User:Zstevens3/Adolescent Health

The effects of perceived discrimination on adolescents

Socioemotional distress

Perceived discrimination has been shown to correlate with many socioemotional distresses in adolescents (Benner et al., 2018). The more an adolescent perceives they are a victim of discrimination, the more likely it is that they experience depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stress. The data was taken from 126 different studies, found in a literature search, that analyzed the relationship between perceived discrimination and socioemotional distress with effect sizes from small to moderate.

Risky health behaviors

Perceived discrimination can lead to adolescents engaging in risky health behaviors. Delinquency, anger, and other externalizing behaviors are the most correlated to perceived discrimination in adolescents. Other risky health behaviors include substance abuse and sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex and sex with multiple partners. The data was taken from 71 different studies that analyze the relationship between perceived discrimination and risky health behaviors with effect sizes from small to moderate. The relationship between risky health behaviors in adolescents and discrimination can be partially explained by a greater tendency for school administrators to discipline minority students more often and more severely than other students (Mallett, 2016). This increase in discipline can lead to further delinquent and externalizing behaviors as they spend less time in the classroom environment.

Academics

Perceived discrimination has also been linked to lower academic performance in adolescents. Students who feel they face discrimination are more likely to have a lower grade point average (GPA), more absences, be less engaged in class, and less motivated in class. The data was taken from 73 different studies that analyze the relationship between perceived discrimination and academic outcomes in all areas with small effect sizes. The increased frequency of discipline also takes class time away from students which could contribute to their lowered academic outcomes. With less time in the classroom they do not receive the same amount of instruction that students who remain in the classroom receive.