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Updated: May 27, 2026
06:15
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Psychological vulnerability among overweight/obese minority adolescents
Pamela A Martyn-Nemeth1, Sue Penckofer
1College of Nursing & Health Professions, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL 60556, USA. martynpa@lewisu.edu
Summary
Overweight and obese minority adolescents report lower self-esteem. Stress predicts depression in all adolescents, while low self-esteem predicts depression specifically in overweight/obese teens.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Depression is linked to adolescent obesity, with variations across racial/ethnic groups.
- Psychological factors influencing this relationship require further investigation.
- Understanding these correlates is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare stress, self-esteem, coping, social support, and depressive mood.
- To examine differences between normal weight and overweight/obese minority adolescents.
- To identify psychological predictors of depressive mood in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from 101 minority adolescents (aged 14-18).
- Participants categorized as normal weight or overweight/obese based on CDC standards.
- Self-report measures for stress, coping, self-esteem, social support, depressive mood, and BMI.
Main Results:
- Overweight/obese adolescents reported significantly lower self-esteem than normal weight peers.
- Stress significantly predicted depressive mood in both weight groups.
- Low self-esteem was a significant predictor of depressive mood exclusively in the overweight/obese group.
Conclusions:
- Interventions addressing stress management and self-esteem enhancement may reduce depressive mood.
- Targeted strategies are needed for overweight/obese minority adolescents.
- Psychological well-being is closely linked to weight status in adolescents.
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