Loneliness Across the Life Span

Most people have experienced loneliness and have been able to overcome it to reconnect with other people. In the current review, we provide a life-span perspective on one component of the evolutionary theory of loneliness—a component we refer to as the reaffiliation motive (RAM). The RAM represents the motivation to reconnect with others that is triggered by perceived social isolation. Loneliness is often a transient experience because the RAM leads to reconnection, but sometimes this motivation can fail, leading to prolonged loneliness. We review evidence of how aspects of the RAM change across development and how these aspects can fail for different reasons across the life span. We conclude with a discussion of age-appropriate interventions that may help to alleviate prolonged lonelines

Cognitive functioning, clinical profile and life events in young adults addicted to drugs. Does being a girl make a difference?

Objective: Gender features play a fundamental role as risk factors in drug addiction, entailing differences in vulnerability, onset, drug use and clinical trajectories. Even if increasing empirical evidence has attested that drug abuse in emerging adulthood is associated with cognitive impairments, personality disorders and psychological distress, limited research has analyzed these aspects from a gender perspective. The present research focuses on gender differences in youths (18–24 years of age) diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs), in order to detect possible differences between females and males as regards their neuropsychological functioning, clinical profiles and past life experiences. Method: Neuropsychological functioning (neuropsychological battery Esame Neuropsicologico Breve-2), the severity of the symptomatology (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised), personality profile and disorders (Shedler Westen Assessment Procedure-200) and life history were assessed in two groups of young adults with SUDs, 20 males and 20 females (mean age = 21 years, SD = 2.2). Participants were recruited in a therapeutic community in Venice, Italy. Results: Girls showed less cognitive impairment but higher psychological distress with respect to boys; between the two groups, no differences emerged regarding the personality profiles. The girls’ life histories presented more experiences of abuse and maltreatment; they also moved more quickly from substance use to dependence. Boys, instead, were more involved in criminal activity. Conclusions: Given our results, it seems that gender differences manifest early, at emerging adulthood. Consequently, a gender-oriented treatment for drug addiction should be offered even at an early age, focusing on early adverse experiences and their potential traumatic effect on girls. By contrast, young men seem to rely on compromised cognitive functions, which require a specific treatment approach, since they constitute a crucial factor for individual adjustment and treatment outcomes. Results should be interpreted relative to some limitations (such as the small sample size and the preliminary and cross-sectional nature of the research), and future studies are require

“Relationship Connectivity” Counts:Lifetime Relationships, Family Structure, andRisk-Taking in Adulthood

The impacts of interpersonal relationships (in childhood and in early adulthood) on risk-taking behavior of young adults were the focus of this research. Data from the 2012 New Family Structures Survey (using a subset of 2,917 young adults aged 18-39), disaggregated by whether the respondents grew up in conventional or unconventional households, were augmented with eight interviews with health and counseling professionals. Healthy early family relationships and current romantic relationships offered the best protections against adult risk-taking behavior, irrespective of family household structure. On the other hand, a healthy parent-child relationship in adulthood and bullying victimization in childhood were both linked to increased risk-taking in later years, but only if raised in unconventional families. These findings contributed to the empirical literature on the consequences of healthy relationships, with natal families, peers, and partners, for positive life decisions and partly illuminated Agnew’s Strain and Aker’s Social Control Theories. Exploring a fuller range of unconventional family structures, a broader variety of risk-taking behaviors, and whether said behaviors turn into addictions will better highlight the long-term consequences of relationship connectivity for adult risk-taking

Trajectories of aggressive and depressive symptoms in male and female overweight children. Do they share a common path or do they follow different routes?

The prevalence of childhood overweight is a major social and public health issue, and primary assessment should focus on early and middle childhood, because weight gain in these phases constitutes a strong predictor of subsequent negative outcomes. Studies on community samples have shown that growth curves may follow linear or non-linear trajectories from early to middle childhood, and can differ based on sex. Overweight children may exhibit a combination of physiological and psychosocial issues, and several studies have demonstrated an association between overweight and internalizing/externalizing behavior. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of longitudinal studies on depressive and aggressive symptoms in children with high BMI. This study adopted a growth curve modeling over three phases to: (1) describe BMI trajectories in two groups of children aged 2–8 (overweight and normal weight) from a community sample; (2) describe the developmental trajectories of children’s aggressive and depressive symptoms from 2 to 8 years of age. Results indicate higher BMI in 2-year-old girls, with males catching up with them by age 8. While overweight females’ BMIs were consistently high, males’ increased at 5 and 8 years. The mean scores for aggressive symptoms at T1 (2 years of age) were the same in all subjects, but a significant deviation occurred from T1 to T2 in both samples, in divergent directions. With regards to children’s depressive symptoms, the two groups had different starting points, with normal weight children scoring lower than overweight youths. Overweight females showed lower depressive scores than overweight males at T1, but they surpassed boys before T2, and showed more maladaptive symptoms at T3. This study solicits professionals working in pediatric settings to consider overweight children’s psychopathological risk, and to be aware that even when children’s BMI does not increase from 2 to 8 years, their psychopathological symptoms may grow in intensit

The Longitudinal Examination of Body Mass Index and Internalizing Symptoms among Canadian Adolescents

Child and adolescent overweight and obesity issues are a rising concern. The mental health correlates of weight issues for youth are gaining recognition within the literature. However, the cross-sectional literature indicates that the relationship between weight and mental health problems is unclear. Further, few longitudinal studies have been completed to date. Thus, the overarching goal of the present dissertation was to examine longitudinally the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and internalizing symptoms among Canadian youth (ages 10-17, N = 6,987, 50.6% boys) using Statistics Canada’s National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), cycles 4 to 8. In order to achieve the abovementioned goal, the dissertation is presented as two distinct studies. Given differences in the availability of measures based on age group, developmental trajectories were mapped from ages 10 to 15 and follow-up measures were analyzed for ages 16 and 17. The first study focused on the relationship between the developmental trajectories of BMI and internalizing symptoms. This objective was achieved through a parallel-process growth curve analysis, whereby the latent variables (i.e., intercept, slope, and quadratic) of the growth curves of BMI and internalizing symptoms were regressed on one another to examine the relationships over time. Results indicated that there were gender differences in trajectories and in the relationships among trajectories. More specifically, the shape of the BMI trajectory among girls (i.e., linear) and boys (i.e., quadratic) differed, possibly reflecting gender differences in pubertal timing. Regarding the parallel-process analysis, among boys, factors of the BMI trajectory predicted changes in the trajectory of internalizing symptoms. Among girls, there was a bidirectional relationship between BMI and internalizing symptoms. As heterogeneity in BMI development exists, there may be groups of youth that are most vulnerable to problems. As such, the second study used growth mixture modelling to identify different trajectory classes of BMI. Then, the trajectories of internalizing symptoms and physical activity were modelled and plotted to explore patterns across classes. Three classes were found for both boys and girls: ‘normative,’ ‘increasing,’ and ‘decreasing’ classes. Demographic attributes such as socioeconomic status, pubertal status, parent health, and community setting, were examined as predictors of class membership. Significant attributes differed between boys and girls. For both boys and girls, youth in the ‘increasing’ classes demonstrated higher levels of internalizing symptoms and lower levels of physical activity compared to other classes. Findings highlight that gender differences exist in the relationship between BMI and mental health. Implications for research and practice are discussed

Investing in The Health and Well-Being of Young Adults

This report was prepared to assist federal, state, and local policy makers and program leaders, as well as employers, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners, in developing and enhancing policies and programs to improve young adults' health, safety, and well-being. The report also suggests priorities for research to inform policy and programs for young adults.Young adulthood - ages approximately 18 to 26 - is a critical period of development with long-lasting implications for a person's economic security, health and well-being. Young adults are key contributors to the nation's workforce and military services and, since many are parents, to the healthy development of the next generation. Although 'millennials' have received attention in the popular media in recent years, young adults are too rarely treated as a distinct population in policy, programs, and research. Instead, they are often grouped with adolescents or, more often, with all adults. Currently, the nation is experiencing economic restructuring, widening inequality, a rapidly rising ratio of older adults, and an increasingly diverse population. The possible transformative effects of these features make focus on young adults especially important. A systematic approach to understanding and responding to the unique circumstances and needs of today's young adults can help to pave the way to a more productive and equitable tomorrow for young adults in particular and our society at large

Longitudinal Study of Body Mass Index in Young Males and the Transition to Fatherhood.

Despite a growing understanding that the social determinants of health have an impact on body mass index (BMI), the role of fatherhood on young men's BMI is understudied. This longitudinal study examines BMI in young men over time as they transition from adolescence into fatherhood in a nationally representative sample. Data from all four waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health supported a 20-year longitudinal analysis of 10,253 men beginning in 1994. A "fatherhood-year" data set was created and changes in BMI were examined based on fatherhood status (nonfather, nonresident father, resident father), fatherhood years, and covariates. Though age is positively associated with BMI over all years for all men, comparing nonresident and resident fathers with nonfathers reveals different trajectories based on fatherhood status. Entrance into fatherhood is associated with an increase in BMI trajectory for both nonresident and resident fathers, while nonfathers exhibit a decrease over the same period. In this longitudinal, population-based study, fatherhood and residence status play a role in men's BMI. Designing obesity prevention interventions for young men that begin in adolescence and carry through young adulthood should target the distinctive needs of these populations, potentially improving their health outcomes

Social re-orientation and brain development: An expanded and updated view.

Social development has been the focus of a great deal of neuroscience based research over the past decade. In this review, we focus on providing a framework for understanding how changes in facets of social development may correspond with changes in brain function. We argue that (1) distinct phases of social behavior emerge based on whether the organizing social force is the mother, peer play, peer integration, or romantic intimacy; (2) each phase is marked by a high degree of affect-driven motivation that elicits a distinct response in subcortical structures; (3) activity generated by these structures interacts with circuits in prefrontal cortex that guide executive functions, and occipital and temporal lobe circuits, which generate specific sensory and perceptual social representations. We propose that the direction, magnitude and duration of interaction among these affective, executive, and perceptual systems may relate to distinct sensitive periods across development that contribute to establishing long-term patterns of brain function and behavior

Early lifestyle determinants of adiposity trajectories from childhood into late adolescence

Contexte: L'obésité infantile est un facteur de risque majeur de mortalité et de morbidité, car les enfants avec obésité ont tendance à maintenir leur obésité à l’âge adulte. Parmi les enfants canadiens, 27% ont un surpoids ou une obésité, ce qui pose un grave problème de santé publique, vu les conséquences en termes de morbidité et mortalité de l’obésité à l’âge adulte. Objectifs: Les principaux objectifs de ma recherche sont les suivants: (1) examiner le lien entre l'activité physique durant la pré-puberté et les trajectoires d'adiposité de l’enfance à l'adolescence; (2) examiner le lien entre les comportements sédentaires dans la pré-puberté et les trajectoires d'adiposité de l’enfance à l'adolescence; et (3) examiner les associations entre les apports alimentaires dans la pré-puberté et les trajectoires d'adiposité de l’enfance à l'adolescence. Mon hypothèse est que moins d'activité physique, plus de temps sédentaire et une alimentation moins saine (ex. moins de fruits et légumes, plus de boissons sucrées) pendant l'enfance seront associés à des trajectoires défavorables d’obésité de l’enfance à l'adolescence. Méthodes: Cette recherche porte sur les données de l’étude QUALITY (QUebec Adipose and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth). Cette cohorte comprend 630 enfants caucasiens âgés de 8 à 10 ans, recrutés au départ sur la base d’antécédent d'obésité chez leurs parents. De ce nombre, 377 ont été suivis à 10-12 ans et à 15-17 ans. Les comportements sédentaires et l'activité physique ont été mesurés par accélérométrie sur une période de 7 jours, le temps d'écran a été mesuré par questionnaire et l'apport alimentaire avec trois rappels alimentaires de 24 heures. Le poids et la taille ont été mesurés à chaque période et transformés en scores z de l'indice de masse corporelle (IMC-z) selon les normes de l'OMS (Organisation Mondiale de la Santé). La modélisation des trajectoires basée sur les groupes a été utilisée pour identifier les trajectoires longitudinales de l'IMC-z. Des régressions logistiques multinomiales ont ensuite été utilisées pour examiner les associations entre les habitudes de vie durant l’enfance et les trajectoires d’adiposité, en ajustant l’âge, le sexe, les stades du développement pubertaire de Tanner et l’éducation parentale. Résultats principaux: Six trajectoires distinctes d’IMC-z ont été identifiées: Poids-Faible-à-Normal-Stable (5,7%), deux groupes de Poids-Normal-Stable qui ont ensuite été combinés (33,0% et 24,8%), Surpoids-Stable (19,8%), Obèse-Stable (8,8%) et Surpoids-Décroissants (7,9%). Pour chaque portion supplémentaire de fruits et légumes à 8-10 ans, la probabilité de faire partie du groupe en Surpoids-Décroissants est augmentée de 26% (OR 1,26, IC 95% 1,06-1,49) par rapport à ceux du groupe Poids-Normal-Stable. Pour chaque heure supplémentaire de comportement sédentaire mesurée par l'accéléromètre à 8-10 ans, la probabilité d'appartenir au groupe Surpoids-Décroissants est augmentée de 51% (OR 1,51, IC à 95% 1,03- 2,22) par rapport au groupe Poids-Normal-Stable. En termes d'activité physique, toutes les 10 minutes supplémentaires d'activité physique modérée à vigoureuse (APMV) au départ étaient associées à une probabilité plus faible d'appartenir au groupe Obèse-Stable (OR 0,75, IC à 95% 0,61-0,91) et Groupe Surpoids-Décroissants (OR 0,78, IC 95% 0,62-0,98) par rapport au groupe Poids-Normal-Stable. Importance: Cette étude a permis d’identifier différents groupes de trajectoires de développement du score IMC-z qui restent stables de l’enfance à la fin de l'adolescence ainsi qu’un groupe d’enfants qui sont passés d'un surpoids à un poids normal. Ces derniers avaient un apport alimentaire plus favorable en fruits et légumes à 8-10 ans. Cependant, ils avaient également une APMV inférieure et un comportement plus sédentaire comparativement au groupe de Poids-Normal-Stable.Background: Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for mortality and morbidity as children with obesity tend to remain obese into adulthood. Among Canadian children, 27 % have overweight or obesity, which is a serious public health concern. Objectives: The main objectives of my research are to (1) examine the associations between physical activity in pre-puberty or early puberty and obesity trajectories across childhood and adolescence; (2) examine the associations between sedentary behaviors in pre-puberty or early puberty and obesity trajectories across childhood and adolescence; and (3) to examine associations between dietary intake in pre-puberty or early puberty and obesity trajectories across childhood and adolescence. My hypothesis is that lower physical activity, more time spent in sedentary behaviours and unhealthy diets (e.g., higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, lower fruit and vegetable intake) in childhood (pre to early puberty) will be associated with adverse patterns of obesity into adolescence. Methods: This study uses data from the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth (QUALITY) study. This cohort includes 630 Caucasian children aged 8-10 years, recruited at baseline based on a parental history of obesity. Of these, 377 were re-assessed at 10-12 years and at 15-17 years. Sedentary behavior and physical activity using 7-day accelerometry, self-reported screen time and dietary intake with three 24-hr diet recalls were measured. Weight and height were measured at each time period and transformed to body mass index (BMI) z-scores using WHO (World Health Organization) Standards. Group based trajectory modeling was used to identify longitudinal trajectories of z-BMI. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations between lifestyle behaviors at 8-10 years and distinct obesity trajectory groups, while adjusting for age, sex, tanner stage and parental education. Results: Six distinct z-BMI trajectory groups were identified: Stable-Low-Normal-Weight (5.7%), two Stable-Normal-Weight groups that were subsequently combined (33.0% and 24.8%), Stable-Overweight (19.8%), Stable-Obese (8.8%) and Overweight-Decreasers (7.9%). For every additional vegetable and fruit serving at baseline, the likelihood of being in the Overweight–Decreasers group increased by 26% (OR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.49) compared to those in the Stable-Normal-Weight group. For every additional hour of sedentary behavior at baseline, the likelihood of belonging to the Overweight-Decreasers group increased by 51% (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.22) as compared to Stable-Normal-Weight group. In terms of physical activity, every additional 10 mins of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) at baseline was associated with a lower likelihood of belonging to the Stable-Obese group (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.91) and to the Overweight-Decreasers group (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.98) compared to the Stable-Normal-Weight group. Conclusion: Stable trajectories of z-BMI from childhood to late adolescence were found, with the exception of one decreasing trajectory from overweight in childhood to normal weight in adolescence. The latter had more favourable dietary intake of fruits and vegetables at baseline, however, they also had lower MVPA and more sedentary behavior

Teen overweight, weight stigma, and intimate relationship development from adolescence to young adulthood

With an emphasis on how weight stigma is manifested in social relationship context, this study explores two under-studied consequences of adolescent overweight, timing of first sex and subsequent intimate relationship development. The data employed come from Waves I to III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The results indicate that overweight adolescents have significantly later onset of first sex and are more likely to enter early adulthood without any intimate relationship experience when compared to normal-weight youth. Overweight adolescents are vulnerable to discriminatory treatments such as being rejected by or having less close relationships with peers and are thus less likely to have any intimate relationship. The study contributes to the existing literature on overweight youth by revealing the critical role of prejudiced social encounters in peer relationships as the key context that hinders the development of intimate relationships from adolescence to early adulthood. Future studies should seek to understand the broader implications of poor social adjustments during adolescence for later development.