Can Physical Activities Suppress Negative Impact of Stress on the Mental Health of Adolescents?

Early adolescence is a crucial developmental phase marked by significant physical,cognitive,and socioemotional changes.While stress is widely recognized as a notable risk factor during this period,not all individuals experiencing stress concurrently manifest compromised mental health.The association between stress and mental health outcomes is influenced by individual differences in characteristics and coping strategies.This study’s purpose was to assess the negative impact of stress on mental health,specifically focusing on symptoms of anxiety,depression,and psychological distress.Additionally,the research investigates whether different levels of physical activity can suppress the negative effects of stress.A total of 212 upper elementary school students(52.8%girls and 47.2%boys)from rural and urban areas voluntarily participated in the research.Participants online self-assessed on several measures:The Young Person’s CORE,Children’s Anxiety Scale,Children’s Depression Inventory,School Stress Intensity Scale for Students,and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children.The results revealed a significant increase in adolescents experiencing impaired mental health.More than two-thirds(67.5%)of students self-assessed significant symptoms of depression,additionally,57.5%of them had significant symptoms of psychological distress,and 27.8%had significant symptoms of anxiety.Stress demonstrated a significant direct negative effect,leading to increased symptoms of anxiety(t=5.35,p=0.00)and psychological distress(t=4.29,p=0.00);however,there was no significant influence on depression(t=1.33,p=0.18)).Regarding regular physical activity,a significant moderating effect was identified,effectively suppressing the negative impact of stress on anxiety(F=3.88(2,206);p=0.02).In contrast,no significant moderation effect of physical activity was found for symptoms of depression(F=1.45(2,206);p=0.24)and psychological distress(F=1.14(2,206);p=0.32),highlighting a complex and intricate association between physical activity and various mental health outcomes.In conclusion,the practical implications of this study emphasize the importance of creating environments that reduce stressors for adolescents and promote regular physical activity as a means of fostering positive mental health outcomes.

Coping Strategies in Relation with Personality Resources of Resilience and Possibilities of Intervention in Adolescents

The study examined the relationship between coping strategies and personality resources of resilience and presented the results of the research of the effects. Programme aimed at stress resistance enhancing, which was applied in a closed chosen groups of physically handicapped adolescents and adolescents without physical handicap. Within the scope of the programme, during the period of four months and throughout eighteen independent meetings, specific trainings aimed at personality resources enhancing were used with focusing on basic development areas in the groups adolescents （aged 12-15 years）. In comparison with the intact group, the physically handicapped adolescents make use of some less acceptable coping strategies. The observed preferences of looking for understanding and emotional support by adolescent girls indicate the influence of gender on the selection of a certain type of coping strategy. After＇the programme was completed, a retest showed difference in group participants used active, i.e. adaptive types of coping strategies. On the basis of the results, it is recommended to focus on prevention and intervention area besides the research and diagnostic area.

Influence of Disability on the Coping Strategies and Personality Structure in Early Adolescence

The study presents the results of exploring the effect of physical disability on the coping strategies and personality factors in a group of adolescents. It is discovered that the context of adaptability in stress coping and that of preferred coping strategies with personality factors in a cohort （N = 410） measured by means of a questionnaire： coping inventory, children＇s coping strategies checklist, and the Big Five scales for California Child Q-Set. The results point to an indicator of active stress coping in the compared cohorts such as conscientiousness, agreeableness and neuroticism. Conscientiousness and openness as indicators of adaptive self-focused and environment-focused stress coping. Identified limits to the used coping strategies in adolescents require application of programmes in support of development of personality qualities, as effective coping indicators specifically in disabled adolescents.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Mental Health in First Year Secondary School Students

Confinement was a helpful measure to avoid virus propagation, but social isolation and the massive closure of face-to face activities in educational institutions, impacted negatively in mental health of students, it increased stress and anxiety in adolescents, affecting their communication skills in this significant step of interpersonal relationships, and the search for their identity. The lockdown in addition to stress and anxiety triggered fear emotions, frustration, worrying and anger, as well as changes in driving energy, diminishing interest and desires. This work aimed to analyze the impact on mental health in first year secondary school adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Method: Qualitative and phenomenological research, 25 students of first year from a public secondary school of Mexico’s metropolitan area participated in the study;they were girls and boys 12 - 13 years old. Data collection was through a semi-structured interview, testimonials and anecdotes, in two hour sessions, along a week;research team recorded the interviews, testimonials and anecdotes. A signed informed consent was obtained from school authorities, parents and the assent of students. Obtained qualitative data were analyzed according to De Souza Minayo. Results: Four categories emerged with sub-categories. Category 1: Anxiety crisis, sub-categories 1.1. In overcrowded places, 1.2. To speak in public, 1.3. Facing interpersonal relationships with peers. Category 2: Impaired self-concept, sub-categories 2.1. Deficient self-perception, 2.2 Continuous disqualification and 2.3. Deficient personal objectivity. Category 3: Emotions handling, and sub-categories 3.1 Deficient identification of emotions, 3.2 Deficient handling of emotions, 3.3 Maximized emotions. Category 4: Coping strategies, and sub-categories 4.1 Deficient coping strategies, 4.2 Self-injuries, 4.3 Solitude. Conclusion: In early adolescence and in the post-pandemic context tools to face them are insufficient to develop social skills and coping strategies. Lockdown interrupted their socialization process, and their relationships with peers made them anxious and led them to risk behaviors. In this context alternatives to develop significant learning are needed, based on adolescents’ self-awareness highlighting adaptation, communication, emotional intelligence, creative problem solving and resilience skills.

Unveiling the silent crisis:global burden of suicide‑related deaths among children aged 10–14 years

Background The rise in suicides among children aged 10–14 years demands urgent attention globally.This study aims to assess the global burden of suicide-related deaths in this age group from 1990 to 2019,considering factors such as sex,geography,and sociodemographics,to inform prevention strategies and interventions.Methods The data from Global Burden of Disease 2019,encompassing 204 countries and territories,were analyzed to investigate deaths and years of life lost(YLLs)due to suicide among children aged 10–14 years.Statistical analyses,including mortality rates,YLLs,and the sociodemographic index(SDI),were conducted using standardized tools.Results In 2019,a total of 8327[95%uncertainty interval(UI)=7073–9685]children aged 10–14 years died globally due to suicide,with a mortality rate of 1.30(95%UI=1.10–1.51)per 100,000.The rates varied across countries/territories ranging between 0.05(95%UI=0.02–0.10)in South Africa and 7.49(95%UI=5.13–10.57)in Greenland.The contribution of suicide-related deaths to all-cause mortality ranged from 0.07%(95%UI=0.04%–0.15%)in South Africa to 33.02%(95%UI=24.36%–41.53%)in Greenland.Worldwide,there were approximately 636,196(95%UI=540,383–740,009)YLLs due to suicide,with a rate of 99.07(95%UI=84.15–115.23)per 100,000.The association between SDI and suicide-related deaths was evident,with higher contributions observed in countries with higher SDI.Conclusions This study reveals a concerning global burden of suicide-related deaths among children aged 10–14 years.Despite progress in reducing mortality rates,suicide remains a significant issue.While overall rates have declined,the percentage of deaths caused by suicide in this age group is increasing.

Early Sleep Marks the End of Adolescence

十几岁的青少年喜欢睡懒觉,相信许多人都会认为这应该算是常识了。可是为什么他们这么喜欢睡懒觉呢?是本身就懒还是生理上的原因呢?一起来听听专家的解释吧。