Parents of teenagers may be relieved to know that, despite signs to the contrary, their influence is important. An Ohio State University study of more than 1,700 US children tracked how the influence of family, peers and school changed during adolescence. The study looked at delinquent behaviour (from truancy to violence) and found the influence of peers rose from the age of 11 to a peak at 13-and-a-half and then declined. During all adolescence the researchers found that parental influence was steady and that even when teens appear to reject their parents' support, they still seem to be listening to what their parents say.
Psychologists have identified a new phenomenon - "desk rage" - as work pressures increasingly lead to stand-up rows. According to an English survey of more than 600 workers, 64 per cent were affected by workplace stress and 16 per cent of men had shouted at their colleagues (while women were more likely to break down and cry). To deal with stress, 28 per cent turned to alcohol, 33 per cent to cigarettes and 30 per cent of women (15 per cent of men) ate chocolate. The survey also showed work pressures caused 56 per cent to lose sleep and 28 per cent to become ill while many workers (over 90 per cent in the British midlands) regularly skipped a lunchbreak. Studies suggest the advent of mobile phones and emails has increased work pressures. (BBC)
Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder which, it is estimated, could affect one child in 300. It is characterised by a lack of social awareness and basic communication skills and by oddly precocious or intense interests. A mid-west branch of the Asperger's Syndrome Association of Ireland (ASPIRE) has been set up and meets on the second Monday of each month at the social services centre, Henry Street, Limerick (8-10 p.m.), tel: 061-340712. Contact the ASPIRE helpline 01-2871122 for details of a lecture series beginning on September 21st and a conference for parents on September 25th.
A scientific breakthrough, described by experts as "amazing", could lead to a cure for the most common form of diabetes, type 1, which usually develops in children or young adults. Sufferers cannot produce enough insulin to control the blood-sugar level because the cells which produce insulin have been damaged. A researcher at the Yale University School of Medicine believes she has discovered how cells from the body's immune system attack and damage the insulin-producing cells - which is an important step to finding ways to block the attack and to produce a treatment. (Nature Medicine)
Social phobias or agoraphobia affect an estimated 200,000 people in the Republic and often result in feelings of isolation and low self-confidence. A new programme, beginning this month, provides personal development, computer skills, vocational exploration and skills training for those with social phobias. Run by Roslyn Park College in Sandymount, Dublin, participants in the Home Start programme begin the course in their own homes and, when they feel ready, may join other courses based in the college itself. For application details, tel: 01-2057205, fax: 01-2057217, email: rpc@ntdi.ie
Migraine affects an estimated 300,000 people in the Republic, and costs Irish businesses £33 million a year in lost productivity. Sufferers are encouraged to consult their GP for treatment. Migraine Action Week begins today, and there are information units (staffed by a nurse) at Blanchardstown shopping centre, Dublin (Thursday-Sunday); Grafton Street, Dublin (Monday-Saturday); Corrib Centre, Galway (Thursday-Saturday); and Merchants Quay Centre, Cork (Thursday-Saturday). A phone hotline will operate from today until Friday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), Callsave: 1850-787550.