled in an Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program [...] Read more.

Background: Youth and young adults with early psychosis frequently use cannabis, yet the reliability of self-reported use is uncertain in clinical practice. We examined the concordance between self-reported cannabis use and urine toxicology among patients enrolled in an Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program in Southeast Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional chart review of 116 EPI patients (2016–2019). Demographics, self-reported cannabis use (yes/no), concurrent substance use, and urine toxicology results from the initial clinical assessment were extracted. Diagnostic indices (sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and accuracy) were calculated using urine toxicology as the reference. The clinical panel used a 50 ng/mL threshold for THC-COOH; the specific assay platform (immunoassay vs. confirmatory GC-/LC-MS) was not specified in records and is noted as a limitation. Results: Overall, 82.8% (96/116) self-reported cannabis use. Self-report showed high sensitivity (88.4%) but very low specificity (20.3%), with PPV 39.2%, NPV 75.0%, and accuracy 45.30%, indicating limited concordance with urine toxicology. Self-reported cannabis use was significantly associated with self-reported cocaine and MDMA use, while associations with methamphetamine, opioids, and benzodiazepines were not significant. Conclusions: In this EPI cohort, self-reports overestimated cannabis use relative to urine toxicology (high sensitivity, low specificity, and accuracy <50%). These findings support cautious clinical interpretation of self-report and the complementary value of biological verification, especially when use is infrequent or the testing window/threshold may miss exposure. Future work should incorporate use frequency, potency, and timing relative to testing, and clearly specify toxicology assay methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Addictive Behaviors and Mental Disorders Among Youth and Adolescents)

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15 pages, 266 KB  

Open AccessArticle

“Without Them I Wouldn’t Be Here”: Parenting Practices and Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care Among Immigrant and Refugee Youth of African Descent in Nova Scotia

by Ifeyinwa Mbakogu

Youth 2025, 5(3), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth5030100 - 20 Sep 2025

Viewed by 616

Abstract

This study explores how parenting practices influence access to mental health and substance use (MHSU) care among African immigrant and refugee youth in Nova Scotia. Based on qualitative interviews and focus groups with youth aged 18–25 who had accessed or attempted to access [...] Read more.

This study explores how parenting practices influence access to mental health and substance use (MHSU) care among African immigrant and refugee youth in Nova Scotia. Based on qualitative interviews and focus groups with youth aged 18–25 who had accessed or attempted to access MHSU services, this study centers youth narratives on parental roles in navigating culturally unfamiliar health systems. Data were analyzed thematically by the research team, with input from advisory committee members of African descent, using a collaborative and manual approach grounded in Afrocentric and Ubuntu principles of relationality, collective meaning-making, and respect for participant voice. Despite stigma, and acculturative stress, findings reveal that African parents often act as vigilant protectors, cultural anchors, and decisive actors in recognizing and responding to youth substance use. Participants described their parents as watchful, strict, and deeply invested in their well-being, sometimes even “saving” them by initiating care when peers or institutions failed to do so. Parental nudging, family-based intervention, and cultural values of collective responsibility were central to accessing MHSU services. This study emphasizes the need for culturally responsive and family-inclusive healthcare delivery by highlighting gaps in care systems where parental involvement was excluded or where African family dynamics that shape help-seeking and support were misunderstood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Addictive Behaviors and Mental Disorders Among Youth and Adolescents)

18 pages, 848 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Nomophobia Profiles Among High School and College Students: A Multi-Group Latent Profile Analysis

by Wenqin Chen, Bin Gao, Yang Zhou and Xiaoqi Yan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091282 - 18 Sep 2025

Viewed by 682

Abstract

In school settings, nomophobia—a newly identified form of problematic mobile phone use characterized by anxiety and discomfort experienced when an individual is unable to use or access their smartphone—poses significant challenges to students’ learning and daily life. Prior research on nomophobia has predominantly [...] Read more.

In school settings, nomophobia—a newly identified form of problematic mobile phone use characterized by anxiety and discomfort experienced when an individual is unable to use or access their smartphone—poses significant challenges to students’ learning and daily life. Prior research on nomophobia has predominantly adopted a variable-centered perspective. However, if nomophobia is heterogeneous across subgroups, acknowledging this heterogeneity may inform the advancement of more tailored and productive therapeutic methods. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted separately among high school students (N = 446) and college students (N = 667) to identify potential subgroup heterogeneity in nomophobia. To examine cross-group similarities in nomophobia profiles, a multi-group LPA was employed. Based on multiple model fit criteria, a three-profile solution—high nomophobia, moderate nomophobia, and low nomophobia—was identified for both groups. However, the multi-group LPA provided only partial support for the similarity of nomophobia profiles across educational stages, specifically in terms of configural and dispersion similarity. While similar nomophobia profiles emerged across groups, the partial equivalence suggests that intervention strategies for nomophobia may not be universally applicable across different educational levels. Additional studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying students’ nomophobia profiles and to inform differentiated interventions for educators, institutions, and policymakers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Addictive Behaviors and Mental Disorders Among Youth and Adolescents)

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16 pages, 302 KB  

Open AccessArticle

What Drives the Non-Medical Use of Stimulants Among College Students? The Role of Self-Efficacy and Attitudes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Israeli Undergraduates

by Keren Dopelt, Shiran Bord and Nourit Houminer-Klepar

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(7), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15070141 - 18 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Background: Non-medical use of prescription stimulants is increasing among college students worldwide. While intended for ADHD treatment, many students use these substances to improve their concentration and academic performance. Despite global research, little is known about the psychological and attitudinal factors influencing such [...] Read more.

Background: Non-medical use of prescription stimulants is increasing among college students worldwide. While intended for ADHD treatment, many students use these substances to improve their concentration and academic performance. Despite global research, little is known about the psychological and attitudinal factors influencing such use in the Israeli academic context. Objectives: We wished to examine the relationship between self-efficacy, attitudes toward stimulant use, and actual use among Israeli college students, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind non-medical stimulant consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 598 students from two Israeli academic institutions. The participants completed validated questionnaires assessing their demographic characteristics, stimulant use patterns, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Results: A total of 22% of students reported using stimulants, 17% of them without a prescription. Positive attitudes significantly increased the likelihood of use (Exp(B) = 3.31, p < 0.001), while higher self-efficacy reduced it (Exp(B) = 0.69, p < 0.01). A negative correlation was found between self-efficacy and favorable attitudes (r = −0.17, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that self-efficacy influences stimulant use entirely through its effect on attitudes toward stimulants. Additionally, stimulant use was significantly more common among Jewish students (25%) compared to non-Jewish students (11%; p < 0.05) and among smokers (36%) compared to non-smokers (20%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Positive attitudes and low self-efficacy are key risk factors for stimulant misuse. These findings underscore the need for educational interventions aimed at strengthening self-efficacy and promoting healthier coping strategies in academic settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Addictive Behaviors and Mental Disorders Among Youth and Adolescents)

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