Objective To explore the association between relatively short stature and negative emotions in adolescents,and inform further psychological education and intervention.
Methods From November 2017 to January 2018,multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select 2 325 adolescents from 12 junior high schools and 12 senior high schools in 6 administrative regions of Shanghai for a survey of the self-reported Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale(DASS) and a parent-reported demographic questionnaire.Adolescents' stature data came from the physical examination data provided by the school.
Results A total of 2 312 adolescents were available for the analysis,the mean age was(14.89±2.07) years,and 1 199(51.6%) were male.There were 145(6.27%) adolescents of relatively short stature(<P
10),and in overall and each age group,no significant difference was noted in DASS total score,depression,anxiety and stress subscale scores from the normal height control group(
t=0.27,-0.24,0.49,0.50,
P>0.05).Adjusting for demographics,stature was not a significant predictor to negative emotions(
P>0.05).
Conclusion There is no significant association between relatively short stature and negative emotions in adolescents,and the contributing factors to negative emotions in adolescents of relatively short stature require further investigation.
