About this poster

---

Panel information
Panel 6. Risk, Intervention, Prevention, and Action

Abstract

---

Introduction
Ecological perspective has emphasized the important role of both individual factors (e.g., physical, cognitive development) and contextual factors (e.g., social factors) in child development (Bronfenbrenner, 1986). Adolescence is a critical developmental period, marked by complex hormonal, cognitive, and psychosocial changes (Gestsdottir & Lerner, 2008); thus, this research emphasizes the heightened challenges faced by Latinx youth, who often encounter racial/ethnic discrimination (Benner & Graham, 2013; Benner et al., 2018; Chithambo et al., 2014). Such stressful experiences have been linked to various mental health issues, underscoring the necessity for interventions to mitigate these negative impacts (Ramos, 2022).
This study explores sports participation as a potential buffer in the association between perceived discrimination and negative psychological adjustment. The literature on adolescent sports underscores many psychological benefits, including reduced depressive symptoms, fewer behavioral problems, and enhanced emotional well-being (Graupensperger et al., 2021; Steptoe & Butler, 1996). Sports are believed to foster resilience, self-confidence, self-esteem, and social skills in adolescents (Coakley, 2011; Holt et al., 2017), offering a protective shield against stressors like discrimination.
Using a national and longitudinal sample of youth in the U.S, the current study aims to test the moderating role of sports participation in the association between Latinx youths’ perceived discrimination and mental health problems. We hypothesize that more sports participation may buffer the negative relationship between perceived discrimination and mental health problems in Latinx youth.
Method and Results
Utilizing secondary data from Wave 3 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, this study examines 2411 Latinx adolescents’ (Mage = 11.8, SD = .63; 52% girls, 94% born in the U.S.) self-reported measures of perceived discrimination (Williams et al. 1997) and mental health (CBCL, Achenbach, 2009), along with physical activity data captured through Fitbit Charge HR.
Employing linear regression and hierarchical analysis, the findings revealed a significant positive association between perceived discrimination and mental health problems after controlling for adolescents’ nativity, age, and gender. More importantly, an interaction effect indicated that more sport participation buffered the adverse effects of perceived discrimination on psychological adjustment in Latinx adolescents.
Discussion and Implementation
The study contributes to the understanding of mental health resilience strategies in Latinx adolescents, offering practical insights for mental health professionals, parents, and educators. By focusing on the unique developmental needs and stressors of this vulnerable demographic, particularly in the context of racial/ethnic discrimination, the research underscores an understudied area that may be important in fostering mental well-being and resilience in Latinx youth.

⇦ Back to session