Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

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
Abstract:
Depression is associated with obesity among adolescents, with racial/ethnic variability noted. Psychological correlates that may influence this relationship have not been adequately explored. The primary objective of this secondary analysis was to compare levels of stress, self-esteem, coping, social support, and depressive mood between normal weight and overweight/obese minority adolescents (as defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards). Adolescents (n = 101) aged 14-18 years who were largely minority (87%) were recruited from two Midwestern-area high schools. Using a descriptive comparative design, individuals were grouped into normal weight (>5th to <85th percentile) and overweight/obese (≥ 85 th percentile) for comparison on measures. Self-reported levels of stress, coping, self-esteem, social support, depressive mood, and body mass index were obtained. Obese/overweight adolescents reported significantly lower self-esteem than did those with normal weight (p < .05). Although stress was a significant predictor of depressive mood in both groups (p < .001), low self-esteem was also a significant predictor of depressive mood in the overweight/obese group (p = .001). Strategies to manage stress and improve self-esteem may help alleviate depressive mood in high school adolescents.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bullying
Obesity
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Bulimia Nervosa

