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Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 22447

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Costanza Scaffidi Abbate

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: prosocial behavior; perspective-taking; empathy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Psychological well-being is a multifaceted construct composed of several dimensions in which enjoying positive experiences and meeting basic needs are essential. Psychological well-being has been explored from multiple perspectives, and psychological discipline has been centered in the construct for its influence on other dimensions, such as individual performance, levels of satisfaction, or characteristics of interpersonal interactions. Most studies have highlighted well-being as a sign of optimal psychological functioning that enhances a person's life experience; therefore, it is seen as a set of factors that push people to pursue the satisfaction of their expectations. Possibly, this is most important in the early phase of life known as adolescence and youth. A review of the literature points out the importance of psychological well-being for adolescents, making it necessary to dig deeper into any and all the aspects that can influence it.

Current research in this area is focused on examining predictors of psychological well-being among adolescents and youth, such as resilience and empathy.

In light of this, this Special Issue is soliciting commentaries, original research, short reports, and reviews addressing topics related to the dimensions that play a fundamental role in and contribute to the psychological well-being of an individual.

This Special Issue aims to provide updated information on how the levels of psychological well-being and mental health among adolescents and youths can be promoted.

Dr. Costanza Scaffidi Abbate
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

• positive psychology
• well-being
• life satisfaction
• resilience

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 190 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Psychological Well-Being among Adolescents and Youth

by Costanza Scaffidi Abbate and Silvana Miceli

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2059; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10102059 - 17 Oct 2022

Viewed by 978

Abstract

Psychology has long conceived of individuals in terms of psychopathology and dysfunction [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

19 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Youth Are the Experts! Youth Participatory Action Research to Address the Adolescent Mental Health Crisis

by Kimberly E. Smith, Rosa Acevedo-Duran, Jennifer L. Lovell, Aliyah V. Castillo and Valeria Cardenas Pacheco

Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 592; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare12050592 - 05 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is an urgent global public health issue. Youth participatory action research is an effective strategy to amplify youth voices and can serve as a catalyst for evidence-based action addressing the mental health crisis. To illustrate the benefits of youth participatory action research for informing community health, we describe an ongoing collaboration with a youth council located in the central coast of California, USA. Research methods included an anonymous online self-report survey to gather information about the mental health of high school students in 2020 (n = 176) and 2022 (n = 234), 93% Latinx/Mexican American. Both surveys included a four-item patient health questionnaire to screen for depression and anxiety risk, in addition to scaled and open-ended survey questions selected by the youth leaders based on their research questions. Quantitative and qualitative results indicated a significant but small decrease in mental health risk, and a continued need for resources to access mental health support. Results led to community-based action aimed at improving local youth mental health. The interdisciplinary research team (psychology and public health) and youth leaders share reflections highlighting the innovative, empowering, and transformative impact of youth participatory action research as a tool for improving community health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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11 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of the Romanian Version of the Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) in a Cross-Sectional Study among Young Adults

by Raluca Briceag, Aureliana Caraiane, Gheorghe Raftu, Melania Lavinia Bratu, Roxana Buzatu, Liana Dehelean, Mariana Bondrescu, Felix Bratosin and Bogdan Andrei Bumbu

Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2660; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11192660 - 30 Sep 2023

Viewed by 617

Abstract

Halitosis is a common condition with a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. The Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) is a reliable instrument for measuring this impact. This study aimed to introduce and validate the Romanian translation of the HALT questionnaire (R-HALT). We hypothesized that the R-HALT would demonstrate good reliability and validity in measuring the impact of halitosis on quality of life among Romanian teenagers and young adults. Our objectives were to translate and adapt the HALT, validate it among a cross-sectional group, and evaluate the extent of halitosis in this population. A multicentric cross-sectional design followed, which was approved by the Ethics Research Committee in Romania. The translation process involved independent translations, retro-translations, expert review, and pre-testing. The psychometric properties were evaluated among 150 patients (mean age 23.6 ± 1.8; 51% males) at dental clinics, including reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity, using accepted statistical measures such as Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The R-HALT revealed strong internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.93 to 0.96, and an ICC value of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.70–0.99), demonstrating excellent test–retest reliability. Mean scores of individual items ranged from 0.82 ± 0.94 (Q3) to 3.23 ± 1.15 (Q11). The corrected item–total correlation ranged from 0.30 (Q2) to 0.90 (Q19). Organoleptic test scores diagnosed 41% (62 patients) with a score of 2, with increasing severity in 9% (13 patients) with a score of 5. The R-HALT exhibited robust reliability and validity in assessing the impact of halitosis among Romanian teenagers and young adults. The questionnaire is a strong tool for understanding, diagnosing, and managing halitosis in Romania, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Further studies with diverse populations could enhance the applicability of the R-HALT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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14 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II in Spanish University Students

by Isabel Tarilonte-Castaño, Diego Díaz-Milanés, Montserrat Andrés-Villas, Zaira Morales-Domínguez and Pedro Juan Pérez-Moreno

Healthcare 2023, 11(8), 1128; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare11081128 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyse the psychometric properties of the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (CEI-II) to provide evidence of validity for its use in research on health promotion and the quality of life of young Spanish university students. Method: A sample of 807 participants (75.09% female) aged 18–26 years (M = 20.68; SD = 2.13) completed the CEI-II and health and quality of life measures questionnaire. Results: A unidimensional structure was confirmed, but the original two-dimensional structure also showed an adequate fit. The measures obtained from the CEI-II were gender- and age-invariant, which exhibited adequate internal consistency for both the full scale and subscales, and showed a statistically significant relationship with life satisfaction, sense of coherence, and psychological distress. Conclusions: The CEI-II can be used as unidimensional, which is recommended, but also as a two-dimensional measure. Both structures provide reliable, valid, and invariant measures across gender and age of exploratory behaviours in Spanish university students. Furthermore, the results confirm the association between exploratory behaviours and greater health management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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14 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Emotional Well-Being and Parental Stress

by Francesca Felicia Operto, Costanza Scaffidi Abbate, Francesco Tommaso Piscitelli, Miriam Olivieri, Luigi Rizzo, Gianpiero Sica, Angelo Labate, Michele Roccella, Marco Carotenuto and Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino

Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2368; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10122368 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1431

Abstract

(1) Introduction: The aim of our research was to explore emotional/behavioral changes in adolescents with neuropsychiatric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and parental stress levels through a standardized assessment, comparing the data collected before and during the first months of lockdown. Moreover, an additional goal was to detect a possible relationship between emotional/behavioural symptoms of adolescents and the stress levels of their parents. (2) Methods: We enrolled 178 Italian adolescents aged between 12–18 that were referred to the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno with different neuropsychiatric diagnoses. Two standardized questionnaires were provided to all parents for the assessment of parental stress (PSI-Parenting Stress Index-Short Form) and the emotional/behavioral problems of their children (Child Behaviour Check List). The data collected from questionnaires administered during the six months preceding the pandemic, as is our usual clinical practice, were compared to those recorded during the pandemic. (3) Results: The statistical comparison of PSI and CBCL scores before/during the pandemic showed a statistically significant increase in all subscales in the total sample. The correlation analysis highlighted a significant positive relationship between Parental Stress and Internalizing/Externalizing symptoms of adolescent patients. Age and gender did not significantly affect CBCL and PSI scores, while the type of diagnosis could affect behavioral symptoms and parental stress. (4) Conclusions: our study suggests that the lockdown and the containment measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic could have aggravated the emotional/behavioral symptoms of adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders and the stress of their parents. Further studies should be conducted in order to monitor the evolution of these aspects over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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12 pages, 1147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Internalized Transphobia, Loneliness, and Social Support in the Psychological Well-Being of a Group of Italian Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youths

by Maria Garro, Cinzia Novara, Gaetano Di Napoli, Cristiano Scandurra, Vincenzo Bochicchio and Gioacchino Lavanco

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2282; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10112282 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3162

Abstract

Although transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth represent a highly resilient community capable of successfully overcoming adverse life circumstances, they still face social stigma that negatively impacts their health, being at risk of developing negative feelings toward their own TGNC identity (i.e., internalized transphobia). A poorly investigated dimension in TGNC health research is perceived loneliness. Thus, within the minority stress theory, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of social support in the relationship between internalized transphobia and psychological well-being among 79 Italian TGNC youths aged 18 to 30-years-old who participated in an online survey. The main results show that loneliness partially mediated the relationship between internalized transphobia and psychological well-being. In addition, social support emerged as a significant moderator, as the impact of internalized transphobia on psychological well-being decreased at moderate and high levels of social support, but not at low levels. The findings have significant implications for clinical practice and psychosocial interventions to reduce the impact of internalized stigma and stress on psychological health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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12 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health of Parents and Their Children: A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Parents’ Negative Affect on Adolescents’ Pathological Gaming

by Mei Ying Piao, Eui Jun Jeong and Jeong Ae Kim

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10112233 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3303

Abstract

Parents’ negative affect could lead to the deterioration of the mental state of their adolescent children. According to previous studies, children of parents who have symptoms of depression or anxiety are more likely to have mental problems. As one of the most important issues concerning adolescents with the rapid rise of screen time, the concern for pathological gaming among adolescents continues to intensify. Many studies have demonstrated the remarkable relationships between adolescents’ pathological gaming and mental factors, but seldom examined them via longitudinal analysis. With three-year data from adolescents (N = 778) and their parents (N = 685) in South Korea, this study assessed the effects of parents’ negative affect (depression and anxiety) on pathological gaming using adolescents’ mental factors (i.e., aggression, ADHD, self-control). The results showed the critical role of parents’ negative affect on their children’s mental health, which finally leads to pathological gaming among adolescents. Depressive parents increased the degree of adolescents’ aggression and ADHD, and decreased the degree of adolescents’ self-control. Anxious parents increased the degree of adolescents’ ADHD. Moreover, both adolescents’ aggression and self-control mediated the relationship between parents’ depression and adolescents’ pathological gaming. Specifically, self-control was one of the most influential factors contributing to pathological gaming among adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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18 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Burdens of Apprentices Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and How They Deal with Them: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis One-Year Post-Breakout

by Katja Haider, Elke Humer, Christoph Pieh, Paul L. Plener and Andrea Jesser

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2206; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10112206 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1697

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a variety of burdens for apprentices and, as a result, in a need for resources to deal with them. The present study examined answers to two open-ended questions, which were part of a larger online survey about the burdens and resources during the pandemic from 1442 Austrian apprentices. Data collection took place from 29 March to 18 May 2021. The answers were analyzed with qualitative content analysis and revealed that most apprentices were burdened by pandemic-related restrictions and rules, the impairment of their social life, and in their mental health. In terms of resources, they mostly fell back on their social contacts, especially their friends. Besides their social life, many apprentices also used personal attitudes, leisure activities, and distractions to deal with their stresses. The study sheds light on some of the background reasons for the high psychological distress among apprentices. In order to better support young people in coping with stress, it is recommended to expand preventive and educational mental health measures targeted at apprentices, to facilitate access to low-threshold psychosocial services for young people, and improve financial support for the receipt of these. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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9 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Optimism Improves Youth Psychological Well-Being: Family Cohesion and Youth Optimism as Serial Mediators

by Wei Qi, Jing Shi and Lijuan Cui

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1832; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10101832 - 22 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1526

Abstract

Focusing on the family system, this study simultaneously examined the effects of the parental factor, family functioning, and individual factor on youth psychological well-being. Overall, 332 youths and their parents were involved in this research and responded to an online questionnaire measuring parental optimism, family cohesion, youth optimism, and youth psychological well-being. The results suggested that (1) parental optimism was positively related to youth psychological well-being; (2) both family cohesion and youth optimism mediated the connection between parental optimism and youth psychological well-being; and (3) the link between parental optimism and youth psychological well-being was mediated by family cohesion and youth optimism in sequence. The present study reveals the underlying mechanism of how to improve youth psychological well-being from within the family system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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10 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cybervictimisation and Well-Being during the Outbreak of COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Depression

by Anna Lisa Palermiti, Maria Giuseppina Bartolo, Rocco Servidio and Angela Costabile

Healthcare 2022, 10(9), 1627; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10091627 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1358

Abstract

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to modifying relational habits and increasing Internet use to engage in antisocial behaviours such as cybervictimisation. Additionally, social distancing can reinforce the relationship with internalising behaviours such as depression. Through an adolescent sample, this study examines the relationship between cybervictimisation and well-being and the mediating role of depression. The hypothesis was tested via Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis to verify the role of depression as a mediator between cybervictimisation and well-being. The main results reveal that the effect of cybervictimisation on well-being was fully mediated by depression. The findings should stimulate debate on possible interventions to promote adolescent well-being and to avoid emotional and mental health problems related to social isolation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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14 pages, 922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

School Students’ Concerns and Support after One Year of COVID-19 in Austria: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis

by Andrea Jesser, Yvonne Schaffler, Afsaneh Gächter, Rachel Dale, Elke Humer and Christoph Pieh

Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1334; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10071334 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1948

Abstract

Adolescents suffer severely from the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examined open-ended responses to a survey on the mental health of school students in Austria in February 2021. A representative sample (n = 214) was drawn from a total survey sample of 3052 adolescents aged 14–20. The analysis revealed several areas of concern, including school-related concerns, concerns about restrictions, self-related concerns, and interpersonal problems. School-related concerns associated with distance learning were mentioned most frequently. Compared with research conducted at the beginning of the pandemic, it appeared that concerns about educational and professional futures increased. The analysis also indicated young people’s most important sources of support, such as social contacts, recreational activities, attitudes and abilities, distraction, and escape. Of concern is the proportion of young people citing maladaptive coping strategies and the reluctance to seek professional support. Ideas for practice-oriented measures were developed from the study results, such as embedding youth-led peer interventions in traditional mental health services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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9 pages, 616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Future Orientation and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Italian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Resilience and the Perceived Threat of COVID-19

by Rocco Servidio, Costanza Scaffidi Abbate, Angela Costabile and Stefano Boca

Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 974; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10060974 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

Several studies have already examined the psychological impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being in samples of the general population. However, given the importance of future orientation for university students’ mental well-being, it is important to explore whether and how COVID-19 affected this vulnerable population. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the protective role of future orientation and the mediating effect of resilience on negative emotional symptoms (anxiety and depression). An online questionnaire was administered to a sample of 244 non-infected Italian university students. The mediation analysis results indicated that resilience fully mediated the relationship between anxiety and depression. Finally, the perceived threat of death from COVID-19 moderated the association between resilience and anxiety. This study shows that university students with higher levels of future orientation exhibit higher resilience levels and, consequently, fewer symptoms of negative emotions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being for Adolescents and Youths)

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