Strengths-Based Factors Related to Post-Traumatic Stress Problems in Black Youth with High Body Weights

Overview

Journal J Pediatr Psychol

Publisher Oxford University Press

Date 2023 Jun 19

PMID 37335870

Authors

Kaytryn D Campbell

Kathryn H Howell

Taylor R Napier

Caitlyn Maye

Idia B Thurston

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: Black youth with high body weights [BYHW; Body Mass Index (BMI)≥95th percentile] endure unique stressors (e.g., exposure to discrimination due to race and size) that may contribute to psychopathology. Factors that decrease mental health problems associated with these stressors have been underexamined in BYHW. The current study assessed how multisystemic resilience, weight-related quality of life (QOL), and discrimination were associated with post-traumatic stress problems in BYHW from the perspective of youth and their caregivers.

Methods: A total of 93 BYHW and one of their primary caregivers were recruited from a Midsouth children's hospital. Youth ranged in age from 11 to 17 years (Mage=13.94, SD = 1.89), were mostly girls (61.3%), and had CDC-defined BMI scores above the 95th percentile. Nearly all caregivers were mothers (91.4%; Mage=41.73 years, SD = 8.08). Youth and their caregivers completed measures of resilience, discrimination, weight-related QOL, and post-traumatic stress problems.

Results: Utilizing linear regression modeling, the youth model was significant [F(3, 89)=31.63, p<.001, Adj. R2=.50], with higher resilience (β=-.23; p=.01) and lower discrimination (β=.52; p<.001) associated with fewer post-traumatic stress problems. The caregiver regression model was also significant [F(2, 90)=10.45, p<.001, Adj. R2=.17], with higher weight-related QOL associated with lower post-traumatic stress problems (β=-.37; p<.001).

Conclusions: Findings illustrate differences in youth and caregiver perceptions of factors related to post-traumatic stress problems in BYHW. Youth emphasized both internal and external contributors to stress, while caregivers focused on internal variables. Such knowledge could be harnessed to develop strengths-based interventions that address health and well-being among BYHW.

Citing Articles

Social-ecological Protective and Risk Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms among Black Adolescents.

Thomsen K, Howell K, Gilliam H, Ahmed A, Thurston I Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol. 2024; .

PMID: 39589651 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01266-x.

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