Adolescents

Available reviews of the literature have failed to adequately address research on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) that has been conducted in developing countries, with the aim of this study being to systematically review empirical research on NSSI that has been conducted among adolescents and young adults living in countries located on the African continent. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews, searches were conducted in six databases—PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, and Sabinet African Journals—with searches being conducted from inception to 31 December 2024. These searches identified 33 unique records published in peer-reviewed journals or presented in postgraduate theses during the period 1985 to 2024; with the process of data synthesis identifying three broad analytic themes: the nature of NSSI, risk/protective factors associated with NSSI engagement, and the functions of NSSI. Key findings in relation to these themes: (1) highlight the value of an ethnomedical perspective in cross-cultural research on NSSI, and (2) suggest that the conventional focus on intrapersonal and proximal interpersonal influences on NSSI (in relation to both risk/resilience and NSSI functions) could usefully be extended to include influences emanating from the broader sociocultural context in which individuals are embedded. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research.

Adolescents diagnosed with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) face a distinct set of challenges as they cope with a chronic neuroinflammatory disease during a formative stage of life. This review examines the growing body of literature on the psychosocial and cognitive consequences of POMS, from the trauma of diagnosis to disruptions in identity development, academic difficulties, and increased vulnerability to mental health issues. Many young people with MS experience fatigue, cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety, all of which can significantly interfere with their daily lives and overall well-being, even if physical symptoms of the disease remain limited. Yet, current care systems often fall short in addressing their needs, and interventions tailored to adolescents remain scarce. There is a pressing need for developmentally sensitive, family-centered, and integrated models of care. Targeted research and policy action are essential to better support this underserved group. This review builds on prior research by integrating recent findings with adolescent-development frameworks and by proposing a multicomponent health-promotion intervention model specific to POMS. The review describes relevant evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, peer-based interventions, and cognitive rehabilitation that were validated in adults with MS and chronically ill adolescents. The objective is to synthesize evidence and translate it into actionable recommendations for clinical care and research.

Transracial adoption (TRA) places children across racial or national borders into non-biological families, raising complex questions about the adoptee’s racial identity. Guided by the bicultural identity integration theory, integrative racial and adoptive identity is defined as a developmental process with transformative variations. Method: With a mixed-design method, this study examines how Asian adoptees and non-Asian American adoptive parents navigated their racial and cultural adjustment journeys. A small and non-representative sample (N = 21) (14 parents and seven adoptees) was recruited for the survey. Eleven participants (seven parents and four adoptees) attended an individual semi-structured interview to describe TRA needs and obstacles. Results: (1) Even though adoptees and parents were comfortable sharing their adoption experiences through social media, adoptees continued their racial identity inquiries, while parents thought of being role models. (2) Integrative findings show adoptees wanted to learn about their “cultural socialization” at a younger age with parental guidance and normalize “reculturation” as they continued exploring their racial identities through external support. Their TRA journeys engage families in a support network appreciating racial/cultural differences and experiencing identity shifts as a part of reculturation. Implications: A social work platform is needed to provide justice-oriented opportunities for adoptees to share integrative identity journeys and for parents to hear adoptees about their lived experiences. Their engagement in mutual communication will help them show appreciation for each other’s efforts in the adjustment process.