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Association Between Stress and Social Support Among Young Adult Pacific Islander Smokers
Patchareeya P Kwan1, James Russell Pike2, Danielle Erika Co1
1California State University of Northridge, Northridge, CA (PPK, DEC, SE).
Hawai'I Journal of Health & Social Welfare
|February 13, 2023
Summary
Family support significantly reduces stress for young adult Samoan and Tongan smokers. Higher perceived social support from family is linked to lower feelings of helplessness and stress in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- High stress levels are prevalent in American young adults and ethnic minorities.
- Pacific Islander communities, specifically Samoans and Tongans, face significant stress.
- Social support is recognized for its protective role against stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between social support and stress in young adult Pacific Islander smokers.
- To investigate the impact of perceived social support on perceived stress among Samoan and Tongan smokers.
- To examine the relationship between family support and stress-related helplessness.
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of 276 young adult smokers (Samoan and Tongan).
- Utilized a 12-item scale for perceived social support (family, friends, significant others).
- Employed a 10-item scale measuring perceived stress (self-efficacy, helplessness) and structural equation modeling.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse relationship was found between perceived family social support and stress related to helplessness.
- Young adult Samoans and Tongans with higher family support reported less stress from helplessness.
- Family social support plays a crucial role in stress management for this demographic.
Conclusions:
- Family social support is vital for stress management among young adult Samoan and Tongan smokers.
- Findings contribute to the limited research on mental health in US Pacific Islander communities.
- Highlights the importance of familial support systems in mitigating stress-related helplessness.
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