Parental Psychological Control and Risk-Taking among Taiwanese Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Benefit Perception as a Mediator.

Youth risk-taking behaviors present important public health concerns due to their prevalence and potential adverse consequences, underscoring the need for research and prevention strategies to promote youth's healthy development. The present research examined the relationship between parental psychological control and risk-taking behaviors via benefit perception among high school and college students in Taiwan. Using a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 378 participants to assess maternal and paternal psychological control, benefit perception, and engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Results indicated no significant difference in psychological control or benefit perception between high school and college students. However, college students reported higher levels of risk-taking behaviors, such as risky driving, alcohol use, and unprotected sex. Both maternal and paternal psychological control positively correlated with benefit perception and risk-taking behaviors. Furthermore, benefit perception mediated the relationship between psychological control and risk-taking behavior among high school and college students. These findings suggested that parental psychological control indirectly influenced youth risk-taking by shaping their perceptions of the benefits of such behaviors. The study highlights the importance of promoting autonomy-supportive parenting to reduce risk-taking behaviors and advocates for programs that enhance decision-making skills among adolescents and emerging adults.

Relationship between problematic smartphone use and sleep problems: The roles of sleep-related compensatory health beliefs and bedtime procrastination.

Objective: Concerns regarding sleep problems in emerging adults and their antecedents, such as problematic smartphone use (PSU), have been growing. This study tested the association between PSU and sleep problems and further investigated the mechanisms of this relationship based on the theory of compensatory health beliefs (CHBs). Methods: This study included 999 participants (74.87% female) in China, aged 17 to 25 years (M = 21.16; standard deviation = 1.60), who voluntarily filled in an anonymous survey. Results: The findings showed positive correlations between sleep problems and PSU, sleep-related CHBs, and bedtime procrastination (rs = .25-.52, p < .001). Furthermore, the positive link between PSU and sleep problems was mediated by bedtime procrastination alone (ß=.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.17, .26]) or a serial path of sleep-related CHBs and bedtime procrastination (ß=.04, 95% CI [.02, .05]). Conclusion: This study provides a new perspective to understand the internal mechanism underlying the PSU-sleep problem link. Interventions for sleep disorders ought to consider the theoretical guidelines of the CHBs model to reduce the risk of bedtime procrastination and sleep disorders in emerging adults.

Telehealth counseling plus mHealth intervention for cannabis use in emerging adults: Development and a remote open pilot trial.

INTRODUCTION: To improve treatment access for emerging adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD), we developed a telehealth counseling-plus-mHealth intervention and remotely conducted a single-arm open pilot study to preliminarily evaluate its feasibility in primary care. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team including youth developed the intervention using the structure of the MOMENT intervention: two weekly counselor-delivered Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) sessions, then two weeks of smartphone surveys (4 prompted/day) querying socioemotional contexts and cannabis use, with pre-programmed messages on report of personal triggers for use (Ecological Momentary Intervention; EMI). The team adapted the MET for virtual delivery; created material to enhance self-reflection, plan behavior change, and anticipate withdrawal; shortened the sessions; and tested them with five youth actors. EMI messages were created to align with the MET and programmed to minimize repetition. Patients aged 18-25 using recreational cannabis ≥3 days/week were recruited from an urban medical practice. Participants received the intervention and responded to surveys on satisfaction and burden. At baseline, post-intervention, and two months, participants reported behavior change readiness/importance/confidence and cannabis use. EMI engagement was calculated as % days with ≥1 phone survey completed. RESULTS: Fourteen eligible patients enrolled; 79 % used cannabis daily/near-daily and 100 % reported use problems. All completed both MET sessions and responded to EMI surveys. All agreed/strongly agreed that they felt respected by, comfortable with, and trust for the counselor and that the activities and discussion were helpful; all rated the MET sessions as very good/excellent. Technical issues were infrequent and minor. Median EMI engagement was 100 % (≥1 report/day) in each week. Behavior change confidence was higher post-intervention and importance and confidence were higher at two months vs. baseline. By two months, 11 participants had started to change cannabis use; median percent days of use in the past 30 days declined by 27 % and average times of use per use day declined by 28 %. All rated intervention quality as good, very good, or excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging adults were highly satisfied and engaged with a telehealth MET counseling-plus-mHealth EMI intervention for cannabis use and reported higher motivation to change cannabis use and less use post-intervention and at 2-month follow-up.

Exploring Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

(1) Background: Emerging adulthood, from the age of 18 to 29 years, is a crucial phase for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, as it affects their Health-Related Quality of Life. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzes the influence of the Mediterranean diet, Diabetes duration, Hemoglobin A1c, and sleep disorders on Health-Relate Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. In this study, conducted in Andalusia, Spain, 362 emerging adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus completed the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire, the Adaptation of Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and the Vida con Diabetes Tipo 1 (ViDa1) Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire between October 2021 and July 2022. Pearson correlation coefficients and a multiple regression analysis were conducted for each Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus dimension (Interference with Life, Well-being, Self-care, and Concern about the Condition) for overall sample and separately for males and females. (3) Results: Different and significant correlations are found among factors such as Age, Body Mass Index, Currently being a student, Hemoglobin A1c, Sleep satisfaction, Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, and Adherence to Mediterranean diet. Notably, Insomnia is a main predictor for Interference with Life, Well-being, and Concern about the Condition, especially for females. (4) Conclusions: Insomnia is the main predictor of Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus among Andalusian emerging adults with this condition. Consequently, a regular assessment of sleep and Health-Related Quality of Life from a gender perspective in this age group is crucial.

Factors associated with the COVID-19 booster vaccine intentions of young adults in the United States.

Young adults experience high coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence yet have the lowest vaccination and booster rates among adults. Understanding the factors influencing their intentions regarding boosters is essential for crafting effective public health strategies. We examined the psychosocial factors (attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control) associated with their intentions to receive a COVID-19 booster. This cross-sectional study included 292 young adults aged 18-25 residing in Philadelphia who completed an online survey from September 2021 and February 2022 (mean age 21.98, standard deviation 2.25; 51% racial/ethnic minorities). The survey included measures of attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control related to COVID-19 vaccination. We employed structural equation modeling analysis to examine the intention of young adults to receive the COVID-19 booster and their vaccine-related attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control. Covariates included race/ethnicity and gender. Subjective norms were significantly associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 booster (standardized ß̂ = 0.685, p = .018). Attitudes and perceived behavioral control showed no significant association with intention. Subgroup analyses based on race/ethnicity revealed that attitudes (standardized ß̂ = 0.488, p = .004) and subjective norms (standardized ß̂ = 0.451, p = .050) were predictors among young adults from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, while only subjective norms (standardized ß̂ = 1.104, p = .002) were significant for non-Hispanic White young adults. Public health efforts should prioritize engaging healthcare providers and peer groups in order to influence subjective norms and promote collective responsibility and acceptance for vaccination. Tailored interventions and diverse communication strategies targeting specific subgroups of young adults may be useful to ensure comprehensive and effective vaccination initiatives.

Emerging adults' emotions toward their siblings with down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Typically-developing siblings of individuals with Down Syndrome often experience complex emotions towards their sibling. This study explored how social support, personal resources (optimism, sense of coherence [SOC]), and individual variables (sex, religious affiliation, siblings' functionality) may impact emerging adult siblings' emotions toward their sibling with Down Syndrome. METHODS: Participants were 292 siblings of individuals with DS ranging in age from 18-27 (M=21.54, SD=2.50). Participants completed self-report questionnaires exploring optimism, SOC, support, and acceptance. RESULTS: Higher levels of support and optimism were positively associated with positive emotions, and higher SOC with lower levels of negative emotions. Siblings' functionality and religious affiliation interacted with variables to predict emotions. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to a greater understanding of how emotions may play a role in sibling relations during the emerging adulthood stage. It also provides unique insight into how religious affiliation may be associated with more positive outcomes for siblings.

Correlates of Problematic Gambling in Emerging Adult University Students in Ireland.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the correlates of problematic gambling among emerging adult university students is crucial for developing effective approaches to minimise harm. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study reports on 397 18-25 year old emerging adults studying at Irish universities who completed an online survey about problematic gambling and a range of biopsychosocial variables. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses explored the relationships between problematic gambling and the biopsychosocial variables measured. RESULTS: Chi-square analyses showed that being male, having an online gambling account, having a mobile gambling app, novelty seeking (impulsivity), harm avoidance (fear of uncertainty), and high alcohol volume consumption were significantly associated with problematic gambling. Regression analyses showed that individuals were more likely to report problematic gambling if they were male (OR = 9.57 times), had an online gambling account (OR = 17.05 times), had a mobile gambling app (OR = 20.37 times), scored high in impulsivity (OR = 7.79 times), and reported high alcohol volume consumption (OR = 4.66 times). Individuals were less likely to report problematic gambling if they scored high in fear of uncertainty (OR = 0.26 times). CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of problematic gambling was observed among the current study sample. Participants were more likely to reported problematic gambling if they were male, had online gambling accounts, mobile gambling apps, scored high in impulsivity, scored low in fear of uncertainty, or consumed high volumes of alcohol in typical drinking sessions. These findings have implications for Irish legislation and policy-makers, Irish higher education institutions, and young adult Irish university students.

Hippocampus, amygdala, and insula activation in response to romantic relationship dissolution stimuli: A case-case-control fMRI study on emerging adult students.

BACKGROUND: Romantic relationship dissolutions (RRDs) are associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Functional magnetic resonance imaging in RRD studies indicate overlapping neural activation similar to posttraumatic stress disorder. These studies combine real and hypothetical rejection, and lack contextual information and control and/or comparison groups exposed to non-RRD or DSM-5 defined traumatic events. AIM: We investigated blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation in the hippocampus, amygdala, and insula of participants with RRDs compared with other traumatic or non-trauma stressors. METHODS: Emerging adults (mean age = 21.54 years; female = 74.7 %) who experienced an RRD (n = 36), DSM-5 defined trauma (physical and/or sexual assault: n = 15), or a non-RRD or DSM-5 stressor (n = 28) completed PTSS, depression, childhood trauma, lifetime trauma exposure, and attachment measures. We used a general and customised version of the International Affective Picture System to investigate responses to index-trauma-related stimuli. We used mixed linear models to assess between-group differences, and ANOVAs and Spearman's correlations to analyse factors associated with BOLD activation. RESULTS: BOLD activity increased between index-trauma stimuli as compared to neutral stimuli in the hippocampus and amygdala, with no significant difference between the DSM-5 Trauma and RRD groups. Childhood adversity, sexual orientation, and attachment style were associated with BOLD activation changes. Breakup characteristics (e.g., initiator status) were associated with increased BOLD activation in the hippocampus and amygdala, in the RRD group. CONCLUSION: RRDs should be considered as potentially traumatic events. Breakup characteristics are risk factors for experiencing RRDs as traumatic. LIMITATION: Future studies should consider more diverse representation across sex, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Psychological/behavioral interventions for emerging adults with chronic pain.

Background: Emerging adults, of whom significant numbers report chronic pain, are characterized as having unique needs and challenges. Psychological/behavioral treatments found to be beneficial for reducing pain outcomes in children and adults are understudied in emerging adults. Following a systematic review of the literature, our objective is to report on quantitative studies of psychological/behavioral interventions for chronic pain in emerging adults. Method: We conducted a search of six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science) and reference sections in dissertations and systematic reviews to 4/29/2023. Keywords and phrases were search term combinations of "chronic/persistent pain", "emerging/young adults," and "intervention/treatment" using Boolean logic. Results: Our review resulted in identifying 37 articles, of which 2 duplicates were removed, and 31 were further excluded by a screening process based on various inclusionary and exclusionary criteria. The search yielded four studies on psychological/behavioral interventions (yoga, acceptance and commitment therapy and relaxation), all of which positively affected the pain experience and/or pain-related outcomes. These studies presented issues in design such as not being blinded or randomized, having a small sample size, and potential confounds that were not reported or examined. Discussion: The low number of studies reveals a large gap in the literature and is a call-to-action to further expand our understanding of effective and safer psychological/behavioral therapies for chronic pain in emerging adults. Successful pain management during this developmental phase may help young adults achieve positive trajectories for personal, occupational, relational, and health aspects of their lives.

Actigraphic sleep patterns are associated with bone turnover and bone mineral density among university students.

Poorer sleep is associated with poorer bone health among older adults but the role of sleep in bone health during younger adulthood is understudied. In this observational study, the averages and variability in total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and sleep midpoint of university students were examined in relation to levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femur. A sample of healthy, university students (N = 59, aged 18-25 years, 51.8% female, body mass index <30 kg/m2 ), wore a wrist actigraph for 7 days, completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and underwent blood sampling to assess serum BTM concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen. A sub-sample (n = 14) completed a one-year follow-up. Multiple regression models examined the associations between each sleep metric and bone health outcome at baseline and 1-year follow-up. At baseline, greater variability in sleep midpoint was cross-sectionally associated with greater OC (ß = 0.21, p = 0.042). In the exploratory, follow-up sub-sample, lower average TST (ß = -0.66, p = 0.013) and SE (ß = -0.68, p = 0.01) at baseline were associated with greater increases in OC at follow-up. Greater delays in mean sleep midpoint over follow-up were significantly associated with decreases in lumbar spine BMD (ß = -0.49, p = 0.03). In a sample of young adults, variable sleep schedules were associated with greater bone turnover suggesting the potential importance of regular sleep for optimising bone health into early adulthood.

Parent strategies to help emerging adults manage stress are associated with their mental health: A dyadic coping perspective.

Emerging adults (EAs) are at high risk for mental health challenges and frequently reach out to their parents for support. Yet little is known about how parents help emerging adults manage and cope with daily stressors and which strategies help and which hinder EA mental health. In this cross-sectional pilot study of students at a 2- and 4-year college (ages 18-25, N = 680, mean age = 19.0), we extend models of dyadic coping from intimate relationships to the parent-emerging adult relationship and test whether six specific parent strategies to help emerging adults manage stress are associated with EA mental health. Emerging adults with parents who provided problem and emotion-focused supportive dyadic coping, delegated dyadic coping, and common/joint dyadic coping reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as higher levels of psychological well-being. In contrast, college-attending emerging adults who reported higher levels of parent-provided negative dyadic coping reported higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower psychological well-being. Parent-emerging adult dyadic coping is a fruitful area for future research and intervention development.

Predispose, precipitate, perpetuate, and protect: how diet and the gut influence mental health in emerging adulthood.

Medicine often employs the 4Ps of predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors to identify salient influences on illness states, and to help guide patient care. Mental illness is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mental health is a complex combination of biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors. There is growing interest in the gut-brain-microbiome (GBM) axis and its impact on mental health. We use the medical model of the 4Ps to explore factors involving the connection between nutrition and the GBM axis and their associated risks with mental health problems in emerging adults (EAs), a life stage when mental illness onset is the most common. We review the impact of current dietary trends on the GBM and on mental health, and the role that gut microbiome-based interventions can have in modulating the GBM axis of EAs. We discuss the implications of gut health on the GBM and areas for clinical intervention.

Financial stress in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: a mini review integrating lessons from cancer research.

Amongst adults in the United States, those ages 18-30 have the highest unemployment rates, the lowest incomes, and are the most likely to be uninsured. Achieving financial independence is a core developmental task for this age group, but for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the high costs of insulin and diabetes supplies as well as an employment-based insurance model with minimal safety net can make this a formidable challenge. Cost-related non-adherence to diabetes management is particularly high in emerging adults with T1D and is associated with severe consequences, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and even death. Objective financial burden and subjective financial distress related to illness are not unique to diabetes; in cancer care this construct is termed financial toxicity. Researchers have identified that emerging adults with cancer are particularly vulnerable to financial toxicity. Such research has helped inform models of care for cancer patients to mitigate cost-related stress. This mini review aims to briefly describe the state of the science on financial stress for emerging adults with T1D and explore parallels in cancer scholarship that can help guide future work in diabetes care to reduce health inequity, drive research forward, improve clinical care, and inform policy debates.

Lifestyle in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Emerging adulthood is a transitional stage with significant lifestyle changes, making it especially challenging for those living with type 1 diabetes mellitus. This systematic review synthesizes qualitative research to explore how emerging adulthood (18-29 years) influences lifestyle behaviors in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Global Health, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and WOS were searched for original qualitative studies addressing the lifestyle of 18-31-year-olds with type 1 diabetes mellitus, published between January 2010 and March 2021 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and their findings were categorized into eight topics (emotions and feelings, nutrition, perceptions, risky behaviors, self-care, sleep, social relationships, and stigma) using meta-aggregation, as outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The spontaneity characteristic of emerging adulthood can undermine self-care. This is because new environments, schedules, and relationships encountered during this life stage often lead to the neglect of diabetes management, owing to the various social, academic, and occupational demands. This review highlights the necessity of creating health promotion strategies tailored to the unique lifestyle aspects of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Substance Abuse Treatment, Critical Race Theory, and Counter-Storytelling, for the Black Emerging Adult Male.

Black-emerging adult males face many barriers to the effective engagement in substance abuse treatment including stigma, lack of access to resources, and engagement with the criminal justice system. This case study introduces a group therapy and counter-storytelling intervention to understand and effectively mitigate some of these barriers. Counter-storytelling, derived from critical race theory (CRT) framework, focuses on marginalized individuals sharing how various aspects of society impact them, which is often different from the majority narrative. Through this intervention, Black-emerging adult males discussed the challenges they face when engaging in treatment, coping skills for barriers they face, and overcoming stigma of substance abuse recovery. Using a group therapy and counter-storytelling intervention, clinicians can begin to suspend how they traditionally think about treatment for Black-emerging adult males and engage in more effective practices to support this population.

Gender, society and mental health: The moderated mediating role of depression and gender on national resilience and life satisfaction among emerging adults.

Recent threats to human security (i.e., COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change events) call for nurses to have an increased understanding of how sociopolitical environments induce mental health problems and impact the well-being of citizens. This study examines the relationship between national resilience and life satisfaction among Filipino emerging adults, how depression mediates this relationship, and how these correlations are moderated by gender. Drawing from an online survey sample of 1020 Filipino emerging adults (18-29 years old), this cross-sectional study utilised a moderated mediation analysis. Key constructs were measured using the short version of the National Resilience Scale (NR-13), the depression component of the Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Gender was measured as sex assigned at birth. Descriptive results show that more than half of the respondents are female (64.2%) and demonstrate below-average levels of national resilience and depression, and high levels of life satisfaction. Also, findings indicate that depression has significant negative relationships with, and partially mediates the positive relationship between national resilience and life satisfaction. Moreover, moderation analysis results suggest that being female synergizes the negative relationship between depression and life satisfaction, and being male strengthens the positive relationship between national resilience and life satisfaction (p < 0.01). The results highlight how the national resilience of emerging adults neutralises their risk for depression and, ultimately, improves life satisfaction. Moreover, the findings emphasise the importance of nursing advocacy actions to ensure that social policies for improving public mental health are gender-sensitive, given that macro-social and psychological factors have varied effects on individuals' lives based on gender.

Associations of Lifestyle Patterns With Overweight and Depressive Symptoms Among United States Emerging Adults With Different Employment Statuses.

Objective: To identify lifestyle patterns in emerging adults and examine the association of lifestyle patterns with overweight and depression. Methods: Data was from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2018. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted with 2,268 US emerging adults based on sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, diet, sleep, alcohol drinking, and cigarette smoking. The associations of lifestyle groups with overweight and depression were examined by logistic regression and were further stratified by employment status. Results: The LCA results favored a four-class solution: "unhealthy but non-substance use" (59%), "healthy but sleepless and drinking" (12%), "unhealthy lifestyle" (15%), and "healthy but sedentary" group (14%). Compared to the "unhealthy lifestyle" group, participants in the "unhealthy but non-substance use" (coef. = -1.44, SE = 0.27; OR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.26, 0.61]), "healthy but sleepless and drinking" (coef. = -1.49, SE = 0.35; OR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.20, 0.72]), and "healthy but sedentary" (coef. = -1.97, SE = 0.34; OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.14, 0.57]) groups had lower depression severity and reported fewer depressive symptoms. Moreover, lifestyle groups and health outcomes showed different relationships among employed and unemployed participants. Conclusion: This study found that the combinations of lifestyle behaviors had synergistic effects on mental health, and such effects differed by employment status.

Factors underlying a disproportionate increase in hospital admissions for adrenal insufficiency in women aged 20-29 years.

Since the year 2000, admissions for adrenal insufficiency (AI) and adrenal crises (AC) have shown a particular increase in young adult females. We examined data on acute non-surgical hospitalisations for AI/AC from New South Wales, Australia, to determine relevant factors that may have contributed to this increase. Data were analysed to ascertain associations between various comorbid psychosocial issues, identified by relevant ICD-10-AM codes in each record, and ACs. From 2005 to 2021. There were 877 admissions for an acute non-surgical illness in this age group. The average admission rate for females [63.5/million/year] was almost twice that for males [34.0/million/year] (p<0.01), as was the average female AC admission rate [14.7/million/year] relative to that in males [6.75/million/year] (p=NS). Infection was present in 41.6% (n=365) of the admissions and Type 1 diabetes mellitus was present in 12.2% (n=107). Overall, psychosocial factors were considered by the senior clinician to have contributed to the illness episode in 22.1% of all admissions and 29.0% of AC admissions. Having one or more psychosocial problems was associated with an AC in females (37.4%, n=49, in those having an AC, p<0.001) but not males. Females with an AC also had a higher mean composite psychosocial, psychiatric and drug/alcohol score [0.47 (0.67)] than females without an AC [0.32 (0.62) p<0.05]. No comparable associations were found in male patients. An increase in the rates of hospitalisations that included a code for at least one psychosocial problem was highly correlated with increases in admission rates for both ACs (r=0.82, p<0.001) and all AI (r=0.98, p<0.001) in females but there was no such relationship in males. This new evidence suggests that psychosocial factors may play an important role in ongoing rates of ACs in treated AI (incidence approximately 6-8 ACs/100PY) particularly in young adult females. In order to minimize AC episodes, all barriers to self-management need exploration on an individual patient basis and with regard to the patient population as a whole.

Motivational characteristics of recreational drug use among emerging adults in social settings: an integrative literature review.

Introduction: Recreational drug use by emerging adults has been identified as an increasingly normalized trend in social contexts. It has been documented that the consumption of these substances regularly occurs at music festivals, raves, nightlife and party settings. While it is known that emerging adults participate in these risk-taking behaviors, what is not known is their motivational characteristics for use. The aim of this review to identify and review literature describing the motivations for recreational drug use and drug choice (excluding alcohol, cannabis and tobacco) by emerging adults in social settings to inform selection of appropriately aligned harm reduction education and health messaging interventions. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative approach was used to conduct the review. This integrative review was based on a three-step search strategy identifying 2,772 articles published between 2000 and 2022. Eleven studies were included in the review. This review explores the following areas: drug use settings, concurrent drug use, consumer drug knowledge, motives of use including likes and dislikes and peer influence. Results: A range of factors influence motivations of emerging adults to participate in recreational drug use. Similar to the consumption of alcohol, the use of recreational drugs by emerging adults is motivated by their perceived benefits and personal motivations to achieve euphoria, emotional intimacy, social benefits, peer influence, increased confidence and to decrease inhibitions. The review findings suggest that motivational factors that reinforce recreational drug use correlate with the desire to break away from the mundane by seeking pleasure and for the opportunity to create novel experiences. Beliefs about the positive and negative impacts of drug use, together with the desire to achieve emotional satisfaction influence drug taking activity. Conclusion: Recreational drug use has become an increased societal norm amongst drug using peer groups and cannot be entirely prevented. It is to be noted that emerging adults have a basic understanding concerning recreational drugs, however, consumer drug knowledge and interventions that target illicit substances is lacking and should be addressed in future research. Festivals, raves and nightlife settings provide opportunity to implement health promotion as it reaches large number of vulnerable individuals in a short period of time.

The association between housing stability and perceived quality of life among emerging adults with a history of homelessness.

Many cities across the United States are experiencing homelessness at crisis levels, including rises in the numbers of unhoused emerging adults (18-25). Emerging adults experiencing homelessness may be at higher risk of experiencing negative outcomes, given that being unhoused increases risk for a variety of behaviors. To better understand the current living circumstances of emerging adults with a history of homelessness, as well as their perceptions about associations between housing stability and quality of life (QOL), we conducted 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals recruited from drop-in centers for youth experiencing homelessness. At the time of recruitment n=19 were stably housed and n=11 were unstably housed. Two coders analyzed these data inductively and deductively, using pre-identified domains and open coding. Coding reliability was assessed. Three main themes emerged, each with subthemes: 1) Housing quality (neighborhood safety, convenience, housing unit characteristics); 2) QOL before stable housing (physical and mental wellbeing, social wellbeing, and other determinants of QOL, such as encounters with law enforcement); and 3) Changes in QOL after stable housing (same subthemes as for pre-housing stability QOL). Findings indicated a pattern of perceived relationships between housing stability, housing quality, built and social environments, and QOL in the context of emerging adults who experienced or continued to experience homelessness. However, results were mixed with regards to the perceived effects of housing stability on alcohol and other drug use. Taken together, results indicate several areas of challenge, but also highlight opportunities to facilitate improvements in QOL among vulnerable emerging adults who experience homelessness.