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.
Objectives: Youth of color (YOC) are more likely to experience direct and indirect violence compared to non-Hispanic White youth. Although the negative consequences of violence exposure are well-established, less is understood about factors that may facilitate resilience. Methods: The current study utilized hierarchical linear regression modeling to examine the associations between resilience and psychological health, social support, and school engagement among YOC in the United States who have experienced violence. Participants included 75 YOC (Mage = 9.39; SD = 1.56; 84.1% Black or African American, 9.3% Biracial or Multiracial, 5.3% Hispanic, 1.3% Indigenous) who were directly or indirectly exposed to violence in the past year. They were recruited from a family justice center in the southern United States. Results: The final model was significant (F(5,74) = 21.71; p < .001) and accounted for 57% of the variance in resilience. Specifically, lower levels of direct violence exposure (β = -.18; p = .002), greater social support from friends and nonparental adults (β = .35; p < .001), and more school engagement (β = .47; p < .001) were related to higher resilience. Conclusions and Implications: Findings highlight the importance of interpersonal and school resources in facilitating resilience among YOC who have been exposed to violence. Clinicians are encouraged to connect YOC with accessible resources to foster behavioral, cognitive, and emotional involvement in school. Further, mental health care providers can assist YOC by helping them establish and maintain supportive relationships, which may enhance resilience.
Childhood victimization can negatively affect children’s self-perception, a multifaceted developmental asset that can be delineated into Global Self-Worth, Social Competence, and Behavioral Conduct. Despite the importance of self-perception, few studies have examined how strengths-based interventions impact self-perception among youth experiencing victimization. Using a familial case study design, the current study evaluated how a camp-based intervention, known as Camp HOPE, affected self-perception among siblings who experienced childhood victimization. Participants included three siblings and their mother who all identify as Black/African American and reside in the Midsouth, United States. The siblings participated in a week-long, overnight camp with other children exposed to victimization. The family was evaluated across three timepoints: pre-camp, 1 month post-camp, and 4 months post-camp. Participating in Camp HOPE appeared to have differential effects on the siblings’ self-perception. Specifically, all three children endorsed small to medium improvements in perceived Behavioral Conduct, but the camp differentially impacted their Global Self-Worth and Social Competence. Findings suggest that Camp HOPE may enhance self-perception among Black/African American children who have experienced victimization. This intervention may also be more accessible and acceptable, compared to traditional treatment formats.
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