Role Models, Ethnic Identity, and Health-Risk Behaviors in Urban Adolescents

Abstract

Role model selection is associated with protective psychosocial characteristics.

Role models' influence on smoking reduction

“…This study also extends on findings investigating the effectiveness of role model influence in the domains of academics (Lockwood, 2006;Zirkel, 2002;Marx & Roman, 2002;McIntyre et al, 2005;McIntyre et al, 2003), psychological well-being (Yancey et al, 2009;Ziegler & Stoeger, 2008), but especially health (Lankford et al, 2003;.…”

“…Research indicates that role models can motivate individuals to strive for academic and occupational success (Lockwood, 2006;Zirkel, 2002), increase self-esteem and self-efficacy (Yancey, Siegel, & McDaniel, 2009;Ziegler & Stoeger, 2008), and boost performance on a cognitive task by alleviating the adverse effects of stereotype threat (Marx and Roman, 2002;McIntyre et al, 2005;McIntyre, Paulson, & Lord, 2003). Most importantly, role models have also been used effectively to increase behavioral intentions in activities related to improving health (Lankford et al, 2003;Lockwood, Chasteen, & Wong, 2005;Lockwood, Wong, McShane, & Dolderman, 2005).…”

Adolescent Physical Activity

“…A role model is someone who is admired and seen as an example to be emulated. The positive associations of having a role model include better academic achievement, positive development and well-being, reduced likelihood of risky health behaviors, and greater likelihood of positive health behaviors (DuBois & Silverthorn, 2005;Mistry, McCarthy, Yancey, Lu, & Patel, 2009;Strunin et al, 2015;Yancey, Grant, Kurosky, Kravitz-Wirtz, & Mistry, 2011;Yancey, Siegel, & McDaniel, 2002). In addition, a handful of studies have found that having a role model is specifically associated with greater levels of physical activity among youth (DuBois & Silverthorn, 2005;Mistry et al, 2009;Yancey et al, 2011).…”

A Multicultural Nutrition and Culinary Intervention for Middle School Students: Pink and Dude Chefs, Phase 2

“…Furthermore, program leaders may have served as positive role models for the participants. Previous studies have shown that a strong positive relationship exists between adolescents having an adult role model and reduction of risky behaviors, higher self-esteem, and higher grades (Beier, Rosenfeld, Spitalny, Zansky, & Bontempo, 2000;Yancey, Siegel, & McDaniel, 2002).…”