Perceived Discrimination, Intersection of Identities, and Health Risk Behaviors in Black Adolescents
Principal Investigator
Discrimination is nearly pervasive, with Black youth averaging five experiences of racial discrimination daily. This is linked to negative effects on psychological, physical, and emotional health, as well as increased risk behaviors such as substance abuse and disordered eating. Discrimination and mental health inequities make Black adolescents particularly vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors. However, current screening tools and interventions for these behaviors are not tailored to the unique experiences of Black adolescents and are largely informed by research on White populations. The proposed project aims to develop, refine, and test a culturally appropriate model of health risk behaviors in Black adolescents that considers discrimination and the intersection of their identities. The project has three specific aims, including exploring beliefs and attitudes about discrimination, developing an ecological momentary assessment protocol based on focus group data, and testing the accuracy of the protocol in capturing experiences and pathways related to discrimination and risk behaviors. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding the experiences of Black adolescents and can inform the development of more culturally appropriate screening tools and interventions.
