Teen dating violence has a long-term negative impact

The risk of experiencing or perpetrate violence in teenage relationships is high: around 20 percent for physical violence and around 9 percent for sexual violence. A research team of health psychologists has now conducted a systematic review study to determine the extent to which these experiences have a long-term impact. The results show: Adolescents who experience or perpetrate teen dating violence (TDV) are more likely to report the same in adulthood. In addition, long-term evidence shows that youth reporting dating violence are more likely to later engage in increased risk behaviours (for example, alcohol and marijuana use) and poor mental health.   

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Widely available and affordable: Programme promoting mental health among adolescents moves to the next level

Early adolescence is a key stage for mental health. Young people in Eastern Europe are currently facing particular challenges, as they are confronted by poverty and inequality on the one hand, and are often adversely affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on the other. In a project funded by EU HORIZON EUROPE, researchers are developing tools to promote the mental health of adolescents, specifically in Eastern Europe, in a manner that is both affordable and scalable.

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Physical and sexual violence in dating among adolescents: How effective are prevention programs?

Studies show that physical and sexual violence often occurs in teen dating relationships: according to current data, the incidence is around 20 percent for physical violence and around 10 percent for sexual violence. A research team at the University of Klagenfurt has recently conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the extent to which prevention programs work. The results have now been presented in JAMA Pediatrics.

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A new program supports the mental health of children in Southeast Europe

Nearly half of all psychological disorders can be traced back to the early years of the affected individuals, i.e. to the time before they reached the age of 14. In adulthood, this frequently leads to chronic illnesses, which may in turn exert negative effects on the individuals’ social lives, economic productivity and quality of life. A new project supported by H2020 (European Union) aims to prevent the occurrence of these illnesses during the childhood years. The project’s geographical focus lies on Southeast Europe.

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