Abstract: In this article, we review issues related to adolescent development and mental health. We start by describing normative changes that occur during adolescence and how these changes may increase susceptibility to mental illness. We review recent literature on rates of adolescent mental health challenges over time, and discuss trends related to mental health of Black adolescents as well as the association between technology and mental health. We provide an overview of risk and protective factors that contribute to adolescent mental health, with a section devoted particularly to LGBTQIA+ adolescents.
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-91497-0.00112-0
In book: Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology
Abstract: The current paper describes rates of recent (past six months) adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and examines the association of ACEs with cultural connection and depressive symptoms among Indigenous children aged 10 to 14 (N = 177; mean age = 11.8; 48.3% boys; 44.3% girls; 7.4% another gender identity). Children completed baseline surveys as part of a larger evaluation of a culturally grounded, strengths-focused, family-based program to prevent ACEs. Surveys included an inclusive measure of ACEs developed for the current study, an adapted measure of connection to culture, and the Children’s Depression Screener. Results for ACEs indicated that 18.6% of Indigenous children reported none, 37.2% reported one to three, and 44.2% reported four or more in the past six months. Importantly, children who reported no ACEs reported greater cultural connection than children who reported one to three ACEs. Depressive symptoms were higher among children who reported one to three and four or more ACEs compared to children who reported no ACEs.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00587-1