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.

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.

Learning from the Chinese experiences

Xiang Zhao conducts research on health psychology at the University of Klagenfurt. We spoke to him about how China handled COVID-19. Among other things, Zhao recommends more precise instructions to the population.