ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR

This study tested a program called Family Connections for HIV-positive youth ages 15-21 and their caregivers in Zambia. The goal was to help teens achieve an undetectable viral load and reduce self-stigma through family support and education. Over 1,300 participants took part in …

This study tested a program where teenagers learn about high blood pressure and then teach an adult they know. The goal was to see if this approach could help adults lower their blood pressure. The study involved 64 pairs of adults with high blood pressure and a teen (ages 14-24)…

This study tested whether a technology-based education program delivered by peer mentors or adult educators helps teenagers aged 14-17 with asthma. 48 teens were split into two intervention groups and a control group. Researchers measured changes in asthma control, quality of lif…

This study tested whether anti-vaping social media messages designed specifically for sexual and gender minority (SGM) teens could prevent them from starting to vape. Over 1,100 SGM youth aged 13-20 who had not vaped recently received either tailored or generic messages. The goal…

This study tested a program called Creating Peace, designed to help teens aged 14-19 prevent violence and address racism and discrimination. Over 500 young people took part in community-based sessions. The goal was to reduce physical, sexual, and emotional violence, as well as cy…

This study tested a web-based program called 'Me & You-Tech' designed to prevent dating violence among 6th graders. Researchers worked with 123 students, their parents, and schools to see if the program could reduce harmful behaviors like physical and emotional abuse. The goal wa…

This study tested whether short, intense exercise breaks—called 'exercise snacks'—could help teens reduce their mobile phone addiction. Over 5 months, 386 adolescents either did quick bursts of exercise (like 1-minute sprints) during school breaks or continued their normal routin…

This study tested a program called CEDARS to help teenagers aged 14-19 reduce stress and improve their mental health. 36 teens took part in online modules and surveys. The goal was to see if the program was easy to use and actually helped lower stress.

This pilot study tested a counseling program called the Friendship Bench for 106 teens aged 13-18 living with HIV who also had depression or anxiety. The program aimed to improve their mood and keep them engaged in HIV care. Researchers measured how well the program worked by loo…

This study tested a program called Unstuck & On Target High School, designed to help autistic teens improve planning, flexibility, and daily living skills. The program was delivered by school staff during 25 one-hour lessons, with parent support at home. Researchers tracked chang…

This study tested a virtual reality video game designed to help teenagers who have been exposed to violence learn to control their emotions. Researchers enrolled 74 youth aged 13 to 17 who were under juvenile justice supervision. Participants played up to 6 VR sessions, and the s…

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help teens with asthma learn about and improve their sleep. About 120 teens aged 14-17 took part. The app provided tips and tracked sleep habits to see if it increased their knowledge and helped them feel more rested.

This pilot study tested a way to find and treat depression in teenagers at four youth-friendly health clinics in Mozambique. About 95 teens and clinic staff took part. One group received a type of talk therapy called interpersonal therapy, while the other got the usual care. The …

This study tested a program to help Black youth (ages 6-18) who came to the emergency room with suicidal thoughts or self-harm. The program, called STAT-ED, was adapted for Black youth and their families. It used a patient navigator to help them start and keep up with mental heal…

This study looked at how parents and friends help reduce stress in 11-14 year olds. Researchers used brain scans and stress tests to see how social support changes with puberty. The goal was to understand why teens rely less on parents and more on peers as they grow. 208 teens pa…

This study tested a smartphone app to help doctors check the quality of life of children who had a liver transplant. About 200 children and their parents used the app to answer questions about how they were feeling. The goal was to see if this tool could be easily used in regular…

This study looked at how having a parent or a best friend nearby affects a teenager's stress response. Researchers used brain scans and saliva samples to measure stress in 202 teens. The goal was to understand how this 'social buffering' changes as teens grow older.

This study tested whether offering 6 months of phone support from a mental health navigator helps children with early mental health symptoms get connected to care. 358 children who had never received mental health treatment took part. The navigator helped families find services, …

This study looked at whether using online tools like YouTube videos, TikTok, and resource links can help sexual and gender minority youth (ages 14-19) feel more comfortable seeking help for depression and anxiety. 81 participants joined a private Discord group for 4 weeks and had…

This study tested whether a program designed to reduce risky behaviors in African-American teens actually changes brain activity. Researchers used brain scans to see how the program affects emotional and cognitive control regions. The goal is to better understand how to prevent d…