What is it about?
Social stressors in adolescence are linked to obesity in adulthood 14 years later except when social support or neighborhood closeness are present. When adolescents had support from friends or parents or others, or when they were in a close neighborhood where people looked out for each other, they were less likely to develop obesity 14 years later.
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Why is it important?
We find that stress during adolescence predicts obesity 14 years later BUT if adolescents have good social connections or have a supportive neighborhood, then these teens are protected from future obesity. It suggests that social or neighborhood support is an important protective factor to prevent the development of obesity and possibly other medical conditions.
Perspectives
It is sad sometimes to think that early life stressors can have such a powerful effect on mental and physical health problems even many years later. But, it is comforting to know that a supportive family or welcoming social environment can protect someone from future health problems, promoting good health years later.
Michael Stanton
California State University East Bay
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Relationship among interpersonal stressors in adolescence, social support buffers, and obesity in adulthood 14 years later., Health Psychology, October 2022, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/hea0001223.
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