Health
Gallup poll reveals how teens cope with negative emotions — and why 'they want to be heard'
A new Gallup survey explored how young Americans cope with stress, anxiety and other big emotions – and the results were mostly positive.
The research was done in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and Dr. Lisa Damour, a bestselling author and clinical adolescent psychologist who served as a consultant on Pixar’s movie “Inside Out 2.”
Ohio-based Damour and the rest of the team dove deep into the Gen Z experience, exploring the relationship between teens and their parents and other support systems.
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The researchers surveyed 1,675 children between ages 10 and 18, along with their parents or guardians.
The data revealed that young Gen Zers are using a “range of healthy coping mechanisms” to deal with challenging feelings, according to a press release.
A poster for the movie “Inside Out 2” is displayed in Hong Kong, on July 3, 2024, with nine animated emotions: joy, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, ennui, envy, embarrassment and anxiety. Dr. Lisa Damour, a bestselling author and clinical adolescent psychologist, served as a consultant on the movie. (Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
More than half of Gen Z respondents reported listening to music as a coping mechanism, while 45% said they play video games, 45% connect with friends and 39% talk about their feelings.
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Only 20% of teens reported that they turn to social media when upset.
The emotional lives of preteens and teens are “marked by more ups than downs,” according to the Gallup poll.
Listening to music is a “really effective way to manage emotions,” a psychologist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
A whopping 94% of teens said they felt happiness “a lot on the prior day” — while 45% said they also felt stressed, 38% felt anxious and 23% felt sad.
Helping teens handle emotions
The survey explored how parents and guardians can help teens manage their emotions as they start to seek more independence.
More than 60% of Gen Zers said they want their parents to listen to them when upset. Only 28% want their parents to give advice.
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Younger Gen Z respondents are more likely to search for parental reassurance and physical comfort — but teenagers are 20% more likely to want their parents to give them space when they are upset, the survey found.
Young people who feel the need to be perfect are 23% to 30% more likely to feel anxious, sad and stressed.
Among the parents surveyed, 35% reported their teens having “very intense emotions,” but more than eight in 10 parents said they feel “confident in their ability to comfort and communicate with their children.”
The survey also found that one-third of Gen Z kids feel pressure to be perfect, a sentiment that is particularly higher among 13- to 15-year-olds (38%) and girls (40%).
“Social media may be shifting the landscape a little bit, but perfectionism in young people, and certainly in girls, has been on the scene for a long time,” the expert said. (iStock)
Young people who feel the need to be perfect are 23% to 30% more likely to feel anxious, sad and stressed, the research found.
“These new findings suggest that the negative emotions many Gen Zers feel are closely related to the pressure they feel to be perfect,” Stephanie Marken, Gallup senior partner, wrote in a statement.
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“Prior Gallup research has found that children who frequently experience negative emotions are more likely to say that they also struggle in school, so helping Gen Z to cope with these emotions – as well as their underlying causes – is critically important to their academic and future success,” Marken added.
Damour expressed how “delighted” she was to see how “strong and common” positive emotions were in young people. (iStock)
‘Surprisingly’ positive
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Damour expressed her surprise at the large number of young Gen Zers who reported positive emotions and coping techniques.
“I think our results will surprise a lot of people, because the headlines over the last several years have focused on mental health concerns and unwanted emotions,” she said.
“We are hearing from young people that, above all, they want to be heard and taken seriously.”
While 23% of children reported feeling envy and sadness, 29% experienced anger, 38% reported anxiety and worry, and 45% said they were stressed, a majority reported feeling enjoyment (91%) and happiness (94%).
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“The takeaway here is that teenagers have downs, but they also have ups,” Damour said. “And in terms of what they’re telling us, their ups are far more common than their downs.”
While teenagers tend to have complicated emotions and intense feelings, they’re not always negative, she pointed out.
The low number of teens who turn to social media when upset, according to a new poll, reflects their “own awareness” that it “does not help them feel better,” the psychologist said. (iStock)
The expert also offered guidance for parents whose teens may have perfectionist tendencies.
“We want to go out of our way as adults to remind young people that everyone has shortcomings,” she said. “The goal is not to be perfect, but to acknowledge and work on our shortcomings while still feeling good about ourselves overall.”
‘Listening goes a long way’
As the new school year kicks off, Damour encouraged parents to focus on listening rather than always providing solutions.
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“Well-meaning adults will often lead with some suggestions or guidance when a teenager brings painful emotions their way – and though it may come from a loving place, we are hearing from young people that, above all, they want to be heard and taken seriously,” she said.
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“Listening to teenagers and taking their feelings very seriously goes a long way to helping them feel better,” Damour added.
Parents should gauge how best to support their children based on their individual needs, the survey suggests. (iStock)
By stepping back instead of rushing in to help, adults may find that teenagers can effectively manage their own upset feelings, she said.
“We’re in a moment where parents are very, very anxious about teenagers and very, very anxious about their kids becoming teenagers,” the psychologist noted.
“Teenagers want to be heard by and taken seriously by adults, they are very thoughtful about how they manage emotions, and they know what doesn’t help them feel better.”
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Americans are popping more supplements – and fewer multivitamins – than ever before, a new study found.
Research published in JAMA Network Open, led by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, looked at 25 years of U.S. dietary supplement use data from 1999 to 2023.
This included more than 63,000 adults over the age of 20 who reported their supplement usage.
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When tracking patterns over time, the analysis revealed that overall supplement use increased from 51% of U.S. adults to 60%. The largest rise – from 62% to 78% – was identified in adults 65 and older.
Supplement use was found to be more common in women, people with a higher income or education, and those with insurance.
Supplement use was found to be more common in women, people with a higher income or education, and those with insurance. (iStock)
During the same period, multivitamin use decreased from 35% to 31%, while intake of vitamins and minerals outside of multivitamins increased.
Some of the largest increases in intake were seen in vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 and turmeric. Other emerging supplements include ashwagandha, elderberry, collagen, hyaluronic acid, probiotics and prebiotics, according to the research.
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The later post-pandemic period saw an influx of immune support-based products, like zinc and vitamin D (outside of multivitamins).
The rise in supplement use aligns with the longevity movement, as more people seek products tailored to specific health goals, such as immune support, inflammation, gut health, skin health and joint health.
The study only shows that people are taking more supplements, but does not prove that they’re effective for these uses, the researchers noted.
Those on a GLP-1 medication should factor in a multivitamin to counteract the risk of nutrient gaps or deficiencies, an expert recommended. (iStock)
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein gave her take on the emerging supplement movement.
“I love that people are getting more educated and more intentional – I just wish they were being advised by more doctors and dietitians and less by ‘wellness influencers’ who are likely not doing the due diligence on the quality and efficacy of the supplements they’re promoting,” she said.
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Muhlstein expressed concern that all-in-one-multivitamin use has “slipped,” despite the rise in GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
“A multivitamin is where I think people should start as the foundation to help bridge nutrient gaps, especially for people on a GLP-1 who are eating about 15% to 30% less, and therefore likely consuming 15% to 30% less vitamins and minerals,” she said. “I recommend that everyone on a GLP-1 medication [should] take a multivitamin daily.”
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A daily probiotic, magnesium and vitamin D3 are also “smart for many of us,” the nutritionist added. She also recommends elderberry as an effective supplement for boosting the immune system when fighting a cold.
A nutrition expert cautioned against taking supplements that have not gone through third-party testing for safety and quality. (iStock)
Collagen has also been shown to benefit the skin and joints, which Muhlstein said is “worth considering as we get older.”
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“My real concern is the unregulated market,” she cautioned. “I can’t tell you how many calls I’ve received over the years of people pitching me new supplements … because the margins are high and the market is huge.”
“That’s why I’m extremely picky about what I take and what I recommend to my family and clients.”
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Muhlstein warned against taking a supplement that hasn’t gone through third-party testing for safety and quality.
“The best ones go further and test for pesticides, arsenic and heavy metals, especially for protein powders,” she said. “If a product has many ingredients, I like to see that they do testing on each individual ingredient.”
Bipartisan push to invest in US national parks
Bret Baier moderates a discussion with Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) about the ‘America the Beautiful’ initiative. This bipartisan effort seeks to modernize national parks ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, investing $1.9 billion annually. They emphasize national parks as common ground, beloved by all Americans, and crucial for our shared heritage.
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As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, many Americans are taking extra notice of all the things the country has to offer.
One such case is our access to vast wilderness. Today, the nation’s national parks are bustling tourist attractions, but they may also serve as vital resources for public health, experts say.
The most immediate health boost comes from physical movement.
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Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity, improving sleep quality and lowering the risk of chronic illnesses.
The nation’s public lands include parks, trails and open spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and physical activity.
Beyond physical fitness, national parks contribute to documented mental health benefits. (iStock)
A review by the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) found that implementing park, trail and greenway infrastructure directly increases physical activity across communities.
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When people walk, hike or bike through national parks, they are actively lowering their blood pressure, boosting immune function and reducing overall mortality, data shows.
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Beyond physical fitness, national parks may contribute to documented mental health benefits.
Previous research has demonstrated that direct exposure to nature significantly reduces physiological stress, lowers heart rates and decreases levels of stress hormones, like cortisol.
Engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline, research shows. (iStock)
This research also shows that natural environments boost attention span, combat mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance.
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Parks also act as natural venues for mindfulness and social connection.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Research highlights that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation. (iStock)
Additionally, because parks protect cultural and historical resources, they can inspire lifelong learning.
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According to the data, engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline.
The National Park Service was established in 1916 to conserve the nation’s natural and historic resources for future generations, according to the organization.
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Today, that mission has expanded, as parks are recognized not only for their scenic and cultural value, but also the opportunities they provide for recreation and physical activity.
Screwworm outbreak threat to US livestock, prompts USDA action
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses USDA’s response to the New World Screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, assuring safe food supply on ‘The Bottom Line.’ VI LONG DEK: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses the alarming resurgence of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, emphasizing USDA’s aggressive containment efforts. She confirms the food supply remains safe while highlighting the administration’s focus on domestic fertilizer production, investing billions in new plants and infrastructure projects. Rollins celebrates 250 years of American agriculture and its vital role in national security.
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Doctors thought a 60-year-old man had metastatic brain cancer after scans revealed multiple tumors – but further testing revealed a shocking diagnosis.
The Spanish man, who was not named, was found to have a parasitic tapeworm larvae lodged in his brain — a case of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium).
The patient, a lifelong resident of Castellón, Spain, had not traveled to any regions where the disease is endemic, according to the case report published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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The man had initially come to the hospital after suffering two weeks of progressive headaches and mild behavioral changes.
Radiologic findings from a study of autochthonous neurocysticercosis brain lesions mimicking metastatic disease. (Emerging Infectious Diseases)
CT scans showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer.
However, whole-body scans, a colonoscopy and specialized imaging failed to identify cancer anywhere in the patient’s body, the case report stated.
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When doctors performed a more detailed MRI, they discovered several fluid-filled cysts in the brain, some of which contained the head of a tapeworm. A blood test confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.
The man was treated with a combination of albendazole and praziquantel (two antiparasitic medications), as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. He successfully recovered with no complications, according to the case report.
CT scans (not pictured) showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer. (iStock)
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier.
The exposure may have occurred while working a construction job with migrant coworkers from regions where neurocysticercosis is endemic.
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People can catch the pork tapeworm in two different ways. Eating undercooked infected pork usually leads to an intestinal tapeworm, but accidentally swallowing the parasite’s eggs — typically through food or water contaminated with feces — can send the larvae into the bloodstream, where they may form cysts in the brain and other organs. This can cause the disease the patient in the case report acquired.
A photomicrograph shows histopathologic features in a brain tissue specimen from a case of neurocysticercosis caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The image documents pathological changes associated with this parasitic infection. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
As this was just a single case, the source of transmission could not be proven, the researchers acknowledged, and the findings cannot be generalized to a wider population. The report shows that there is a possibility of local transmission in non-endemic settings, but cannot establish how often this occurs.
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In the United States, less than 2% of neurocysticercosis cases are considered domestically acquired, according to the case report.
A prior systematic review identified only 18 confirmed locally acquired cases in Western Europe between 1990 and 2011.
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier. (Associated Press)
In some cases, NCC can cause serious symptoms, including seizures, stroke, neurological deficits and cognitive decline.
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“Our case emphasizes that the absence of travel history should not preclude NCC from the differential diagnosis of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions, even in regions where metastatic cancer is statistically much more likely,” the researchers concluded in the case study.
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Detecting the worms earlier could have prevented “unnecessary invasive oncologic procedures and led to prompt, targeted antiparasitic therapy,” they added.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
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