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Integrating Stress and Coping Strategies in Health Promotion for African American Adolescents

Integrating Stress and Coping Strategies in Health Promotion for African American Adolescents

Introduction

In recent years, the intersection of stress, coping, and health behaviors has gained attention, particularly among African American adolescents who face disproportionately higher rates of overweight and obesity. The study titled A Qualitative Study of Stress and Coping to Inform the LEADS Health Promotion Trial for African American Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity provides valuable insights into these challenges. By understanding these dynamics, practitioners can enhance health promotion programs to better support this demographic.

Understanding Stress and Coping

The study utilized in-depth interviews with 30 African American adolescents and their families to explore stressors and coping strategies. Key findings revealed that stress often stems from relationship conflicts, school pressures, and negative emotions. Adolescents frequently resorted to avoidant coping strategies, such as cognitive distancing, which can exacerbate stress and hinder healthy behavior changes.

Implications for Health Promotion Programs

Integrating stress management into health promotion programs is crucial. Here are some strategies practitioners can consider:

Recommendations for Practitioners

Practitioners should focus on building adaptive coping strategies and family resilience. Programs should be culturally tailored to address unique stressors faced by African American families, such as racial discrimination and community violence. Additionally, incorporating behavioral skills training can enhance self-efficacy and promote sustainable health behavior changes.

Conclusion

This research underscores the importance of integrating stress management into health promotion efforts for African American adolescents. By addressing stressors and fostering effective coping strategies, practitioners can significantly improve health outcomes. For a comprehensive understanding, practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into the original research.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Qualitative Study of Stress and Coping to Inform the LEADS Health Promotion Trial for African American Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity.


Citation: Quattlebaum, M., Kipp, C., Wilson, D. K., Sweeney, A., Loncar, H., Brown, A., Levine, S., & Zarrett, N. (2021). A Qualitative Study of Stress and Coping to Inform the LEADS Health Promotion Trial for African American Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity. Nutrients, 13(7), 2247. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072247
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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