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Health behaviour change: Theories, progress, and recommendations for the next generation of physical activity research

Adaptive behaviour change is central to improving population health, yet poor adoption of health-enhancing behaviours contributes to noncommunicable diseases and so remains a global concern. Research on physical activity behaviour change has continued to expand and evolve since the turn of the millennium, guided by diverse theoretical approaches-from social cognitive theories, organismic dialectical approaches such as Self-Determination Theory, dual-process frameworks, and integrated practical models and taxonomies.

Lifting the wellbeing of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: A feasibility study of the LIFT app

Adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of psychological distress. To address this, psychological support provided asynchronously via an app may be feasible. Our study aimed to explore feasibility and safety of the LIFT wellbeing app.

No effects of acute tryptophan depletion on anxiety or mood in weight-recovered female patients with anorexia nervosa

Previous studies have suggested that individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterized by increased serotonergic (5-HT) activity that might be related to elevated levels of anxiety. Assuming these traits to be also present in individuals at risk for AN, it was further hypothesized that restricting food intake might be a means to temporarily alleviate dysphoric affective states by reducing central nervous availability of tryptophan (TRP), the sole precursor of 5-HT.

Bigiswun Kid Project: a longitudinal study of adolescents living with high rates of prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and early life trauma in remote Australian Aboriginal communities

The Lililwan Project was the first Australian population-based prevalence study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) using active case ascertainment. Conducted in 2010-2011, the study included 95% of all eligible children aged 7-9 years living in the very remote Aboriginal communities of the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia.

Within- and between-person relationships between spontaneous self-affirmations, coping style, and wellbeing

Self-affirmations—responding to self-threatening information by reflecting on positive values or strengths—help to realign working self-concept and may support adaptive coping and wellbeing. Little research has been undertaken on spontaneous self-affirmations in response to everyday threats, and less has been undertaken on the relationships between spontaneous self-affirmations, coping, and wellbeing.

Understanding Current Staff Experiences, Practices and Needs in Supporting Young People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the Queensland Youth Justice System

Young people with neurodevelopmental disorders are overrepresented in the youth justice system and face many disadvantages due to their impairments. The current study investigated what factors predict and contribute to the behavior of youth justice professionals working in the Queensland (QLD) youth justice system, utilizing a behavior change wheel framework.

Quantitative measures of subjective wellbeing for adolescents: a scoping review and synthesis of comparable data

Efforts to promote adolescent wellbeing are of increasing global interest. Although the ability to measure wellbeing is essential for identifying disparities between and within populations, and for tracking progress in improving wellbeing, the best way to measure this elusive concept in adolescents is unclear.

Trends in incident acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease in Indigenous youth in Western Australia: a retrospective cohort study

To determine age-specific and age-standardised incidence trends of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Indigenous Western Australians aged less than 35 years of age.

Coping Compass: co-designing a brief online positive psychology programme for youth with chronic conditions

This article presents a case study of a 12-month co-design process with young people (16–25) living with chronic health conditions to create an online, self-guided intervention based on positive psychology. Following an established framework for co-designing with vulnerable consumers, the co-design process was designed with stakeholders to promote accessibility and maximise youth engagement in the design of the programme. 

The Luminos Project: Co-Designing a Short-Stay Suicide Support Model for Young People

Suicide was the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24 years old in 2023, with 392 lives lost. The continued high numbers of youth suicide demand urgent exploration of alternative approaches to suicide intervention in this population. The United Kingdom-based suicide service Maytree offers an innovative short-term stay for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Grounded by the Maytree model-of-care, the aim of the current study was to co-design a short-stay service responsive to the specific needs of suicidal young people.