Background Low socioeconomic status (SES) is a strong predictor of many health problems, including asthma impairment; however, little is understood about why some individuals defy this trend by exhibiting good asthma control despite living in adverse environments. Objective This study sought to test whether a psychological characteristic – “shift-and-persist” (dealing with stressors by reframing them more positively, while at the same time, persisting in optimistic thoughts about the future) - protects low SES children with asthma. Methods 121 children physician-diagnosed with asthma, ages 9-18, were recruited from medical practices and community advertisements (M age=12.6, 67% male, 61% Caucasian). Shift-and-persist and asthma inflammation (eosinophil counts, stimulated IL-4 cytokine production) were assessed at baseline, and asthma impairment (daily diary measures of rescue inhaler use and school absences), and daily peak flow were monitored at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up. Results Children who came from low SES backgrounds but who engaged in shift-and-persist strategies displayed less asthma inflammation at baseline (β=.19, p<.05), as well as less asthma impairment (reduced rescue inhaler use and fewer school absences; β=.32, p<.01) prospectively at a 6 month follow-up period. In contrast, shift-and-persist strategies were not beneficial among high SES children with asthma. Conclusion An approach that focuses on the psychological qualities that low SES children develop to adapt to stressors may represent one practical and effective starting point for reducing health disparities. Moreover, the approaches that are effective in low SES communities may be different from those that are optimal in a high SES context.
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