Weight- and race-based bullying: health associations among urban adolescents

Document Type

Article

Summary Description

A longitudinal study on predominantly Black and Latino, socioeconomically disadvantaged urban adolescents found that weight- and race-based bullying indirectly contribute to increased blood pressure, BMI, and decreased self-rated health over two years. These effects are mediated by negative emotional symptoms caused by bullying. The study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with stigma-based bullying.

Abstract

Stigma-based bullying is associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes. In a longitudinal study, surveys and physical assessments were conducted with mostly Black and Latino, socioeconomically disadvantaged, urban students. As hypothesized, greater weight- and race-based bullying each was significantly indirectly associated with increased blood pressure and body mass index, as well as decreased overall self-rated health across 2 years, through the mechanism of more negative emotional symptoms. Results support important avenues for future research on mechanisms and longitudinal associations of stigma-based bullying with health. Interventions are needed to reduce stigma-based bullying and buffer adolescents from adverse health effects.

Publication Status

Published

Category Tags

Mental Health and Wellness; Education; Racial Justice and Racism; Disease

New Haven Neighborhood

New Haven (All)

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