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The current study examined 1316 South Asian youth socialized in progressively Westernized contexts: "traditional" Indian homeland single-sex schools, "transitional" Indian homeland co-educational schools, and the immigrant "diaspora" in Canadian schools. Results showed youth in the three contexts were similar on romantic desire. Yet those in increasingly Westernized contexts reported more romantic activities and greater perceived autonomy from parents in partner choice. They were also more likely to consume Western and social media, and possess friends fostering permissive expectations, greater cross-sex network composition, and intimate communication. Involvement with the global media and friends explained the link between the cultural spectrum and romantic experiences. Implications of global restructuring on romantic experiences, media usage, and friendships are discussed, in consideration of gender. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.)

This study extends understanding of romantic development in the emerging adult years by using an 8-year longitudinal design in Italy. Peer groups at age 13, interpersonal functioning and emotion regulation at age 17, and romantic styles at age 21 were measured in 388 youth. Early peer groups were shown to be indirectly associated with two romantic outcomes: a consolidated style and an exploratory style. As mediators, interpersonal functioning was integral to both longitudinal trajectories, while emotion regulation was unique to the exploratory one. Results provide empirical support for the heterogeneous nature and paths of developing romantic relationships in emerging adulthood and the lasting effects of early peer groups on romantic development beyond adolescence. Results are discussed in consideration of Italian culture. (Contains 1 figure, 2 tables and 2 notes.)

Emotions are at the core of all human experiences, but talking about emotions is challenging, particularly in the context of medical encounters focused on somatic symptoms. Transparent, normalizing, and validating communication about the mind-body connection opens the door for respectful, open dialogue between the family and members of the care team, acknowledging the lived experience that is brought to the table in understanding the problem and co-creating a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain presentations of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRDs) have conceptual overlap, namely, distress and impairment related to a physical symptom. This study compared characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with ARFID to those with gastrointestinal (GI)-related SSRD. A 5-year retrospective chart review at a tertiary care pediatric hospital comparing assessment data of patients with a diagnosis of ARFID (n = 62; 69% girls, M age = 14.08 years) or a GI-related SSRD (n = 37; 68% girls, M age = 14.25 years). Patients diagnosed with ARFID had a significantly lower percentage of median BMI than those with GI-related SSRD. Patients diagnosed with ARFID were most often assessed in the Eating Disorders Program, whereas patients diagnosed with an SSRD were most often assessed by Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Groups did not differ on demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, illness duration, or pre-assessment services/medications. GI symptoms were common across groups. Patients diagnosed with an SSRD had more co-occurring medical diagnoses. A subset (16%) of patients reported symptoms consistent with both diagnoses. Overlap is observed in the clinical presentation of pediatric patients diagnosed with ARFID or GI-related SSRD. Some group differences emerged, including anthropometric measurements and co-occurring medical conditions. Findings may inform diagnostic classification and treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]