Family Science
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Formerly known as the Department of Family Studies.
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Browsing Family Science by Subject "Adolescent"
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Item AREA-LEVEL POVERTY AND CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK AMONG UNITED STATES ADOLESCENTS: A HIERARCHICAL ANALYSIS OF PATHWAYS TO DISEASE(2017) Williams, Andrew David; Shenassa, Edmond; Family Studies; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)Background: In the United States, 26% of deaths are attributable to cardiometabolic diseases. Cardiometabolic risk in adolescence tracks over time and can presage cardiometabolic health during adulthood. Area-level determinants of cardiometabolic risk among adolescents are underexamined. This study contributes evidence regarding the association between area-level poverty and cardiometabolic risk among U.S. adolescents. Methods: 1999-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data was linked via census tract with 2000 Census data and 2005-2009 and 2009-2013 American Community Survey data. The sample included 10,415 adolescents, aged 12-19 years. Area-level poverty was parameterized by percent population living in poverty, grouped into quartiles for analysis. Cardiometabolic risk was parameterized by summing z-scores of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Hierarchical linear models were used to examine the relationship between area-level poverty and cardiometabolic risk. Cotinine levels and physical activity were assessed as mediators. Post-hoc analysis explored associations between area-level poverty and family poverty-to-income ratio. Analyses were conducted for the overall sample and by race/ethnicity. Results: For the overall sample, compared to the first quartile of area-level poverty, residence in second (.218, 95% CI: .012, .424), third (.438, 95% CI: .213, .665), and fourth (.451, 95% CI: .204, .698) quartiles of area-level poverty was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Area-level poverty was associated with cardiometabolic risk among non-Hispanic Whites and Mexican Americans, but not among non-Hispanic Blacks. No evidence of mediation was observed. In post-hoc analysis, overall mean family Poverty-income-ratio declined from 3.34 in quartile 1 to 1.42 in quartile 4 (p< .001), however, this differed by race/ethnicity. Discussion: Residence in the highest area-level poverty quartiles was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Race/ethnicity specific analyses are consistent with literature on the Hispanic Paradox, and exposure to adversity among non-Hispanic blacks. Evidence suggests specific biomarker choice results in different cardiometabolic profiles within the same racial/ethnic group. Post-hoc analyses suggest the effect of area-level poverty on family PIR is greatest among non-Hispanic whites. Efforts to improve cardiometabolic health and reduce racial/ethnic disparities in cardiometabolic diseases should include targeted community-level investments aimed to improve the social conditions for all residents.Item Mothers' Behaviors that Promote Prosocial Behaviors in Children(2014) Roerig, Kira Don; Epstein, Norman B; Family Studies; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)Past research suggests that development of prosocial behavior is correlated with positive outcomes for children. Parents play a significant role in the development of children's prosocial behaviors. The present study investigated mothers' behaviors that may promote prosocial behaviors in their children. Specifically, the present research examines the associations, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, of four maternal behaviors -- 1) time spent doing chores with children, 2) mothers' philanthropic behavior, 3) mothers' volunteering, and 4) mothers' talking to children about making donations -- with child prosocial behavior. Mothers' warmth was tested as a potential moderator variable. It was hypothesized that each of the maternal behaviors would be positively related to prosocial behaviors in their children, and that mothers' warmth would moderate (enhance) the relationship between the parent behaviors and children's prosocial behavior. Results indicated that doing chores with children was significantly and positively associated with children's prosocial behavior. Other results are discussed.Item The Role of Mothers' Authoritative Parenting in Adolescent Attachment and Social Relationships(2011) Beck, Kathryn Maria; Leslie, Leigh A; Family Studies; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)Research has shown the increasing importance of peer relationships for adolescents and a variety of positive outcomes for adolescents with quality, supportive friendships. The literature shows that both parenting style and attachment security influence adolescent social support. However, the mechanism through which parenting style influences adolescent social support remains undetermined. The current study, utilizing a clinical sample of 118 mothers and adolescents, explores the role of adolescent attachment security as a mediating variable for this relationship. Authoritative parenting is assessed using the Parenting Practices Questionnaire (Robinson et al., 1995); attachment using the Relationship Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1987); and social support using the Social Support Questionnaire (Procidano & Heller, 1983). The findings indicate no significant relationship between mothers' authoritative parenting and adolescent attachment security, but a positive relationship between adolescent attachment security and social support. The possible meaning of the lack of significant relationship for this sample is discussed.